Minister visits for flag raising day at St Mary’s NS, Rathowen
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Minister Burke with the staff and pupils of St Mary’s NS.Image 2 of 9
Jack Sheahan, Aaron Nally and Senan Lynne at the flag raising ceremony.Image 3 of 9
Minister Burke and David Morgan (school principal) raising the flag.Image 4 of 9
Cian Murphy, Shane Kelly and Alex Nevin from 5th class.Image 5 of 9
Above: Leah Sheridan, Holly Maguire and Lauren McGauran from the class of 2024.Image 6 of 9
Alex Forde, Owen Nally and Ríonn Sheahan (6th class) at St Mary’s NS.Image 7 of 9
Children from St Mary’s NS taking part in a football blitz as part of their Active Flag endeavours.Image 8 of 9
Children from St Mary’s NS taking part in a football blitz as part of their Active Flag endeavours.Image 9 of 9
Children from St Mary’s NS taking part in a football blitz as part of their Active Flag endeavours.Newly elected Minister for Trade, Enterprise and Employment, Peter Burke visited St Mary’s NS, Rathowen for the raising of the European Flag as part of the Blue Star Programme, the Amber Flag (promoting positive mental health), the Active School Flag and Cinealtas Flag (promoting kindness throughout our school community).
The Blue Star Programme is an initiative in primary schools to create a greater awareness of Ireland’s place in Europe and the European Union.
This is a year-long project, which involves the students researching and learning about European history, geography and key institutions, while understanding Ireland’s role in European affairs.
The senior children in the school thoroughly enjoyed participating in the programme and were delighted to raise the European Flag, in the presence of former EU Affairs Minister Peter Burke.
The Active School Flag is a symbol of how important Physical Activity is in St Mary’s NS. “We engage in numerous sports and activities throughout the year, Gaelic, hurling, swimming, gymnastics, soccer, music and dancing, to name just a few,” said the school principal, David Morgan.
“Our active school status ties closely in with our Amber Flag, which is a symbol of promoting positive mental health. Exercise and being active can distract from negative thoughts and provide opportunities to try new experiences. This is certainly the case in St Mary’s NS.
“Finally our Cinealtas Flag was raised on the day – it demonstrates our school’s commitment to being kind, inclusive and highlights the importance of the overall wellbeing of our entire school community.”