We wrote to our local MEP Mairead McGuiness and our local TD and Minister for European Affairs Helen McEntee to invite them to join us in celebrating Europe Day. We were delighted and excited when they excepted our invitation!
Each class worked hard to learn about European countries. Junior & Senior Infants learned about Poland. 1st Class learned about Italy. 2nd class enjoyed learning about the customs and traditions of Belgium. 3rd & 4th Class studied Germany and 5th & 6th class learned all about France.We looked at the cultural, historical and political aspects of each country and each class performed a little party piece for our visitors.
On Monday 23rd April, our welcoming committee of Alicia Daly, Harley Smith, Daragh O' Reilly and Jude Gilsenan welcomed both Helen and Mairead to our school. Also there to welcome them were Fr McEvoy, Ms Ward and Mrs Flanagan who is the coordinating teacher.
Both Helen and Mairead took the time to visit each class and talk to all the children about their work in the E.U. They answered all questions and watched our performances. They asked us lots of questions about the countries that we had learned about.
After break we all joined together and had a ‘Handshake for Europe’ which sees pupils and teachers shake hands with each other to recognise the solidarity that exists among European citizens and to celebrate the diversity within the EU. Mairead and Helen took part in our handshake too.After lunch we had a 'Taste of Europe' picnic. We got to sample some of the traditional foods of each country. There was a great variety of food to taste! We had a great day celebrating EU day. A huge thank you to Mrs Flanagan for organising such an enjoyable and fun filled day!
