Excitement at Rathowen school as minister comes to visit
It’s not every day that the pupils of Saint Thomas' National School in Rathowen get an important visitor - but today, Monday September 9, all were excited as they awaited the arrival of the Minister of State for European Affairs, Peter Burke TD.
Minister Burke attended to kick off the school's participation in the Blue Star programme and to encourage primary school students around the country to take part and get creative about how they learn and think about Europe.
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Pictured is Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke meeting students from St Thomas' National School in Rathowen, Co. Westmeath with the schools principal Killian Hales. The Minister joined the students to mark that registration for the 2023 – 24 Blue Star Programme is now open. The Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects which complement the national primary curriculum. All primary schools are encouraged to register to take part at: https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/.Photo Kenneth O Halloran . No FeeImage 2 of 12
Pictured is Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke meeting students from St Thomas' National School in Rathowen, Co. Westmeath. The Minister joined the students to mark that registration for the 2023 – 24 Blue Star Programme is now open. The Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects which complement the national primary curriculum. All primary schools are encouraged to register to take part at: https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/.Photo Kenneth O Halloran . No FeeImage 3 of 12
Pictured is Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke meeting students from St Thomas' National School in Rathowen, Co. Westmeath with the schools principal Killian Hales. The Minister joined the students to mark that registration for the 2023 – 24 Blue Star Programme is now open. The Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects which complement the national primary curriculum. All primary schools are encouraged to register to take part at: https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/.Photo Kenneth O Halloran . No FeeImage 4 of 12
Pictured is Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke meeting students from St Thomas' National School in Rathowen, Co. Westmeath with the schools principal Killian Hales. The Minister joined the students to mark that registration for the 2023 – 24 Blue Star Programme is now open. The Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects which complement the national primary curriculum. All primary schools are encouraged to register to take part at: https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/.Photo Kenneth O Halloran . No FeeImage 5 of 12
Pictured is Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke meeting students from St Thomas' National School in Rathowen, Co. Westmeath. The Minister joined the students to mark that registration for the 2023 – 24 Blue Star Programme is now open. The Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects which complement the national primary curriculum. All primary schools are encouraged to register to take part at: https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/.Photo Kenneth O Halloran . No FeeImage 6 of 12
Pictured is Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke meeting students from St Thomas' National School in Rathowen, Co. Westmeath . On left: Elia Sperlina 7, Matthew Whyte 4 and Alex Cafferkey 7 and on right: Shay kelly 7 and Millie Whyte, 6 .The Minister joined the students to mark that registration for the 2023 – 24 Blue Star Programme is now open. The Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects which complement the national primary curriculum. All primary schools are encouraged to register to take part at: https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/.Photo Kenneth O Halloran . No FeeImage 7 of 12
Pictured is Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke meeting students from St Thomas' National School in Rathowen, Co. Westmeath , (on left) Elia Sperlina 7 and Alex Cafferkey 7 and on right, Shay kelly 7 and Millie Whyte, 6 .The Minister joined the students to mark that registration for the 2023 – 24 Blue Star Programme is now open. The Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects which complement the national primary curriculum. All primary schools are encouraged to register to take part at: https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/.Photo Kenneth O Halloran . No FeeImage 8 of 12
Pictured is Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke meeting students from St Thomas' National School in Rathowen, Co. Westmeath , Elia Sperlina 7, Shay kelly 7 and Millie Whyte, 6 .The Minister joined the students to mark that registration for the 2023 – 24 Blue Star Programme is now open. The Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects which complement the national primary curriculum. All primary schools are encouraged to register to take part at: https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/.Photo Kenneth O Halloran . No FeeImage 9 of 12
Pictured is Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke meeting students from St Thomas' National School in Rathowen, Co. Westmeath. The Minister joined the students to mark that registration for the 2023 – 24 Blue Star Programme is now open. The Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects which complement the national primary curriculum. All primary schools are encouraged to register to take part at: https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/.Photo Kenneth O Halloran . No FeeImage 10 of 12
Pictured is Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke meeting students from St Thomas' National School in Rathowen, Co. Westmeath. The Minister joined the students to mark that registration for the 2023 – 24 Blue Star Programme is now open. The Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects which complement the national primary curriculum. All primary schools are encouraged to register to take part at: https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/.Photo Kenneth O Halloran . No FeeImage 11 of 12
Pictured is Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke meeting students from St Thomas' National School in Rathowen, Co. Westmeath. The Minister joined the students to mark that registration for the 2023 – 24 Blue Star Programme is now open. The Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects which complement the national primary curriculum. All primary schools are encouraged to register to take part at: https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/.Photo Kenneth O Halloran . No FeeImage 12 of 12
Pictured is Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke and Noelle O Connell, CEO of the European Movement Ireland, meeting students from St Thomas' National School in Rathowen, Co. Westmeath. The Minister joined students, Tiago Moore 11, Gaudentas Simoliunas 9 and Sophie McCauley, to mark that registration for the 2023 – 24 Blue Star Programme is now open. The Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects which complement the national primary curriculum. All primary schools are encouraged to register to take part at: https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/.Photo Kenneth O Halloran . No FeeThe Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, teaches primary school children about Europe through creative activities and projects that complement the national primary curriculum. Each participating class carries out projects on history, geography, the institutions of the EU, culture and creativity with a European twist. Teachers and their classes can be creative and tailor their projects to their own individual needs and interests.
Minister Burke, noting that this is the thirteenth year of the Blue Star Programme, said that what made his visit more special to him was that the students at Saint Thomas' have taken part in the Blue Star programme every year since it was launched – “which is a fantastic achievement!”
The minister said that as Ireland celebrates 50 years of membership in the EU, the Blue Star Programme takes on even greater importance, fostering a deeper understanding of our European identity and Ireland’s place in it.
“The young people taking part in the programme today will be the leaders of tomorrow who will get to shape the future of Europe,” he stated.
“As Minister for European Affairs, I am honoured to support the Blue Star Programme as I have seen first-hand the incredible passion and zeal young people show when taking part. I encourage all primary schools to sign up to this valuable experience this year.”
Killian Hales, Principal of Saint Thomas’ National School, said: " Since its inception in 2011, the school has wholeheartedly embraced the Blue Star Programme, bringing the EU closer to our students in a way that traditional textbooks can't. It's hands-on, interactive, and allows children to connect with Europe in meaningful ways.
“Over the years, the school's participation has grown from strength to strength, leaving an indelible mark on the school's curriculum.
“In the past, students have held mock elections, where students simulate the process of European Parliament elections. This hands-on experience not only helps children understand the democratic process but also encourages critical thinking and active participation.
“But it doesn't stop at mock elections. The students have delved deep into the diverse cultures and histories of EU member countries through projects that span the continent. From France's iconic Eiffel Tower to Greece's ancient myths, the children have explored a myriad of topics, showcasing their knowledge and creativity through these projects.
“As we celebrate another year of active participation in the Blue Star Programme, it's evident that this initiative has not only imparted knowledge but also shaped young minds into responsible and informed European citizens.
“The enthusiasm and dedication shown by the school's students and teachers stand as a testament to the programme's ability to spark curiosity, encourage civic engagement, and bridge gaps between cultures.”
Noelle O Connell, CEO of European Movement Ireland, commented: “Taking part in the Blue Star Programme allows young people to develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of Europe's cultural heritage and Ireland's place within it, which in turn promotes tolerance, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging to a broader European community.
“Equally, understanding the European Union is crucial in today's interconnected world. Young people gain insight into how the EU functions, its history, and its role in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation among European nations, which is of vital importance in today’s world.
“As Ireland celebrates 50 years of membership in the EU this year, we encourage every primary school around the country to take part and mark this important milestone.
“Each year, we are consistently awed by the creativity and originality of the participating teachers and their students who take part in the programme. Nearly 1,100 schools have registered for the program since 2011, and we would love to see these fantastic levels of engagement continue in 2023 and 2024.
Since its pilot year in 2011, almost 1,100 schools have taken part in the Blue Star Programme nationwide.
Primary schools interested in taking part in the Blue Star Programme 2023-2024 can register here anytime until October 6 2022.
To complete the Programme, schools are asked to take part in online quizzes and/or submit a Blue Star Programme Report outlining how each of the key elements were explored, at the end of the year. Schools are also encouraged to host an event for Europe Day on 9 May, in school or online.
Further information about the programme can be found at www.bluestarprogramme.ie.