It was a day of celebration in the Holy Family Senior School on Friday as they gathered to celebrate their third annual Europe Day.
Every year, on May 9, Europe Day is celebrated across the continent to mark the peace and unity between countries dating back to 1964.
Approximately 150 students from 3rd and 6th class came together to showcase what they have learned about Europe through projects, artworks and scrapbooks.
Mr Seán Finlay is the head of the Blue Star programme in the school which aims to teach the children about European culture and the European Union through creative activities and projects.
The school were joined by some special guests on the day to celebrate the occasion, including MEP Nina Carberry along with TD Willie Aird, Senator Maria McCormack and Councillors Tommy Mulligan, Barry Walsh, and Paddy Buggy.
Nina Carberry spoke to the pupils about her prior career as a jockey briefly along with what her job as a Member of the European Parliament involves and how European laws affect the pupils, such as the new attached bottle caps on plastic bottles and the new common charger for electronic devices.
Willie Aird addressed the pupils with a trip down memory lane as he spoke of his memories of Portlaoise as a child and the ‘Ha’Penny Babies School’ while also speaking about how Portlaoise has evolved over time with Ireland’s involvement with the EU.
Seán Finlay spoke about the origins of Europe Day, dating back to Robert Schuman, one of the architects of the EU along with the importance of children getting to know their public representatives who represent them at a local, national and European level.
A lively and enjoyable questions and answers ensued afterwards with queries about potential presidential bids, favourite European countries and their ability to speak other languages all on the minds of pupils.
The guests took some time to take photos, sign autographs and get to know the pupils before everyone enjoyed some treats to conclude the celebrations.
Check out some great pictures below:
SEE ALSO – New car sales in Laois up 15% in April as Electric Vehicles continue to soar in popularity
