Kildare school welcomes Austrian Ambassador for Europe Day

KILKEA National School proudly celebrated Europe Day on 11 May this year as part of its participation in the Blue Star Programme by inviting the Austrian Ambassador Melitta Schubert – and their own local TD, Minister Martin Heydon.

Throughout the school year, starting back in September, pupils completed a wide range of projects exploring the history, geography, culture, and institutions of the European Union. Students learned about EU member states through research projects, art, language learning, and creative activities.

“This Blue Flag initiative is for the children to learn the importance of being European through the culture, geography, music and art of the different European countries,” said Acting Principal Lucy Behan.

As part of the historical strand of the programme, pupils studied World War Two and created impressive claymation videos showing important events from the war.

Students also explored Paris through a virtual tour, learned French phrases, and studied famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. Pupils recreated famous Louvre paintings and drew the blueprint of the Eiffel Tower designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Through the Languages Connect programme, pupils studied Spanish with a visiting teacher and discovered the importance of communication and cultural understanding across Europe.

Other projects included Scandinavian sculptures, EU flag art, studies of Irish farming and waterways, and paintings of Irish waterfowl.

The school was honoured to welcome Minister of State Martin Heydon and Austrian Ambassador to Ireland Melitta Schubert to its Europe Day celebrations.

Pupils greeted the guests in a variety of European languages while proudly holding European flags.

The visit concluded with student presentations, questions, photographs, and Europe-themed cupcakes, making it a memorable celebration of unity, culture, and friendship across Europe.