Historic flag-raising ceremony in Kilmore National School
HISTORY WAS made in Kilmore National School when a flag-raising ceremony took place acknowledging three specific accolades bestowed on the facility.
In addition to an award for excellence in science and maths the school received three distinct flags: Hurling 365, an Active Blue Flag and a Bio Diversity Green Flag.
There was a great air of excitement as teachers, management, pupils and parents gathered to witness the event.
The school is no stranger to success, however, and it was the fifth time it raised a Green Flag. It was awarded this time following a two-year project on Biodiversity.
The Green School committee was coordinated by teacher, Donal Keane, and the project highlighted the importance of the local environment. The pupils took a hands-on approach to the project which included the construction of bird houses, bug hotels and biodiversity awareness projects.
History was made with the Active Flag being awarded to the school for the first time and was raised by Gabriella Kearney, Matilda Rowe and Evelyn Kehoe. It was awarded for a project co-ordinated by Martina Byrne and a committee composed of teachers and pupils.
Kilmore National School is synonymous with participation in and promotion of sports and it enjoys an enviable reputation in that area, however, it was the first time it had participated in the formal application process.
Speaking about the flag, Principal, Micheal Martin, said it was important to highlight to the pupils the importance of being active.
‘We actively discourage screen time for our pupils and this project has been important in creating awareness about being healthy and being active,’ he said.
For the project the committee organised lunch time walks and dancing as well as a range of other activities.
‘We have continued with the extra-curricular sports that have always been promoted and the adjoining Kilmore GAA arena has been utilised almost every lunch time as teachers volunteer their time freely to promote games,’ said Mr Martin.
He went on to comment that the Active Flag programme has been a ‘fantastic success’ in the school.
The promotion of hurling was recognised with the awarding of a Hurling 365 flag which was raised by Wexford star Mark Fanning, assisted by Marian Cousins, along with local club mentors and teachers.
This flag was awarded for links created by the school and the local club since the inception of the Hurling 365 project five years ago.
The final award acknowledged on the day was the unveiling of a plaque for excellence in science and maths.
It was a case of ongoing success in this area as it was the third time the school received the award; this time for a project co-ordinated by Emer Jordan and Mary Lawlor.
Mr Martin complimented everyone involved and highlighted the fact the school has a very active student population and teaching staff.
‘We have wonderfully dedicated staff in our school and pupils who are keen to be involved and learn,’ he said.
‘Projects such as these require great teamwork and they have received great support from the whole school community,’ he added.
He said that the projects involved the designing of plans and a lot of hard work and commitment from everyone involved.
‘We are emphasising the academic, as that is our core business, with science and maths now central to modern society,’ Mr Martin told those in attendance at the ceremony.
‘We are also emphasising the care of our environment which is important when you live in such a beautiful area,’ he added.
‘Lastly, we are emphasising the importance of being active, being healthy, and being mindful of others. It is about the holistic development of our pupils.’
Tthe Cathaoirleach of Wexford Borough Council, Cllr Jim Moore. was among those who attended the event and in his address he complimented the school on its achievement and said the flags and accolades were just reward for hard work and determination on the part of everyone involved.