Watch: Markethill High joins schools across NI to send congratulations to Queen

Pupils from Markethill High have joined with their peers from other schools across Northern Ireland to send a special video message to the Queen.

The County Armagh school was one of a delighted dozen selected as part of the ‘Big Message’ initiative.

It was planned to allow the young people, of all ages, the chance to send their congratulations to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee.

The ‘Big Message’ video is part of the Platinum Jubilee Education Programme, where children from pre-school, primary, post-primary and special schools throughout Northern Ireland have been given an opportunity to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s historic reign.

Launching the video, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen said: “Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a truly momentous occasion of great historic significance to the United Kingdom.

“It is also a time of real joy that has brought people together in celebration of a remarkable monarch and leader.

“I have been so heartened to see the way in which our schools have approached the celebrations, and the creativity that they have shown in honouring our Queen.

“The ‘Big Message’ video is a wonderful tribute. It is incredibly uplifting and gives a real sense of the regard in which Her Majesty is held across Northern Ireland, as well as the effort that schools have invested in celebrating the Jubilee.

“I offer my congratulations to all those who were involved.”

Also taking part, along with Markethill High, were young people from Rathcoole Primary School, Ballysillan Primary School, Rowandale Integrated Primary School, West Winds Primary School, Derryboy Primary School, Lisbellaw Primary School, Orritor Primary School, Cookstown High School, Harpur’s Hill Primary School, Sandelford Special School and North Coast Integrated College.

As well as the Big Message video, the Platinum Jubilee Education Programme includes Jubilee curriculum resources; a poem writing competition; a Big Jubilee Summer Fair; and a Jubilee Bake Off competition.

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