Skip to main content
The Executive Office The Executive Office

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Topics
  • Publications
  • Consultations
  • Contact

Translation help

Translate this page

Select a language

  • Arabic — عربي
  • Chinese (Simplified) — 中文简体
  • Chinese (Traditional) — 中文繁體
  • Dutch — Nederlands
  • Filipino — Filipino
  • French — Français
  • German — Deutsch
  • Hungarian — Magyar
  • Irish — Gaeilge
  • Italian — Italiano
  • Latvian — Latviešu
  • Lithuanian — Lietuvių kalba
  • Polish — Polski
  • Portuguese — Português
  • Romanian — Română
  • Russian — Русский
  • Slovak — Slovenčina
  • Spanish — Español
  • Ukrainian — Українська
  • First Minister looks forward with primary school pupils

    Date published: 2 June 2021

    First Minister Arlene Foster urged children to hold onto their dreams at a visit to Creavery Primary School in Antrim.

    The First Minister met staff and pupils, and joined them in plant a tree marking the Centenary of Northern Ireland
    The First Minister met staff and pupils, and joined them in plant a tree marking the Centenary of Northern Ireland

    The pupils of one of the oldest rural primary schools in Northern Ireland shared their hopes for the future during the visit, including ambitions to be a world-class footballer, a joiner, a scientist and a health care worker.

    The First Minister joined staff and puplis to plant a tree marking the Centenary of Northern Ireland.
    The First Minister joined staff and puplis to plant a tree marking the Centenary of Northern Ireland.

    Mrs Foster told the young students:

    “I am delighted to hear about the brilliant futures you are planning and working towards. It is important to hold onto your dreams as you move forward in life. But wherever you go and whatever you do in this world, you should always be proud of where you came from.

    “We live in a place of amazing beauty and fantastic economic potential. But our greatest asset is our people. Each of you is a valued person with a great contribution to make. Never forget your worth.”

    The First Minister had the chance to view a special exhibition of famous landmarks, including the Belfast Cranes, the Giants Causeway and Mussenden Temple, made from recycled materials.

    Praising the young artists, she said:

    “This has been a wonderful opportunity to see and hear directly from the youngest in our community about what they love most about the place they live in and to share in their appreciation of our rich history.

    “This school has served the people here for nearly 200 years and the dedicated teaching staff have contributed so much to creating engaged and enthusiastic citizens who are invested in making the most of the place we call home. As we mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, it is good to take a little time to reflect on our past and look forward to brighter times ahead.”

    The First Minister joined staff and puplis to plant a tree marking the Centenary of Northern Ireland.
    The First Minister joined staff and puplis to plant a tree marking the Centenary of Northern Ireland.

    Notes to editors:

    1. Photo Captions: First Minister Arlene Foster visits Creavery Primary School in Antrim. Mrs Foster was welcomed by Principal Stephen Harrison (Creavery PS 1). The First Minister met staff and pupils, and joined them in plant a tree marking the Centenary of Northern Ireland (Creavery PS 2,3,4).  

    Latest news

    • Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Experiences and attitudes of adults in Northern Ireland in 2024

      5 December 2025

    • Executive committed to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls

      2 December 2025

    • Lay Magistrate Commissioner appointed to the NI Judicial Appointments Commission (NIJAC)

      14 November 2025

    • Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland – recruitment competition launched

      10 November 2025

    More news …
    Share this page Share on Facebook (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share on X (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share by email (external link opens in a new window / tab)

    Department footer links

    • Crown copyright
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy
    • Cookies
    • Accessibility
    • The Northern Ireland Executive
    • The Executive Office
    • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
    • Department for Communities
    • Department for Education
    • Department for the Economy
    • Department of Finance
    • Department for Infrastructure
    • Department for Health
    • Department of Justice
    • nidirect.gov.uk — the official government website for Northern Ireland citizens