PHOTOS: Laois students pair up with their European counterparts
Portlaoise College students who took part in the Erasmus+ Programme
IT was a year of exchange and learning for students from Portlaoise College took part in the Erasmus+ Programme where they partnered with three schools across Europe: Colegio Santa Gema Galgani in Madrid, OSZ Schlanders in South Tyrol, and Ensemble Scolaire Notre Dame in Mende, France.
The central theme of this year’s exchange was sustainability, with both students and staff engaging in a wide range of cultural and environmental learning experiences throughout the year.
The project began with preparatory visits that laid the foundation for strong and lasting partnerships.
A total of 30 students from Portlaoise College were paired with counterparts from the other schools. Through the eTwinning platform, they introduced one another to their school systems, daily routines, and cultures. Alongside encouraging language learning and intercultural dialogue, the project created a shared space to explore sustainability in education and everyday life.
The first student exchange took place in Schlanders, South Tyrol from 23 February to 2 March headed by teachers Honorata Puslednik and Chris Gleeson. Hosted by local families, students enjoyed a fully immersive experience in South Tyrolean life.
The week included icebreaker activities and a sustainability-themed treasure hunt through the town. A standout moment was the visit to Göflaner Marmor, where students learned about environmentally conscious marble production. A snowshoeing tour through the Martelltal Valley gave them a first-hand look at the Alpine ecosystem and the effects of climate change on this delicate environment. Local experts led discussions on climate resilience, complemented by hikes, national park tours, and cultural events. The week wrapped up with a trip to Munich, including a visit to the BMW Museum to explore sustainability within the automotive sector and a visit to the Olympic museum.
In March and April the Portlaoise students welcomed their Spanish and Italian partners to the county. After tours of the school, the groups took part in a robot-building challenge designed to foster teamwork, led by Sean Morris from Laois County Council.
Environmental and cultural experiences formed the backbone of the visit. These included excursions to the Solas Eco Garden Centre in Portarlington and Fiorbhia Eco Farm. Students explored Irish history and urban sustainability through guided walking tours in Portlaoise and Dublin and enjoyed Gaelic football matches. One highlight was the meeting with the school’s Green Schools Committee, where visiting students collaborated on video blogs and biodiversity-focused workshops. Heritage and ecology were central to trips to Emo Court, the Rock of Dunamaise and Heywood Gardens. South Tyrolean students also took part in a baking session using locally sourced ingredients, tying in themes of food sustainability. A day in Tramore introduced students to sustainable tourism through surfing and eco-tourism projects. The trip ended with a relaxed evening of traditional music and Irish dancing.
The exchange to Mende, France, ran from 30 March to 6 April with teachers Alexandra Longiewko and John Murphy.
The week was packed with eco-conscious and culturally rich activities. Students took part in sustainable fishing workshops run by the Lozere Fishing Federation and cooked local dishes using regional produce. Outdoor experiences included hikes through the Aubrac region and the picturesque Saint-Enimie area. Students also learned about sustainable agriculture and water resource management through nature walks and group discussions with local experts. One of the highlights for students was spending time in the French classroom and improving their language skills ahead of the Leaving Cert.
The final stage of the project took place in Madrid, hosted by Colegio Santa Gema Galgani and headed by teachers Conor Whelehan and Aoife Finlay. The students were also expertly prepared by their Spanish teacher Evangelin Durojaiye. Highlights included a photography workshop, cultural visits to the Prado Museum and Royal Botanical Gardens, and nature hikes in the Sierra de Madrid. Students engaged with local Ecoescuela members through gardening activities and biodiversity workshops. Cultural events added vibrancy to the week, including a Chotis dance session and a tapas-making competition that brought together sustainability and Spanish culinary tradition. A cycling tour of El Retiro Park rounded off the visit, showcasing eco-friendly urban exploration.
Back in Portlaoise, the Erasmus+ experience inspired students to make meaningful changes in their school community. Two Re-turn bins were installed for recycling bottles and cans, with proceeds going to local charities.
Students also delivered presentations across classes on the importance of recycling, encouraging a broader culture of sustainability within the school. This work supported the school’s ongoing Biodiversity Plan, led by Ms Holland.
Over the year, Erasmus students planted 180 trees and sowed native wildflowers across the school grounds—tangible contributions that will benefit future generations.
As a result of the Erasmus+ Programme 88% of the Erasmus group have a desire to study, work or live abroad in future and over half of students felt that they now had given them a greater awareness of their European identity.
The project leaves behind lasting memories, enduring friendships, and visible environmental impact. Above all, it has shown how young people across Europe can take the lead in shaping a more sustainable future. It has inspired a love of language in the students with 84% of participants choosing to study a modern foreign language for their Leaving Cert, while 20% will study Politics and Society.
