Artwork from Dalbeattie Primary will feature at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations this weekend.
It is one of just 200 schools from across the Commonwealth to have their work chosen to feature on a silk flag that will be on show during the Mall on route to Buckingham Palace on Sunday.
Depute head teacher Alex Howie said: “Dalbeattie Primary is so proud to play its part in this important historical occasion to celebrate the longest serving reign of a British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
“We were so excited to hear the news that we have been selected and are looking forward to seeing our artwork reproduced on one of the 200 silk flags.”
The school’s primary 4/5 class took part in a competition to create artwork for The River of Hope project organised by the Thames Festival Trust.
Alex worked with the youngsters to explore the history and biodiversity of the River Urr as well as its wildlife and biodiversity.
A particularly focus was the Atlantic salmon. In the past, children have taken part in the Galloway Fisheries Trust’s Salmon in the Classroom project, which taught them about the fish’s lifecycle and the importance of safeguarding their numbers.
Although aware of the possible effects of climate change on fish populations, the current message is one of hope which was reflected in the artwork the pupils produced.
The children’s letters to the Queen about climate change, including messages of hope for the future of the planet, were re-imaged and overlaid on the children’s profiles in the style of postage stamps.
These form the other side of the silk flag and thanks go to local teacher and former pupil Steven Wilson for his help with the graphics.
Head teacher Elizabeth Duncan said: “I am very proud of the children and staff for all the thought and hard work that went into this project. It is an honour for our school to be part of this historic event.”
