The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Maureen Cornish JP, made a special visit to Highfield Junior and Infant School on Tuesday 14th March, bringing with her an air of excitement amongst the school community.
Upon arrival the Lord Mayor was greeted with smiles from the students who eagerly awaited her arrival. The Lord Mayor was invited to address Saltley Young Peoples Parliament. The Parliament consists of 11 local primary schools, including Highfield Junior and Infant School and serves as a forum for students to voice their opinions and ideas on issues affecting their local community.
During the address, the Lord Mayor spoke passionately about her day to day duties, roles and responsibilities in office, as well as her contributions to the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022. The Lord Mayor also shared experiences and insights into the workings of the city council and her contributions to the community of Birmingham. Speaking with passion about Birmingham, the Lord Mayor also highlighted the importance of the contributions of young people and the value in “looking for every opportunity” and taking on challenges.
After the address the Lord Mayor took part in a Q&A session with members of the Young Peoples Parliament, who asked interesting and thought-provoking questions. Following this the students gave the Lord Mayor a tour of the school where they showcased the fantastic work children were doing in lessons. In year six, children were doing an Art lesson on scale and proportion when The Lord Mayor visited. The Lord Mayor talked about the opportunities that Art can provide for employment, trade, and personal relaxation and about the fact her daughter is an artist. Zainab said, “She is inspiring and makes me want to do Art today and every day.” After visiting classrooms, the day was finished with tea and cake, a welcome refreshment for all.
On meeting the Lord Mayor, Mustafa in Year 6 said “The Lord Mayor experience was amazing we got to greet her and say goodbye and we could ask her lots of questions; she would answer them in the best way”. Amelia in Year 6 said “It was an amazing experience for us all and some people wanted to become deputy Lord Mayor.”
Maura Carney and Stephanie Davis, Deputy Head Teachers at Highfield said “It was an honour to welcome the Lord Mayor to Highfield School. Our children loved meeting her, hearing about her various roles and responsibilities and learning about how our wonderful city contributes to life beyond the West Midlands. It was a memorable afternoon for all involved.”
Staff and students from the Saltley Young Peoples Parliament were thrilled to have the Lord Mayor visit, a memorable day for all involved.