TRIP TO STORMONT, FEBRUARY, 2024
As we headed for Stormont on the morning of Wednesday 28th February, there was an air of anticipation mixed with nervous excitement on the bus. We felt like VIPs when we were met just inside the imposing front door by Conor Houston (member of the SDLP and Ollie's uncle) who had been expecting us, and set about making us feel special and warmly welcomed by presenting us with a goodie bag each. An unexpected treat!!
James, our expert guide for the day took over from there. He was just brilliant at explaining EVERYTHING in an interesting way. We could tell that he loves his job. He was full of praise for our clued-in, knowledgeable school councillors and Cormac Whittaker P6 got a special mention for giving:
'the best definition of a political party that (I) have ever heard. I could not have put it better myself.'
Will Cormac be a future politician, or political journalist walking the halls of parliament buildings? Watch this space......
The VIP treatment continued when we were whisked to the Senate room. AJ Duncan from P6/7 clearly has an eye for antiques. He guessed almost to the pound the value of one of the most iconic paintings in the building. Look out for our AJ in future episodes of 'The Antiques Roadshow.'
A few steps across the majestic hallways brought us to the Debating chamber where we were very excited to actually have a debate. James asked Catherine Mc Brinn, P7, to play the part of the Education minister. She proposed the motion: We should get rid of school uniforms. What a thrill it was to replicate the actual practices of MLAs. The 'ayes' to the right voted, as did the 'nays' to the left. Motion carried by one vote!!!! (though Mr O Neill is adamant that he will appeal this decision.)
Our visit was over all too soon, but not before James gathered us together for a recap of the day's events and to tell us:
' Genuinely, I really mean this- you are the best school group I have ever spoken to at Stormont. Your manners, your questions, that debate.... fantastic!'
Mr O'Neill and Miss Mc Quaid beamed with pride all the way back to the bus. Looking at the children's earnest and eager faces, they couldn't help thinking that the future of our country is in safe hands and maybe, just maybe, if we're lucky, some of these wonderful St Patrick's pupils will be our guiding lights in years to come.
Huge congratulations to the members of our school council for doing such a brilliant job this year:
Patrick, Catherine, Eva, AJ, Charlie, Cormac, Eve, Lucia, Hunter, Maria, Bobby, Ollie and Eabha.
THANK YOU. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU.
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