Junior School Council Members visit Mayor's Offices

Twelve pupils from Our Lady of Sion Junior School, accompanied by Headmaster Michael Scullion and Junior School Deputy Head, James Summers, along with parent local councillor, Mrs Jacqui Marsh, visited Worthing Council Chambers and the Mayor's Parlour. All the pupils, who ranged from 6 year-olds to 11 year-olds, are members of the school's student council. Each school year, from year 1 to year 6 has two members on the school council. Their job is to represent the pupils in their class at school council meetings, passing on any concerns or suggestions from pupils about the school to Mr Summers and other staff members of the student council.
They were greeted at the Town Hall Offices by an illuminated sign saying ‘Worthing Council welcomes Our Lady of Sion Junior School'. The pupils were taken upstairs and greeted by Worthing's Mayor Cllr Ann Barlow, who took the children into the Council Chambers. She explained to them that Worthing Council operated in a similar way to their school council; the members of the town council represented the views of their constituents, and made decisions for the town on behalf of these people. She showed the mayor's ceremonial robes and told them about the history of the town council, the town crest and the town hall. Jacqui Marsh dressed in her ceremonial councillor's robes, and told the pupils about the occasions when councillors wear these special clothes.
The children then had the opportunity to have their own debate, carried out in the same manner as a real council debate, in which they discussed whether sweets should be banned. Those supporting the motion for the banning suggested that sweets are bad for your teeth and that they are not good for your diet. Those against the motion said that they liked sweets and thought we should all be allowed treats. When it came to the vote, the motion was defeated almost unanimously - so, thankfully, sweets were not banned!
The Mayor gave the pupils the opportunity to sit in her chair at the top of the council bench, and have their photo taken wearing the Mayor's hat. None of the pupils, as well as the Headmaster and the Junior School Deputy Headmaster could resist this offer, so all of them took their turn trying on the hat. Afterwards, the Mayor invited them to the parlour, where they were offered biscuits and sweets. All the children enjoyed visiting the Town Hall. After their visit, several of them said they would like to take part in the council when they were older.
The Headmaster, Deputy Head and the pupils would all like to say a big thank you to the Mayor for arranging their visit for them.

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