Mr Henry's P7 pupils welcomed the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Mrs Arlene Foster, to their classroom on Monday for a very informative, enjoyable 'Questions & Answers' session. Mrs Foster was greeted by Mr Armstrong and Mrs Smart and headed for Room 21 where 28 eager pupils, as well as press photographers and a Sky News camera, were waiting!

Questions included the First Minister's favourite animal, takeaway meal and movie as well as deeper issues like climate change, women in politics & even her life plans beyond her current role. It was a friendly, relaxed time together and the P7 pupils did our whole school proud!

The following is an official press release about the visit, from the Executive Office at Stormont: 

First Minister talks about what’s next with primary school leavers
 

First Minister Arlene Foster visited Brooklands Primary School in Dundonald yesterday.

During the visit, the Minister took questions from a Primary 7 class in what will be their final few weeks as primary school children.

Speaking afterwards, Mrs Foster said: “Regardless of what’s happening elsewhere, a visit to a school never fails to lift my spirits. Meeting young people is always a humbling, but invigorating experience.

“The pandemic has been a disruptive period for everyone. But in particularly for our children, who we have called upon to show so much resilience in their young lives.

“The P7 class is getting ready to leave the familiar surroundings of primary school and engage in the next chapter of their educational journey. It’s inspiring, particularly for me personally, that they look to the unknown future with both hope and enthusiasm. There is a lesson in that for every one of us.

“Alongside this, it’s not every day I get asked what my favourite animal is, what takeaway food I like, or to name my two favourite colours.

“The energy and optimism of the next generation should give us all reason to be positive about the future.

“I would like to thank all the pupils and staff at Brooklands Primary School for their invitation, and the warmth of their welcome today. I hope these children will carry the affectionate memories of primary school with them throughout their lives. I know I will look back fondly on my visit to Brooklands PS.”

HUGE thanks to everyone who helped prepare and organise the special event in anyway. Photos to follow.