A primary academy based in Ripon has held a special meeting with the Harrogate Borough Mayor, Cllr Stuart Martin CBE, to promote working together to stay positive during the ongoing pandemic.

Despite the difficulties brought on by the pandemic, children from Outwood Primary Academy (OPA) Greystone held a virtual meeting with the Mayor on 9th October, before the Mayor led a whole-academy virtual assembly.

The Mayor held virtual discussions with newly appointed members of the primary academy’s School Parliament, with the School Parliament’s Prime Minister interviewing the Mayor for a video the academy is making to be shared across the academy.

The Mayor then led an assembly for the whole student body to promote working together to stay positive in these unprecedented times, he spoke about how proud he is of the academy staff who have worked together to ensure the children have returned safely to school. 

Lexie Braithwaite, the new OPA Greystone School Parliament Prime Minister, said: “I was really nervous to interview the Mayor with Tyler but he was really nice so we enjoyed ourselves. 

“Tyler and I were really excited to get this opportunity and got to find out who his role model was, his grandfather, and what he was most proud of, a service in Ripon Cathedral to commemorate Holocaust Memorial day. 

“At the end of the meeting we were not nervous anymore we asked him lots of questions and he was happy to answer them all."

In the Q&A session, the Mayor discussed the role and its responsibilities. On the importance of the role, Cllr Stuart Martin CBE said: “I believe that the most important part of the role is to support community events, local businesses and individuals who are making a contribution to the community.”

During the assembly, Cllr Stuart Martin MBE spoke warmly about the academy’s work in the community and discussed the importance of remaining positive during these unprecedented times and how staying together and working together can be a key component of remaining positive.

Mrs Jennifer Went, School Parliament Lead at OPA Greystone, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Harrogate Borough Mayor, albeit virtually, to our academy. The children were really engaged with the assembly and our School Parliament really enjoyed their meeting with him. 

“Obviously, the current restrictions have impacted the usual way in which we elected our School Parliament representatives this year. However, this did not dampen spirits and our resilient students have risen to the challenge. 

“Our OPA Greystone student body was able to demonstrate their democratic voice within all the safety precautions that are so vital in our new normal, while still embodying the spirit of the voting process. I could not be more proud of the children and staff at OPA Greystone and I thank them all for their support."