Year 4 students from South Coogee Primary School gained an insight into the workings of local government during an excursion to the City of Cockburn’s Council Administration and Chambers this June.
Led by teacher Rochelle Anderson, the 44 students were excited to meet Mayor Logan Howlett and Deputy Mayor Lara Kirkwood.
Ms Anderson, who has her own fond memories of a class visit to the Shire of Cockburn offices about 40 years ago while enrolled at a local primary school, said her students had a really enjoyable excursion which was both informative and fun.
While sitting in the Council Chambers, the students quizzed the Mayor during question time, with one burning query focusing on what Mayor Howlett ate for breakfast. Students were pleasantly surprised to learn two Weetbix with hot water was a regular favourite for the City’s popularly elected Mayor, who also revealed when asked, that his age is 21.
City of Cockburn Children’s Development Officer Joan de Castro said Local Government studies were part of the Year 4 curriculum.
Students completed a postcard entitled Mayor for a Day as part of the City’s ongoing consultation with local children.
Ideas for what students would do or change to make things better for children in Cockburn included help for people experiencing homelessness, more bushland, trees and animal shelters plus more waterparks and ice-cream shops and reducing school to just two hours a day!
The students also learned about the City’s Children’s Reference Group which accepts registrations of interest from primary school-aged children (7-12 years), giving them the opportunity to be involved in community planning in a fun and interactive way.
The City will host a visit from a local high school before the end of the year and is keen to host others in coming months.
Schools can register their interest by calling the City on 9411 3444 and asking for the Children’s Development Officer.
Caption l-r: Lachlan Newman, Mayor Logan Howlett, Deputy Mayor Lara Kirkwood and Jaden Moura-Saiote.