Local News

Valerie has written to all Schools in Walsall South to encourage them to enter the 4th Annual Speaker’s School Council Awards.

“ School Councils are an excellent place for pupils to learn about democracy, how to make a contribution to their communities and how to campaign effectively on the issues that matter. The Speaker’s School Council Awards celebrate the contributions made by School Councils from across the country to their school communities.”

“The Awards are open to every Infant, Junior, Secondary school and College in the country and aim to reward the best School Council projects in each of the four age groups. The Judges are looking for projects that demonstrate the School Councils’ efforts to bring about positive change. The project could be anything from increasing the number of recycling bins in school to ideas to raise money for the school council budget.”

“Winners will be invited to the Houses of Parliament to accept the winner’s trophy from the Speaker of the House of Commons. Runners up will be presented with a commemorative plaque for their school and every School Council that enters will receive a certificate from the Speaker of the House of Commons.”

“Having visited many schools across Walsall South since I was elected in May 2010, I know that they will be able to put forward some strong entries. I wish all the schools the best of luck with their entries, and hope to meet some Speakers’ School Council Award Winners from Walsall South at the House of Commons.”

The closing date for entries is 30 April 2013.Further information and details of how to enter can be found here.

Valerie has written to every junior and primary school in Walsall South to encourage them to take part in the Make IT Happy competition for pupils aged 9-11.

Valerie Vaz MP said:

“I have written to all of the primary schools in Walsall South to encourage them to get involved with Make IT Happy again. The competition offers a unique way for pupils to engage with their wider communities to make a positive impact on the lives of others, while at the same time enhancing their own knowledge of IT.”

“This year’s competition has been designed to help children use the internet safely and creatively. Children will be asked to create a digital poster that tells other people what they’ve learned and how they too can be safe on the web.”

“Staying safe online is vital for primary age children, and the competition helps them learn internet safety skills. I am sure that pupils will enjoy the chance to work together on such an exciting and relevant project.”

“In the 2011 Make IT Happy Competition Palfrey Junior School from Walsall South won the West Midlands Regional Competition, following my invitation, and were invited to the prize giving ceremony at the House of Commons. The school received £1200 in prize money.”

“I hope that the 2013 Make IT Happy competition will see many highly successful entries from schools in Walsall South and I wish them the best of luck.”

The closing date for entries is 6 April 2013. For further information and details of how to enter please click here.

Valerie has praised the New Art Gallery’s bid after it was announced that Glasgow has been chosen over Walsall to host the Turner Prize in 2015.

Valerie attended a talent competition at Walsall MyPlace Centre on Saturday 15 December 2012, which was organised by the “Activate Against Hate” project.

On Friday 14 December 2012, Valerie visited Bentley West Primary School to talk about Parliament Week and her work in the House of Commons.