Catherine is welcomed by Year 4 pupils Rhys and Kieran
Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, joined pupils of Westerhope Primary School on Monday for the school’s ‘Wonderful Westerhope Reading Week’, being held from 28th February-4th March to incorporate World Book Day on 3rd March.
Catherine was invited to visit the school by Year 4 pupils, Rhys and Kieran, who asked her to bring along a children’s book and read it to them. They also asked her to share her stories about her time in London and life as an MP, since first being elected in May last year.
Catherine said:
“I was so pleased to receive Rhys and Kieran’s kind invitation to join Westerhope pupils for their reading week – indeed who could resist a letter from someone that tells you their favourite book is ‘Captain Underpants’?
“I was delighted to take along one of my favourite children’s books – ‘Horrid Henry Meets the Queen’ – and read it to the pupils. Reading to children and encouraging a love of books and the English language is just so important, and enjoyable, and it was an absolute privilege to be able to join Westerhope pupils on Monday for their reading week.
Catherine reads to Westerhope Primary pupils
“The pupils also told me about their plans for Fairtrade Fortnight (28th February-13th March), as I explained to them that getting involved in the Fairtrade movement at University was how I first became involved in politics.”
Headteacher of the school, Jo Warner, said:
“Catherine’s visit to the school on Monday was really successful. By giving up her time to join our reading week she has shown how important she feels the children of Newcastle are, and how important it is to get all our children reading regularly.”