THE twenty-seventh School Parliament at Tea Gardens Public School was officially opened last week by School Principal and Governor-General Mr Mark Clemson.

The formal ceremony honoured the 18 new Parliamentary members from Years 3 to 6 who officially took up their positions.

Prime Minister Sophia Jeffries said the role provides a good experience through acting as a voice for the student body.

“I will learn leadership and public speaking skills and it will definitely help build confidence,” Sophia said.
“This position is an important responsibility as we are voting and making decisions on behalf of the other children.”

Following the official ceremony, the new Parliament wasted no time in listening and voting on new legislation which related to the position of the bubblers, sports shed and having the day off school on your birthday.

Mr Clemson said the Parliament is run on the Westminster system and offers an outstanding model of student participation.

“It provides opportunities for all students to communicate ideas about school improvement, and allows them to be involved in the decision-making process,” he said.
“I look forward to a year of lots of new ideas, positive changes and teamwork in the school.”

Special guests included Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington MP and the first Governor General and former Tea Gardens School Principal Mr Darryl Martin.

Mr Martin, who has attended all 27 School Parliament openings, said it is very special to see the children undertake their new roles.

“It’s a huge responsibility to take on and I commend these students for stepping up and putting effort into it,” Mr Martin said.

“I always enjoy coming back each year as it’s a great display of student work and achievement.

Members of the new School Parliament include Prime Minister Sophia Jefferies, Deputy Prime Minister Lily Arum-Laws, Speaker of the House Grace Burke and Ministers Luke McCarthy, Tyleya Dungay, Casey O’Bryan, Lilliana Baillie, Abbie Smith and Toby Avery.

Tea Gardens School Parliament has been recognised with many prestigious awards for excellence and outstanding achievement including the Assistant Director General’s Award and the NSW Children’s Week Award.

 

By Daniel SAHYOUN