STUDENTS and special guests gathered for the official opening of the 36th Tea Gardens Public School Student Parliament on Friday 23 May.
Inside the school’s hall, members of the Cabinet (Year 6) and Shadow Cabinet (Year 5) who could make it despite the rain, were joined by Governor-General (principal) Mark Clemson, and Senators (teachers).
Officially opening the student parliament was its first Governor-General Daryl Martin and previous Governor-General Sue Estens.
The student representative body has been operating most of the year, but the official opening is traditionally held in May, beginning with traditional parliamentary opening rituals including a speech by the Governor-General, (Mr Clemson).
“This parliament stands as a place for voices to be heard, ideas to be exchanged and leadership to grow,” he said.
“It is here that the next leaders, changemakers, and advocates of this community and beyond will find their voice, one of the most vital aspects of life, in school and in the community.
“No voice is too small, and every concern deserves a place in the conversation.
“Young people are the voices of the future, but also the voices of today. And this is something we must encourage and celebrate.”
The latest Hansard minutes (the official transcript of parliamentary proceedings) were then read out, followed by some very spirited debate.
In this fourth level of government – Federal, State, Local, School – current key topics relate to handball, the refilling of the long jump sand pits, and reminders about student behaviour when in uniform.
A handball competition between the students and teachers was also discussed but may face defeat in the “Upper House”.
Importantly, the student parliament voted to seek a children’s crossing out the front of the school, an issue that has not been addressed for years.
Now the Student Parliament of Tea Gardens Public School has added democratic legitimacy to the cause, it will be observed by the P&C and the local Progress Association.
“Back in 1987, the first parliament was for kids to say what they want to say,” Mr Martin told the assembly.
“Sometimes we overlook the Senators (staff) and how much they do to make this work, congratulations to the teachers.”
By Thomas O’KEEFE
