Happy Valley School

 

Responsibility
Respect
Integrity

Above: Last minute instructions in the Legislative Council.

Student Comments

"I reckon it was a great opportunity. I wish that more people could have been involved."

Brett Abroe   

"The whole Parliament House experience was extremely breath-taking: with the nice leather seats and the architecture of the building, even the debate was excellent."

Adrian   

"Going to Parliament House was good! I had lots of fun and learnt lots too. I liked having to wear a gown, and getting a script."

Tom Cole   

"When I went to Parliament House, I thought it was great. I loved it, and wish everyone could go! In the debate, I was the Minister Of Education."

Matthew G.   

Above: The Opposition makes a point in the debate to alter the length of the school day in the  Legislative Council.

"I reckon the Parliament House debate was very good and I learnt a lot. I finally found out about the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council. Both houses were well done and it was a great pleasure to be there."

Sam Wilson   

"The best thing at Parliament House was the two rooms we went into. I also enjoyed the debate. I liked the way the public are allowed into the houses. I would love to go back there again.

Wes C.   

"At Parliament House I had a great time. It was a lot of fun and I learnt a lot too. Before I went there, I didn't know how it all ran. I had a wonderful day."

David   

"I thought it was an enjoyable experience seeing the actual places where the politicians sit and debate. I enjoyed my time there even though I didn't actually say anything."

Daniel Phillips   

Above: The Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House participates in the debate.

Above: A Government member argues his position on the length of the school day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Responsibility
Respect
Integrity


Above: Students participate in Parliamentary proceedings in the Legislative Council

During Term 3 2001, Happy Valley School was successful in gaining a place in the South Australian Student Parliamentary Debate Programme.

On Thursday 9th August, a group of 32, Year 6 and 7 Middle School students, together with staff members, Meridith Gabb, Barb Williams, Yvonne Ridge, D'Arcy Jones and Brian Marshall, travelled into the city to visit Parliament House. A group of parents also accompanied the party and assisted with transport.


Above: Students take up their positions in the House of Assembly.


Above: The School Parliamentary Officer provides last minute instructions in the House of Assembly, before our students participated in a debate to alter the length of the school day.


Above: An Opposition member makes an important point in the Legislative Council.

While they were at Parliament House, the students participated in a scripted debate on a Bill to alter the length of the school day. The enactment involved students performing the roles of Speaker, Clerk, Serjeant-at-arms, Premier, Leader of the Opposition and other officers and members of Parliament.

Above: The Government (left) and Opposition members (right) face each other in a spirited debate on the length of the school day.

Student participation in decision making is a major focus at Happy Valley School. Students are encouraged to participate in this process through our student representative body, the Kookaburra Council. The students who participated in this Parliamentary Debate Programme learnt a great deal about the democratic process and the importance of vigorous, positive debate.


Above: A quick discussion by Government members to plan their next tactic.


Above: The School Parliamentary Officer and The President of the Legislative Council begin proceedings.

Judging from the comments of the students on their return to school, the excursion was very successful. Not only did the students appear to enjoy the experience, but they also learnt a great deal about our parliamentary system. Their only disappointment was that all  middle school students were unable to be involved.


Above: The debate proceeds in the Legislative Council

Above: The Opposition convenes a quick  meeting to discuss its next plan of action. Above: A parent watches proceedings in the House of Assembly from the Visitors Gallery.


Above: The scene in the House of Assembly

The staff and students who participated in the Parliamentary Debate Programme would like to thank the parents who supported this excursion. Your assistance in helping with supervision and transport was greatly appreciated.

Back to Highlights of 2001 School Year

  Annual Report   Archives   Governing Council   Highlights of 2008   School History 
Home Page   House Captains   Junior Primary News   Meet the Staff   Newsletters 
Parent Information   P
rincipal's Page   Recent Site Updates   School Context Statement 
School Vision  Site Map: Index   Special Programmes   Student Leadership  
Term Planner