Hastings Public School 2019 parliamentarians have strong ideas on how the school should be run

With prime ministers, ministers for education, libraries, environment, technology, communications and sport the school is in safe hands with next year’s leaders in charge.

Minister for Education and The Arts, Sofia Mansfield, said the whole idea of the parliament was about teaching students to be leaders.

“It is a great opportunity to learn about democracy and our own parliamentary system," Sofia said.

“We are able to learn by participating in our own parliament and talk about the issues that matter to us.”

Incoming prime minister, Poppy McIntyre, said she was excited to give students a voice.

“There was a bit of pressure on me to be prime minister after my sisters had done it when they were at school but I am excited about the opportunity to give all students a voice and bring their opinions to the parliament,” Poppy said.

“Prime minister is an important role and I look forward to working with all the students to show that everyone at school and their opinions matter.”

Minister for Sport and Welfare, Tom Gallagher, said he really wanted to encourage students to participate in sport and have fun.

“Sport is a great way to make new friends and stay healthy so I am keen to encourage all students to give it a go,” Tom said.

“I hope to promote good sportsmanship and I want to run lots of sports competitions next year so that everyone can join in the fun.”

Minister for Libraries, Arjuna Devine, said she wanted to show students that books can be fun.

“I want to show students that you don’t always have to use technology and encourage people to read books,” Arjuna said.

Hastings Public deputy principal, Deb Baker said the parliament is the school’s way of having school leaders.

“Instead of having school captains we have a parliament and each student then takes on a role withing the parliament system,” Ms Baker said.

“We hold the parliament twice a term with students able to bring motions to the floor which are then debated and voted on.

“If they are passed then we introduce them into the school.”

Ms Baker said the parliament leadership program has been at the school since 1999 and is something students look forward to.

“Students in years 3-6 along with the staff vote on who will be in the parliament and then almost 400 students watch on during our parliament sessions,” she said.

“As well as the leadership opportunities it gives the students it is a chance for them to work on their public speaking and debating skills.”

Minister for Communications and Technology Macy Partington said she wanted to help students using all the technology offered to them.

“All students should be learning more about technology because as we move into the future everyone will be using technology more,” Macy said.

“I will be encouraging everyone to use technology properly and hopefully cut down on cyber bullying.”

Prime ministers: Poppy McIntyre and Zake Morris

Speakers of the House: Eliana Morton and Kaeleb Morris

Ministers for Education and The Arts: Sofia Mansfield and Reuben Reed

Ministers for Communications and Technology: Macy Partington and Freycin Hostettler

Ministers for the Environment: Stephanie Dun and Noah Woods

Ministers for Libraries: Arjuna Devine and Joshua Kobelke

Ministers for Sport and Welfare: Stephanie Lawrence and Tom Gallagher

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