THE official opening of the eighteenth school parliament was held last Thursday and it was wonderful to see so many people in attendance.
The school was very pleased to have Ms Carol Carrigan, the North Coast regional director, along with Mr Dennis Ang, the school education director for the Lower North Coast, at the opening.
A number of staff and students from Bulahdelah Central School attended the ceremony as well.
The smooth running of the parliament throughout the year can be attributed to the parliamentary advisor.
Ms Annette Benton has held this position for a number of years and is instrumental in ensuring that everything runs as it should and all parliament business is followed up.
The work Annette does for the students in developing their leadership skills through the school parliament is greatly appreciated.
Sue Estens, Governor General elect of the school parliament, addressed the assembled guests and said the role had taken some getting used to.
"Now into my fourth year as Governor General I feel I am gaining a much better understanding of the role and can appreciate just how quickly each of the Ministers, Shadow Ministers and the other parliamentary students have to take on the role in only 40 weeks," she said.
"It is the role and responsibility of Ministers to follow up on motions and questions and to actually get things done.
"I have certainly discovered that students' memories, either from the committee or from the members, are very 'long' and they don't forget that ‘Mrs Estens said she would'."
Ms Estens said she continued to be amazed at the success of the parliament.
"I continue to be so impressed by the Tea Gardens Public School parliament and what it can achieve," she said.
"It is held fortnightly and gives all students, but particularly those students in year's three to six, a say in what happens at school.
"There is the opportunity to put motions forward and then to speak for and against the motion, then a vote is taken.
"Once the students pass a motion, the senate (the staff) have to pass the motion, or send it back to the parliament for changes."
She said that leadership came in many shapes and forms.
"We are bombarded with the behaviour of our leaders in the media and we all come up with our own opinions of these people,' she said.
"I believe that effective leadership is linked directly with being a positive role model.
"Positive role models demonstrate honesty, knowledge, are hard working, care about themselves, others and the environment and can work together as part of a team. People who have these qualities are people our own school leaders should aspire to be.
"Being a member of the school parliament is something younger students aspire to and is certainly valued by us all."
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