Independent Member for Alfred Cove, Dr Janet Woollard MLA, is encouraging more local schools to visit Parliament House as part of their Society and Environment studies.

“By visiting Parliament, students can learn about how Western Australia is governed and how important their vote will be one day,” Dr Woollard said.

“I enjoy meeting with students from schools in my electorate when they come to Parliament, so that I can hear what issues are important to them and answer their questions.

“I would encourage other schools to visit Parliament, to help children learn about and appreciate the value of living in a democratic society.”

The Society and Environment course teaches students how individuals and groups live together in society and interact with their environment. One component of the course is Active Citizenship, where students learn about democracy and social justice.

Sue Donaldson, a teacher at Attadale Primary School, agrees that getting students actively involved in issues was a significant part of these studies.

“If there are things happening in their local community or on a wider scale that they would like to change, we try and teach the children how they can speak up and be heard,” said Ms Donaldson.

Dr Woollard recently met with students from Attadale Primary, including the Premier and Minister for Cultural Affairs from the school’s Parliament.

“I think that Parliament is about being responsible for the people of WA and representing them,” said Styrk Eikemo, Attadale’s Minister for Cultural Affairs.

“As Premier of Attadale Primary, I get to represent the school at special occasions, like the Anzac Day service, and I speak at the assembly each fortnight to let everyone know what the School Parliament has been doing,” explained Attadale’s Premier, Connor McAlpine.

In addition to the students from Attadale Primary, Dr Woollard has recently met with students from Booragoon Primary School and Our Lady of Fatima School.

The Parliamentary Education Office runs school tours that show students around Parliament House. If the tour occurs during a sitting week, students may be able to observe a session of Parliament from the public gallery.

For information about school tours, contact Ms Jane Grey at the Parliamentary Education Office on 9222 7829 or education@parliament.wa.gov.au