Learning to be leaders

A NUMBER of local high school students were given the chance to visit Parliament House in Sydney last week, as part of the Secondary School Parliamentary Leadership Program.

Alison Dabros and Peter Malamas, both in Year 12 at Kanahooka High and Thomas Doyle and Emma Purdy, both in Year 11 at Lake Illawarra High met with Shellharbour MP Lylea McMahon upon their arrival home to discuss their trip.

All four students are the leaders of their respective school's Student Representative Council's. Ms McMahon said the program is designed to recognise the valuable leadership qualities and the important role school captains have amongst their peers and across their broader school communities.

"This program provides a great opportunity for local students to represent both their school and their community whilst familiarising them with parliamentary procedures and the role of the NSW Governor," she said.

The students, who were part of a group of about 120 students, met with people from the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council before going to Government House and meeting the Governor.

There was a definite consensus between the students that meeting the Governor was the highlight of their trip.

They described her as "down to earth", "genuine" and "very proud of what she does".

Peter said it was enlightening to meet people in prominent positions and realise they are just "normal people".

Emma said she planned to translate some of what she learned on the trip to her own school

community.

"I realise getting to know the whole student body, not just my group is important," she said.

For some the architecture provided lasting memories.

"Seeing Government House was like seeing a Harry Potter castle," said Thomas.

Ms McMahon said she was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the students, describing them as "another fine example of public education".