SLA 

HERE, HERE! 

That was the call that our mini ministers of SLA shouted to support their bill.  

As part of our inquiry unit, Identity and Community, our SLA students had a wonderful experience on their excursion to the Victorian Parliament this week. Amazing architecture, breathtaking rooms, monetary rewards that still stand for a stolen Mace and hidden cellars, were just some of the sights and information that was learned. Some students bumped into some well-known ministers, one of them, MP of the district of Preston, Nathan Lambert who had a very informative chat with the students. Students got to see and gain knowledge of what happens in the Lower House, Upper House and how a Bill gets passed.  

Finally, they got to have a go. We had a Speaker, Clerk, Serjeant of Arms, Premier, Opposition Leader and many Ministers of different portfolios and regions. To support your party or cause, Ministers would call “here, here.’ For those that strongly did not agree, they were allowed to call “shame, shame’, with arms crossed! Bad behaviour is not tolerated in Parliament, and Ministers can be sent to a naughty corner (a bit like a classroom)! 

Here are some thoughts about the day from some students. 

SLA1 

Salvador: It was really interesting to see the library and see how many books there were inside.  

Emma:I found it fascinating to learn about how the King wasn’t allowed in the green room.  

SLA2  

Zara:I learnt that our government system comes from the British and I was very surprised to find out that it took a shorter time to build parliament. Everyone thought it would take years. 

Matteo: It was very exciting because I got to experience what it’s like to work in government.  

SLA3 

Lachlan: It was very interesting to see the architectural design of the parliament, and we learnt that there is 24million dollars worth of gold in the decoration. 

Leo S: The educator showed us some rooms like the Queens Room, the Green Room (Lower House), and the library.  I loved the library and how there were so many books as well as the design of the stairs.  I also like the design on the chandelier – they were beautiful. 

Sofia: I enjoyed learning about the difference between the Upper House and the Lower House.  I enjoyed doing the role play – I played the role as the member of Kew, and I had to put forward my opinion on the topic to pass a bill.  It was really fun!