News Archive
Legislature visit
A trip to the Provincial parliament
Early afternoon on Wednesday October 12th the grade elevens, accompanied by our social studies teachers, travelled to the Legislature to gain an added perspective on government at the Provincial level.
Beginning with a tour of the building itself, we were provided a brush up on our B.C. and Canadian History. However, watching Question Period had us riveted to our seats in the public galleries. As we prepare for the second annual Shawnigan House of Commons (SHOC), seeing politics come alive at the Legislative Assembly was a fitting opportunity to witness the debate we will be re-creating on October 16th. Watching the flow of discussion, including the heckling and exhilarating banging on tables was an experience in itself, but even more so was the quality of information and discussion being brought forward. One case I personally felt attached to was surrounding government support for children and teens, centring on two teens who recently passed away while in the care of social services or immediately after. Considering we were all close to the age of the victims, it was proof of how much politics can influence our lives, no matter how old you may be. Though the topic itself was not something easy to talk about, their arguments were strong and logical, an exemplar of the power of diplomacy.
As we prepare our position papers for our upcoming model parliament, I have no doubts the grade elevens will be reflecting on our experiences from the legislature. It’s not every day you’re able to see politics in your own backyard. Although we may not be old enough to take to the polls in the weeks ahead, this trip has allowed the grade elevens to fully understand the influence of politics and the power of a vote.
On behalf of the grade elevens, I’d like to thank Mr. Klassen, Mr. Welsh, Mr. Robertson as well as the rest of the social studies department for making this trip possible.
In the words of Wynton Marsalis “We always hear about the rights of democracy, but the major responsibility of it is participation.”
– Victoria S.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
