News Archive
Student Vote
Shawnigan students participate in the electoral process
This week, students were given a first-hand opportunity to practice their right to democracy and to become engaged in the election process. The "Student Vote" initiative is a mock election run by Elections Canada. The election is an opportunity for students to have their voices heard and to experience the voting process before turning 18.
Polls were open for voting on Thursday after lunch and eager students lined up in Mitchell Hall ready to participate. A few elementary children who were engaged in election issues and knowledgeable about the parties were also invited to take part.
Across the country, students at participating schools were able to fill out their ballots and cast their vote for the MP in their riding. Although the initiative has no actual impact on the real Federal Election, the ballots are counted, the numbers are sent off to Elections Canada, and the results are announced following the election on October 21st.
In addition to this experience, students were also given an opportunity to attend the second session of our "MP Speaker Series" to meet and listen to more MPs from the Cowichan-Langford-Malahat riding. On Thursday evening, we welcomed Rhonda Chen from the People's Party of Canada, Lydia H'witsum from the Green Party and Alistair MacGregor from the New Democratic Party. The evening program was planned and executed entirely by grade 12 student, Malcolm S.
From the point of view of a social studies teacher, it has been refreshing to see so many students interested in federal issues and aware of current events pertaining to the election. Shawnigan students have certainly done a great job of understanding their responsibility as educated and engaged global citizens participating in their Canadian right to a democratic election process.
– Kathryn Als
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 West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
