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16 September 2009 St Edmund’s School Wahroonga joined the growing list of schools implementing CEFA School Parliaments (CSPs). National Director of the CSPs, Mr Don Perna, attended the ceremony following which he stated “This school offers, within a regular high school model, a range of educational enrolment options and programs for teenage students with disabilities which include intellectual disability. Teachers at St Edmund’s focus on providing their students a wide range of programs that address academic as well as personal and social goals and to empower them with the ability to 'self advocate'. Teacher Carl Southern and Judy Newbert attended CEFA’s School Parliament professional training in 2008 and implemented the strategies presented during that workshop to further reinforce these goals. Mr Southern. in particular, has presented the students of St Edmund's with an outstanding opportunity to learn about our democratic processes and build self-confidence, he should be congratulated for his efforts.” With the guidance and support of their teachers, the students at St Edmund’s created political parties, conducted an election and formed a school parliament complete with Government and Opposition. At the opening of the St Edmund Parliament, Mr Don Perna presented the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition with the Parliamentary Mace. Mr Perna also had the pleasure of conveying a message of well wishes to the Parliament on behalf of the school mentor Mr Ian Hyman. In part, the message told students that “the essence of our political system is expressed in the way that we live our lives. We expect to be able to speak freely and without limitation, we expect to be able to select the people that will govern us and who will create a vision for an improved standard of living with equity and justice for all.” Mr Hyman went on to wish the St Edmund’s school parliament every success and express the hope that it ‘is as successful as our parliament in Canberra and that the students will learn from the process the importance of Australia’s democratic system to our every day lives.” The occasion was made most memorable with a showcase of student talents of song, dance and a wonderful ‘drumming’ closing ceremony. Mr Perna added “It was a wonderful honour and a humbling experience to attend today’s opening of Parliament. The young parliamentarians performed beautifully. It was one of the most inspiring and unique experiences I have ever seen. The teachers and students of St Edmund’s School Parliament should be congratulated. CEFA is proud to partner with a wonderful institution like St Edmund’s School to empower and engage young Australians to participate in the democratic process and to become informed citizens in the future.’’ 
Above: CEFA National Director of School
Parliaments, Mr Don Perna (right) presents
the Mace to St Edmund's Prime Minister (left)
and the Leader of the Opposition (centre)
Above: Young parliamentarians attending the
first sitting of St Edmund's Parliament
Above: The cake to celebrate the opening of
St Edmund's Parliament in 2009 
Above: Prime Minister (center) and Leader of
Opposition (left) cutting the cake on the occasion
of the opening of St Edmund's Parliament with
members of the cabinet and shadow cabinet |
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