October 30, 2009 

Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga, Sydney, has successfully opened its CEFA School Parliament with outstanding results. The Constitution Education Fund Australia (CEFA) also convened professional development for Sydney primary and secondary schools.

Above: Students at Knox Grammar School
debating bills in their first sitting of parliament

Above: Mrs Carly Steele, Prim Minister and Leader of
the Opposition with the Parliamentary Mace, Mr Matt
Bookallil and Mr Jeremy Longworth 

Teachers from Knox Grammar, who attended CEFA workshops earlier in 2009, Ms Carly Steele and Mr Jeremy Longworth must be congratulated for their outstanding effort in immersing their Year 10 commerce classes in this dynamic learning experience.

The student parliamentary sitting was an absorbing experience for the teachers and students in attendance and has inspired them to implement school parliaments in their own schools in 2010. The students not only showed their deep understanding of our democratic processes but also enjoyed the experience immensely.The workshop allowed teachers to explore the possibilities of implementing a class/school parliament and create a new generation of active and informed citizens.

Mr. Perna presented a variety of implementation models to the participants as each school is unique and requires a tailored process for their own school or class parliament.Teachers found the DVD footage of the many schools that have already implemented a school parliament to be both inspiring and instructional. The excellent resources that were given to each participant will also assist in the teaching and learning process.

CEFA’s School Parliament National Director, Mr. Don Perna presented the school House of Representatives and the school Senate with a golden mace and a black rod to add to the schools teaching and learning resources in the area of Civics and Citizenship.CEFA’s next Professional Development will take place in Perth WA in December 2009 to complete a program which has seen workshops conducted in the ACT, NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

To be included in this workshop, contact CEFA’s National Director of School Parliaments or Head Office on (02) 9251 8511.