FOSTERING a sense of national pride, Millicent High School (MHS) students stepped out of Parliament House and returned home with a deeper understanding of their Australian identity.
The Year 9 humanities students were taken on a unique learning experience when they participated in the high school’s annual camp to Canberra last month.
The camp was designed to complement the curriculum and provided students with the opportunity to learn about the Australian parliamentary system and World War I.
MHS English, literacy and humanities coordinator Erin Launer said it was also a great way for students and teachers to build better relationships.
“The camp had a strong wellbeing focus,” she said.
“Students attended a range of educational activities, while also having fun.”
Following the camp, Member for Barker Tony Pasin visited students, providing them with the opportunity to ask questions and offer insight to life as a politician.
Mr Pasin said he too attended a camp to Canberra during his schooling years.
“In 1989, I was in Year 7 and I took the same bus trip from Mount Gambier all the way to Canberra,” he said.
“I’m here to tell you if I can do it, and if it interests any of you, then any one of you can do it.”
Mr Pasin told students he was speaking potentially to the next Member for Barker who could become the next prime minister.
“I have had this conversation with a number of prime ministers from John Howard to Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull,” he said.
“Each of them reminded me they were in Year 7, 8 and 9 and each of them went on a camp to Canberra.
“It was real for them so it could be real for you right now – that would be something I would love to see.”
Each student was presented with a certificate for attending the camp.
