Stage 3 Parliament Incursion

By the School Captains

On Monday the 14th of November, Artarmon Public School’s Stage Three students had an extraordinary and educational incursion in the hall. The Speaker for the House of Representatives, Milton Dick, and the Independent Federal Member for North Sydney, Kylea Tink, came to visit the lucky students and taught us all about the Parliament and how it works. They visited as part of the Parliament in Schools program - an initiative to make civics education accessible to students. Milton is the Federal Member for Oxley in Queensland as well as being the Speaker. Kylea has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2022. This year, Year 6 went to Canberra and visited the Parliament House, and next year, Year 5 will do the same. We are so grateful that we had the opportunity to learn more about it from two people who both have a part to play in the House of Representatives.

During the incursion, the two visitors taught us about politics and how the parliament works. They told us about their paths to success, the importance of each electorate, the roles in the House of Representatives and more. They also discussed the subjects they debate in Parliament, such as parks, schools and recycling. They then gave a visual representation, allowing a few of the Stage Three students to act as the speaker and the Sergeant-at-Arms. After the presentation, the Speaker and Ms Tink answered questions. They were mostly related to Parliament, but there were also some other fun questions: “What are your thoughts about pineapple on pizza?”; “Do you like bubble tea?”; “Do you play video games?”

After the incredible and intriguing presentation, us school captains went up and gave a short thank-you speech. We were then generously given a certificate confirming the visit of Kylea Tink, signed by both her and Milton Dick, and a book of images of the Parliament. The school captains and the MPs also took a few photos.

The incursion that Stage Three had was an incredible opportunity to learn from two wonderful members of Parliament. It was truly a great day for all of us that was filled with excitement and joy. We thank Milton Dick and Kylea Tink once again for teaching us about the Parliament and giving us a fantastic afternoon.