In a first for the Caboolture region, two Year 12 Students of St Columban's College, Kyle Lacey-Janetski and Chloe Williams have been selected as delegates to the Annual National Schools Constitutional Convention in 2015.
The Schools Constitutional Convention is an annual event designed to educate senior humanities, social sciences and legal studies students about the Australian Constitution and how it guides our democracy. It is open for senior secondary students of from State, Catholic and Independent schooling sectors.
Year 12 Student Kyle was a winner of the Sunshine Coast Region Delegation while Year 12 Student and College Captain Chloe was a winner of the Qld Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Convention held at Parliament House in Brisbane.
Students seeking election as a national delegate to the Convention were required to write and deliver a speech at their local Convention on the topic of Australian Federalism: States' Rights versus National Priorities or Recognition in the Constitution for Indigenous Australians at ATSI Convention.
Assistant Principal - Senior Phase, Kate Ruddy said "these students presented their speeches passionately. Their trip to Canberra will see them represent Qld where they will meet politicians, visit Parliament House, participate in discussion groups and a contribute to a student soapbox session. They will also be required to attend a state dinner as representatives of Qld and St Columban's College."
Chloe as the first Indigenous Captain at St Columban’s wins a place in Qld and is excited about the opportunity. Chloe shared "I'm keen to meet students and politicians from around Australia and people who are like minded and as passionate as I am about current issues."
Principal Ann Rebgetz encourages participation in the Convention by students saying "experiences like these provide students a brilliant insight in to the workings of Parliament and government, giving them a strategic edge and inspirational opportunities for tertiary study and employment."
Kyle said "this opportunity will help broaden my horizons and give me the opportunity to visit Australian National University. I'd like to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics duelled with a Law degree there next year. I'm really looking forward to participating in the Convention, particularly the debates."
The 2015 National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) to be held in Canberra from 24 to 26 March, 2015.