Richard Froese
South Peace News
High Prairie St. Andrew’s School students attended a Big Lakes County council meeting Feb. 26 to learn more about municipal government.
Council welcomed 33 Grade 6 Social Studies students and their teachers, who watched about 40 minutes of the council meeting as part of the class’s government component.
Two sets of students then gave a slideshow presentation about council. Both presentations featured a photo of each council member and the committees and boards they serve on and achievements and accomplishments by the county.
The visit was part of the Social Studies component where students learn about municipal, provincial and federal government, teacher Jessica Hesse says.
She notes students enjoyed the opportunity to observe a council meeting.
“The students were very interested to see local government in action,” Hesse says.
“We have been learning about representative democracy at the three levels of government so students know that councillors are elected representatives and they were attending a real council meeting.
“This experience helped them understand local government procedures on a deeper level and to see the many services provided by the county.”
Students presenting to council were happy to do so and put a lot of hard work practising to ensure their presentations went smoothly, Hesse says.
“They were very proud to be able to present and represent our school community,” Hesse says.
Students and teachers appreciated the morning field trip.
“We are very grateful for the County for hosting us both at the meeting and for pizza lunch,” Hesse says.
The students also enjoyed a tour of the buildings and the animal care facility.
“Students were interested in seeing a grader as many have seen them out on the roads,” Hesse says.
“They have spoken in class a lot about how important of a role this equipment and their operators play on our county.”
While touring the animal-control facility, many students did not want to leave, she adds.
“Some students wanted to take a dog home,” Hesse says.
Lesser Slave Lake MLA Scott Sinclair visited the students on Feb. 13 and shared stories about government. He also took the time to answered questions.
