St Joseph's Benalla principal David Keenan with Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines and student leaders about to raise the school’s three new flags.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Students at St Joseph’s Primary School, Benalla, had a visit from a special guest on Friday, October 16.
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Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines visited students to deliver three new flags and chat to them about the issues that are important to young people in the electorate.
The school now has new Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags flying proudly in its playground.
Before presenting the flags, Dr Haines took time to talk to students and take some questions.
She said there was a couple of important elements to her visit.
“One is to educate young people about civics, about how our system of democracy works,” she said.
Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines chats to a St Joey’s student about the issues that are important to young people in the electorate.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“It’s really important to keep the trust and understanding of our incredibly vibrant Western democracy.
“Then the second part is really hearing from them.
“They’re our future, and while they can’t vote, their opinions should feed into my general understanding of what they’re thinking is important and what their concerns are.
“So I’m always very genuinely interested in what they’ve got to say.”
Principal David Keenan said he had popped into Dr Haines’ Wangaratta office to inquire about getting new flags donated.
“Our flags were weathered, and it’s so important to fly the three flags, but they need to look good as well,” he said.
“I had a conversation with (Dr Haines’ staff) and it was wonderful that she could actually come out and deliver those and engage with the children.
“Local, state and federal politics is important, and our children do know a lot.
“Some of the questions today reflected that. Their parents would be very proud of them.”
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