Deputy Mayor to accompany students on trip to Queen’s Park

March 14, 2019 · 0 Comments

Written By MARNI WALSH

Once again this year, Deputy Mayor Steve Anderson is organizing a tour of Queen’s Park for Shelburne students.

On March 21, students from Glenbrook Public School and Centre Dufferin District High School will head to Toronto for an early afternoon tour of the Parliament building.

“There will be a total of 30 students from a range of grades,” says the Deputy Mayor. He says which students qualify for the trip “is left to the discretion of the schools.”

Students from Glenbrook will be accompanied by teachers, and, from the High school, Vice-Principal Adam Rowden along with student advistory leader, Alethia O’Hara Stevenson, will both accompany the students.

Mr. Anderson says students on the excursion will receive a guided tour of the Parliament building, which includes information on its history. This will be followed by the opportunity to see provincial politicians in session in chambers.

In addition, he says students “may have the opportunity to see Dufferin-Caledon MPP Slyvia Jones after the conclusion of the tour.

This is the second year that Deputy Mayor Anderson has taken students on the tour of Queen’s Park. Last year students had an opportunity to hear then Education Minister, Liz Sandals speak in session.

Mr. Anderson says, “The feedback from last year’s tour was very positive.” Students met with MPP Jones, and had the opportunity to ask questions, as well as take advantage of a photo opportunity. “It was a great learning experience for our students,” says Steve Anderson, “many of which had never been to Toronto previously or to Queen’s Park.”

He added, “As a political figure in our community, I firmly believe our children should be exposed to politics and the history of the institutions that run our country,” says Mr. Anderson. “Hopefully, it inspires our young students to want get more involved in politics and in our community.” The Deputy Mayor says it is his goal to expand the tour opportunity to all Shelburne schools in the near future.

Deputy Mayor Anderson says the goal of this tour is to expand educational opportunities for local students outside of Shelburne. “I, along with our teachers, believe our youths should be given every reasonable opportunity to be inspired and to succeed in their future endeavors,” he says.

Steve Anderson told the Free Press, he hopes “to bring our local government to the people. To be true community partners.” He says, “Local government is not only about roads, pipes and sewers.” He says, “In my opinion, we must be seen as improving and enriching the experience of our community members, and I am determined to do that one initiative at a time.”