Students political savvy highlighted

by Karina Hunter

Enthusiasm for government affairs is in abundance in this Grade 4/5 class.

MPP Mike Brown discusses issues of the day with the Grade 4/5 class at Manitouwadge Public School.

March 5^th Manitouwadge Public School students of Mr. Jones Grade 4/5 class enjoyed a very special visit from Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Brown.  Brown brought along many goodies to show and share with the children including, the Speaker’s Hat from the Ontario Legislature where he has served as Speaker of the House.  The students found the headwear very impressive and were thrilled when Brown’s assistant, Wendy Ground, offered to take photos of each of the students wearing it that they might have a memento of the unique experience. 

It was the students turn to impress when their teacher announced that it was game time; the class was divided into two teams, appropriately named after their guests – Team Brown and Team Ground.  The children’s knowledge every level of Canadian government from municipal to federal was unbelievably thorough! Details of the terms and titles used, party colours, names of every possible political position and by whom they are currently held was unable to stump the students; their knowledge surpassed only by the level of enthusiasm with which they fired out their facts made it clear that Jones had brought a passion for politics to his class.  Brown was equally impressed, “I would like to thank Mr. Jones and his class for a superb demonstration of their knowledge of Canadian politics and the way it works.  The game was fun, and the students were engaged.  This was the class where I announced the provincial funding for the ski hill two years ago, and it was great to see some of the kids that were in the ski hill picture.  All of Manitouwadge should be proud of these kids!” said Brown.

Brown and his assistant Wendy Ground beginning distributing some of the gifts they have brought for the class.

The kids also received pins and large plastic Canadian flags, the latter inspiring them to song and upon Ground & Brown’s return into the classroom from the Speaker’s Hat photo shoot in the hall, the entire class was on their feet waving their flags and singing the Canadian national anthem.  

The visit was wrapped up with a question and answer period, the inquisitive young pupils politely querying Brown in regards to his travels, the inner workings of Ontario’s legislature and even his family life; Brown patiently answering their many questions. 

Children are excited to recognize themselves in the print Brown received as a Thank You after providing $750,000 for Kiwissa Ski Centre upgrades from the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative.

Submitted to The Echo, 03.08.10