March 8^th, 2021

“The new Class Prime Minister of Grade 5 is Abigayle! And our Deputy Prime Minister is James!” Ms. Ameree, Grade 5 teacher is pleased to announce the results on March 8 after over 100 Bond students/staff voted.

On Monday March 8, six candidates (Sadie, James, Victoria R., Abigayle, Victoria P., and Aleah) of Bond Grade 5 gave speeches to their class and filmed speeches were uploaded onto YouTube for the rest of the school to view. The candidates expressed why they would make a great class Prime Minister, highlighting their leadership qualities. They also discussed problems they see in the school and what they will do to change them.

The Grade 5 class is learning about the Role of the Canadian Government (their second social studies unit) and what it means to be a responsible citizen. They are examining significant issues in Canada and developing plans and actions that they, as students, can carry out. The teacher Ms. Ameree is very proud of the candidates because it was optional to run and they took the initiative. They wrote excellent speeches and demonstrated confidence by answering questions from the large audience. 

The class has been discussing topics that include whether the voting age should be under 18, and whether a political party or an individual candidate is more important. According to Ms. Ameree, students have been learning key words - candidates, democracy, election, riding, polling station, ballot and want to make change together as a class community. They are not 18 years old yet but they can certainly form a class government and discuss changes they would like to see for their class, school, and beyond.

The teacher commented: all students could learn from this election; they would understand that change can be made, no matter their age. They are learning that by communicating and working together, their voices will be heard. They are also learning about the real election/government process that occurs within the Canadian government (at all levels: federal, provincial, and municipal).