Leading the way in Year 5
With state and federal elections just around the corner, students across Western Australia are no doubt using the opportunity to explore the topics of civics and citizenship more closely. For the Year 5 students at Helena College, they are taking this learning one step further, holding their very own leadership elections in Term One.
Much like their State and Federal counterparts, our young House Captain candidates prepared their own campaign materials before taking their ideas to their electorates - the three House groups at the Darlington Campus.
Prepared speeches were delivered to members (Years 1-5) of their House, and their posters were displayed around the school, so that the voters are fully informed on key issues and what each candidate stands for. ‘How to vote’ flyers were discussed, ensuring everyone understands the preferential voting system, and what to do on the big day.
On election day, the process followed the same process as for State and Federal elections. Voters (which includes staff and, students from Years 1 to5) were first marked off the electoral role, before being handed a ballot paper. After they mark their papers in the privacy of a polling booth, the votes were placed in the ballot box. Electoral officials (selected students and staff) oversaw the whole process to ensure it was a fair election. There was even a 'democracy sausage' available for the eager voters!
Careful vote counting took place after the polling station closes, with results read out to the two eager classes of Year 5 students. The successful candidates also received a special certificate and House Captain badge.
Students interested in taking a ministerial role put forward the ideas for their preferred portfolio, and the Year 5 classes voted to select the suitable candidates. Each portfolio comes with its own responsibilities, and it is wonderful to watch the students rise to the challenge of leadership as the year progresses. Well done to all our elected members:
House Captains
Cardan: Maggie C and Isla G
Kiara: Mim F and Sienna T
Waughul: Chaney A and Hayden N
Ministers and Sports Captains
Environment Ministers: Alanis and Izzy V
Transport Ministers: Izzy P, Isabelle F and Clay
Bus Ministers: Frankie, Robert and Zac
Canteen Ministers: Jordan, Macy and Saige
Technology Ministers: AJ and Nathaniel
Kiara Sport Captains: Hattie and Michael
Cardan Sport Captains: Daniel and Erica
Waughul Sport Captains: Anna and Sophia
Library Ministers: Emer and Elly
5M Classroom Ministers: Jocelyn and Olivia
5B Classroom Ministers: Lleyton and Rhemy
The Junior School elections process gives all students the opportunity to gain an insight into the way Australian elections are conducted, as well as develop their own leadership skills.
If you would like to know more about Helena College’s Junior and Senior School programs, we invite you to join us on a tour of our school. Limited enrolment opportunities are now available in Year 4 and 6 in 2025. Email enrolments@helena.wa.edu.au for more information.
Want to know more?
We welcome all enquiries, and if you'd like to know more about current enrolment opportunities, we invite you to join one of our upcoming tours.