Thursday, 20 June 2024

Croydon electorate schools

David HODGETT (Croydon) (09:44): I rise today in recognition of Alastair Lowrie, a work experience student who has been working in my office. He has been present in the Parliament for two days this week, and he informed me this experience has been extremely rewarding and informative on his journey into the world of politics. He is very grateful for this opportunity.

I was pleased to speak this week with enthusiastic students at Pembroke Primary School about the subject of leadership and what traits a successful leader has. They were very attentive and well behaved while also asking very in-depth and important questions on the subject. I was also present at their assembly, where I had the pleasure of listening to the passionate and uniting Pembroke song. There I had the honour of bestowing many awards on students for their hard work and commitment to learning. Pembroke Primary School is an incredible school community of motivated students, guided by the acting principal Chris Kent.

My staff and I also enjoy the rewarding experience of volunteering at Croydon Primary School at their breakfast club on Tuesday mornings. Volunteers, teachers, parents and members of the Croydon Mooroolbark Lions Club band together to provide food for students who may have missed out on breakfast or whose families may be struggling with cost-of-living pressures. The students are always appreciative and enjoy their meal, while their parents are filled with relief and gratitude. This week 39 ‍students ate toast, cereal and fruit for breakfast before they headed off to class, thanks to the tremendous efforts of these volunteers.

I thank you, Alastair, for all your efforts this week. Best wishes for your future study and for your future career path.