Students in Gail Ows' Grade 5 class at St. Martha Catholic School will be learning firsthand how important local government is while spending Local Government Week, October 21st to 25th, at Kingston City Hall. 

The students' inquiry question for the week is "How does our City promote responsible government and active citizenship?" To find answers to their question, students will be meeting with elected officials, such as Mayor Bryan Paterson and Councillor Robert Kiley, to interview them about the roles and responsibilities of elected officials.

Students will hear about a number of City of Kingston initiatives, from the Engage for Change project, to the work being done to tackle climate action. At the end of the week, students will use their persuasive skills to debate whether or not the City should  begin an e-scooter program.

Throughout the week, students will explore and discover the stories held within their new classroom – the magnificent City Hall building, which is also a National Historic site and museum. They will take time to sketch and journal the architecture and
artefacts housed within the walls of this prominent landmark.

Click here to read the article in the Kingston Whig Standard