Last term, GISS had the honour of welcoming Dr. Sophie Scamps, the Federal Member for Mackellar, to engage with our students on one of the most pressing issues of our time – climate change. The visit was arranged by Year 3/4 Class Teacher Mr. Adam, who reached out to Dr. Scamps' office to invite her to the school and present the persuasive letters written by our Stage 2 students.

During her visit, the students eagerly shared their concerns about climate change, showcasing a profound understanding of the environmental challenges facing their generation. Their persuasive letters were a testament to their commitment to making a difference, and Dr. Scamps was visibly impressed by the passion and depth of knowledge they displayed.

To support the students' cause, Dr. Scamps graciously accepted their letters, pledging to forward them to two key government figures: Minister for the Environment Tanya Plibersek and Assistant Minister for Climate Change Jenny McAllister. In a heart-warming gesture, she also read one of the students’ letters aloud in Parliament House, Canberra, giving the children’s voices a national platform. To watch the letter being read out by Dr. Scamps, please follow this link.

The visit left a lasting impact on our students, instilling a sense of empowerment and showing them that even at a young age, their voices can contribute to shaping Australia's future environmental policies. We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Scamps for her time and commitment to engaging with our students. Her visit has undoubtedly inspired a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens who are eager to make a positive impact in our local community and on our planet.