By JESSE GRAHAM
WOORI Yallock Primary School students had the chance to quiz Education Minister James Merlino last week, after he paid a visit to the school on Friday 3 June.
Mr Merlino toured the school with Northern Victoria MLC Jaclyn Symes on the Friday, going from class-to-class with principal Danny Hyndman.
When the MPs visited the Grade 5 and 6 classes, they spoke to students before a Q&A session that covered topics from homework to smoking, to Donald Trump.
Mr Merlino explained the Victorian Houses of Parliament to the students, including odd rules, such as the width of the parliamentary table having to be longer than the length of two outstretched swords.
“So parliament began back in the old days, before electricity, before cars and planes – a long time ago,” he said.
“The width of this table is just a fraction wider than if the Premier drew his sword and the Opposition Leader drew his or her sword – they’ll just miss.
“It’s symbolic – it’s saying you can debate passionately … but we’re a peaceful democracy. That’s what the chamber is all about.”
One student asked Mr Merlino, “What dumb thing would Donald Trump do if he was the president?”
“I reckon there’ll be a list of about 1000 dumb things that Donald Trump would do if he was president – he’s got some crazy ideas,” Mr Merlino replied.
“The world’s going to be a scary place, or a more dangerous place, if he gets elected.”
The topic of homework was repeatedly raised by students, who were not satisfied by Mr Merlino’s final answer.
“You shouldn’t do hours and hours and hours every single night, but you need to do a bit of homework,” he said.
“No!” one student yelled back.
When asked about the school’s campaign for flashing 40km/h signs, Mr Merlino said he would be discussing the matter with Mr Hyndman.
“We’re going to have a discussion about the things that the school would like – that was one of the issues that was in there,” he said.
“Yes, I will consider that, I’ll see what I can do.”
