Their study of government has led a group of students to the Fort Frances Civic Centre.

The grade 5 class from Robert Moore School sat down with the mayor and town staff to learn more about municipal government.

They have been studying the different levels of government in the classroom.

Mayor Andrew Hallikas was more than happy to offer his perspective.

“The message I tried to get out to them and to everyone is that municipal government is the government that’s closest to the people, and we provide all the services that people use all the time, every day. And this particular group of students was just an amazing class,” says Hallikas.

Image: Randy thoms/Acadia Broadcasting

“They were just an absolutely wonderful and heartwarming class. To me, this is one of the real perks of government when you get school kids coming in, and you can talk a little bit about what municipal government is and what your councillors and your staff do.”

Students also heard from Councillors Wendy Brunetta and Mandi Olson and municipal staff about their roles.

Hallikas is hoping to do similar events involving young people, especially during Local Government Week that takes place each October.

“The clerk and CAO and myself are on that. We want to make sure during Local Government Week that we participate in that fully because we think it’s a really important opportunity to educate people on what their municipal government does for them. So look for that next year.”

Students ended their visit with a tour of the Civic Centre Centre before receiving notepads, pens, playing cards and chocolate.

Grade 5 students from Robert Moore School view town documents dating back to 1912, November 16, 2023. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting

Grade 5 students from Robert Moore School gather around the council table during a visit to the Fort Frances Civic Centre, November 16, 2023. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting