Kim Barraclough
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 23/99) - Ever wonder what it's like to work at the legislative assembly?

Yasemin Heyck's grades 7 and 8 social studies classes did when they took over the legislative building on Tuesday and Wednesday and held their own session.

Heyck said the Mildred Hall students did quite a bit of research before their session and she was thrilled with their level of excitement.

"The kids are so into it -- lots of enthusiasm," she said.

Conrad Modeste, who was acting as "Mr. Speaker" for the day, was quite pleased about the trip to the legislature.

"I like it because it feels like you're learning more about the world and what's happening," said Modeste.

The students tabled documents they had worked on at school during their session. It was agreed on at their assembly that there should be a shortening of the school year and lengthening of the lunch hour for students.

The idea of having school kids go to the legislative assembly and act out a session has been tossed around for years and even tested out once or twice.

Students also have plans to draw in students from all over the North and bring them together at the legislature to try having a session and see how things work.

Ronna Bremer, public relations officer for the legislative assembly, has been making the plans to extend the program to students from across the North.

Bremer has asked school children in Grade 9 to write a couple paragraphs about why they would like to be part of the program and what type of things they previously participated in.

Ten students will be chosen to come to Yellowknife f rom the 10 different constituencies and act out a session.

The students will be acting as the representative for their constituency.

Canadian North airline has already donated 10 passes to help fly the kids in from the communities.

Bremer hopes to have the program up and running by May.