Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Sep 21/01) - An exercise in democracy was successfully carried out at Bompas elementary school on Monday as the new student council was elected.

The newly elected members of Bompas elementary school's student council are, from front left, secretary Dawn Bell and treasurer Leif Amundson. From back left, deputy prime minister Nicole Norwegian and Prime Minister Amanda Bradbury. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

Now bring on the dances!

That's one of the many ideas the young councillors have in store. Others include bake sales and special days like hotdog day, gum day, hat day, pyjama day and backwards day.

"I want everyone to have fun. I don't want other kids to feel left out," Prime Minister Amanda Bradbury said.

If you're wondering about the prime minister title as opposed to president, teacher Carnie Williams said the school follows the Canuck model.

"In Grade 6, Canadian politics is part of (the curriculum), so it helps them learn," she said.

Something else the executive will have to learn is their duties and responsibilities. Fresh off an election victory Monday, deputy prime minister Nicole Norwegian foresaw an easy road ahead for herself.

"I take charge when Amanda's sick," Norwegian said.

Bradbury quickly confirmed that.

"She does nothing. She just puts her hand up (to vote) sometimes," she said.

Treasurer Leif Amundson explained that being treasurer means he has to "count the money."

Secretary Dawn Bell said she will have to take notes at all the meetings, held twice weekly during lunch hour. She will also put up posters advertising events and send notes home to parents keeping them apprised of council's decisions.

The current council, which also includes two representatives from every classroom, will only serve until November when the first report cards go out. Two more councils will be elected at later points in the year to give other students an opportunity to fill leadership roles, Williams said.

When her term as prime minister is up, don't expect Bradbury to begin campaigning to become the country's leader.

"No, because it would be too hard," she said. "It's not just a small school that you'd have to take care of, it's the whole (of) Canada."