College Captain at St Monica’s College in Epping, Niko Shibata was one of 25 Victorian delegates at the 30th National Schools Constitutional Convention held in Canberra.

The convention’s main event involved debating constitutional issues, such as Australia’s fiscal federalism, with a student vote held at the end. There were keynote presentations by university professors from across Australia and group discussions facilitated by Emeritus Professor Clement Macintyre from the University of Adelaide after each presentation. Students also engaged in ‘soapbox sessions’, where they presented their views on the constitutional issues.

‘As part of this convention, I had the opportunity to meet numerous politicians like Penny Wong, Fatima Payman and Sue Lines. I also met the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, at a reception hosted at Yarralumla (Government House). As a group, we were also able to view Question Time and the Budget Speech, which enabled me to gain a further understanding on current politics’, said Niko.

This experience adds to an already impressive list of accolades for the Year 12 student. Niko has placed in the Debaters Association of Victoria’s top 12 students in the state and is the St Monica’s College Debating Captain (as well as College Captain). She is also completing an extension program at The University of Melbourne in Psychology.

Niko’s achievements exemplify how Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) schools empower students to flourish as informed, engaged citizens who are inspired to enrich the world.