Athens District High School Parliament
The Athens District High School Parliament is the oldest student-run Parliament in Canada, established in 1947. Countless well-respected students have been voted by their peers to represent their school community, working in tandem with staff and the school board to create an inclusive school environment. Parliament consists of a Blue Party and Gold Party, one of which will be elected by the student body to lead with their Prime Minister, the other being led by the Leader of the Opposition. Parliament is responsible for environmental awareness, sport activities, spirit events, and fundraising efforts.
![20260206_073335[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b5a14e_f7917db629894764aed2e0617c1ec6d3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_574,h_716,al_c,lg_1,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/b5a14e_f7917db629894764aed2e0617c1ec6d3~mv2.jpg)
![20260206_073343[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b5a14e_62bd4b8bb6f3422a89ebf804ac2bc02e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_564,h_719,al_c,lg_1,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/b5a14e_62bd4b8bb6f3422a89ebf804ac2bc02e~mv2.jpg)
Our historic Speaker of the House hat.
The Speaker of the House hat donated by the Government of Canada to our school in 2026 by the Government of Canada, presented by MPP Steve Clark. This was apparently worn during official sessions of Canadian Parliament.
In the spring of 2026, Athens District High Schoool's Parliament was invited to attend a session at Queen's Park by government officials.
Athens District High School has had a school Parliament system since 1947 and is currently the oldest School Parliament in Ontario. In 1998 at the 50th year anniversary of School Parliament, Athens inducted Bruce Stone into the school's Hall of Distinction. Bruce Stone, a former Guelph professor who hails from Forfar, was Athens First Prime Minister in 1947. The Hall of Distinction, founded in 1990, is to recognize outstanding Athens Alumni. Rev. Borden Purcell, who was a former member of the Ontario Humans Rights Commission and an inductee himself, presented the award to Stone. The award included a plaque with his picture and a short biography which will be displayed in the case near the school's entrance.
Our Constitution
This historic document had missing pages. Above are the pages that were included.
Our Constitution - amended 2012
Click on the Word button to download and read our current School Parliament Constitution.
Athens Parliament Key Chain
Parliament started in 1947 ‘48 at Athens District High school, in 1997 ‘98 they received 50 years of Parliament key chain. Parliament is the student council that plans events and activities for our school. This year Parliament has been running for 78 years at A.D.H.S.
