Rock star welcome for Rudd at Kawana school

Australian Foreign Minister and former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was given the full rock star treatment today while visiting Kawana State Primary and College at the invitation of local Federal Member for Fisher Peter Slipper.
Mr Rudd participated in a full programme of activities at the school, where he visited both the primary and secondary campuses.
Mr Rudd was keen to inspect the new library and hall facilities that were developed under the Building the Education Revolution Scheme (BER).

While on the primary campus Mr Rudd entertained a combined class of Year 2 students by reading his children’s book “Jasper and Abby and the Great Australia Day Kerfuffle”.
Today was also the final assembly for the graduating Year 12’s. Mr Rudd in his address to the students encouraged them to both “Follow their Dreams” and (quoting John F Kennedy) “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what your can do for your country.”
Mr Rudd then led the procession of Year 12s through a guard of honour (known as a clap off) as they exited the school for the final time. A procession in which there was no shortage of handshakes, high fives, photos and sage advice.
Finally Mr Rudd spoke to Year 8 and Year 9 Asian Study, Leadership Team, Student Leaders and International Students who benefitted from his expertise and knowledge especially that in relation to China.
As Mr Rudd moved between each activity, enthusiastic students cheered, clapped and waved. One could be mistaken into thinking that he was still the Prime Minister.