The Federal Government came to Jamison High School last month when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and 18 of his ministers held the first NSW Community Cabinet meeting in the school’s auditorium.

Community Cabinets have been introduced by the Rudd Government to give locals a forum to raise concerns directly with the relevant minister.

Member for Lindsay David Bradbury introduced the Prime Minister to the 500-strong audience, saying Mr Rudd had maintained a “cracking pace” over the past few months “visiting the world’s most important cities; New York, London, Brussels, Beijing – and now Penrith”.

Jamison High principal Graham Hodgkins was master of ceremonies for the evening and, along with school captains Claire R and Philip P, welcomed Mr Rudd on his arrival.

“The Prime Minister was asking the students about their school, and thanked them for their involvement during school holidays,” Mr Hodgkins said.

“He expressed his gratitude to Philip P, whose family had actually postponed an overseas holiday for the event.”

Mr Rudd applauded Jamison High vocalist Nicholas G and said his rendition of Advance Australia Fair was ”extraordinary” and “one of the best” he had heard. Nicholas was accompanied by the Western Suburbs Regional Band.

The Jamison High School students greeted guests and ministers on arrival, assisted by school captains and vice-captains from Glenmore High School and Cambridge Park High School. Hospitality students from all three schools demonstrated their catering expertise by providing light refreshments.

“It was a golden opportunity to showcase public education,” Mr Hodgkins said.

“When I spoke with the federal police officers the next day, they said the Prime Minister had been on ‘a real high’, and had enjoyed spending time with the students, knowing they had been involved in all the preparations.”