The voices of school students across south-east Queensland are resonating a little louder today during Student Voice Awareness Day.
An initiative of Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE), Student Voice is an ongoing program which supports the organisation’s goal that students are provided with the information and opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their lives.
Student Voice Awareness Day (October 21) is an opportunity to highlight the Student Voice initiative, which has been in place since 2017.
Part of the program is the Student Voice Network, a community of BCE secondary student “consultants” created to connect and empower students to take an active role in shaping their education.
Sienna Catholic College Sippy Downs student and BCE Student Voice Consultant Sophie Hattingh said participating in Student Voice had been both a life-changing and challenging experience.
“I felt a lot of responsibility and the urge to be perfect, but quickly learned that Voice not only embraces our differences but celebrates them.
“From the More2Me mental health toolkit to the Student Voice Network, with the guidance of mentors and support staff, I’ve found purpose in discovering my own voice and helping others find theirs.”
St Joseph’s Primary School Corinda Principal Kim Davis involves and supports students to become key contributors to projects across the school.
Ms Davis said from classroom refurbishment to school uniforms, the school has put formal processes into place that ensured student ideas were incorporated and they could see the impact of their ideas.
“Listening to the voices of students has enabled specific projects to be enhanced, and student-friendly, because of the insightful and considered contributions,” she said.
St Joseph’s student Erin said she was excited to be involved in a project at school.
“I enjoyed the responsibility of attending meetings and listening to other people’s ideas and I feel like we accomplished the goals that were set,” Erin said.
St John’s College Nambour is giving voice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and providing culturally safe opportunities for them to lead and participate in cultural activities.
Inclusion and Diversity Program Leader, Teacher Amanda Tollner said ensuring First Nations voices were heard and valued was central to the success of the programs and mentoring opportunities.
Ms Tollner said from didgeridoo sessions to weaving yarning circles, initiatives had been implemented that were benefitting the whole school.
“By listening to what our students need and understanding their culture and identity, I can give them care and support and meet them where they are at,” she said.
Year 12 student Jarlo first asked to run Didge Club when he was in Year 9 because he was keen to share his skills with younger Indigenous students.
“When I look back on my time at St John’s, I can think of so many examples of us sharing our ideas and working with Ms Tollner to bring them to life,” Jarlo said.
“All students deserve to have their say, and everyone has something they can share, otherwise we’re missing out on so many great ideas.”
“It’s not just for Indigenous students, it’s for everyone to learn and experience our culture and that is really important for Reconciliation – it’s about sharing our Australian culture and that’s how we move forward.”
Learn more about Brisbane Catholic Education’s Student Voice
