Our desire is for students to know that their expertise, opinions and ideas are valued in all aspects of school life. Student voice acknowledges that students have unique perspectives on learning, teaching, and schooling, with opportunities to actively shape their own education.
When students feel comfortable sharing their voices, they grow into positions of leadership.
Students in Year 6 are given opportunities to use their gifts and talents as student leaders. All Year 6 students share in the student leadership of the school. Being student leaders involves demonstrating and developing increased leadership skills.
The school’s core values are foundational to their role as school leaders and embody the charism and values gifted to us by Saint Mary MacKillop of the Cross and the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart:
- Justice
- Hope
- Collaboration
- Compassion
- Citizenship
- Stewardship
Being leaders of the school’s core values provides clarity of purpose to students, staff, parent, Parish and wider community. The Value Teams lead Student Voice Assemblies. All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 attend regular Student Voice Assemblies.
Leadership and Compassion – Insights from Year 6 students
At St. Thomas, compassion isn’t just a value; it’s a practiced skill. We recently spoke with our Year 6 leaders to understand how compassion shapes their leadership journey. Here’s what they had to say.
Leadership Lessons Learned
Our students emphasized the importance of listening and respect. One student shared, “As a Year 6 leader, I have learned to lead by example and be the role model that people want to look up to.” Inspired by Mary MacKillop, our leaders believe that compassion can profoundly influence how we connect with others.
Building Skills for High School
As they prepare for high school, our leaders are keen to develop their skills further. One student stated, “I want to continue to respect my peers,” acknowledging that respect is the cornerstone of positive relationships. Another leader mentioned their goal to improve communication and collaboration: “I want to know how to start a conversation, lead a group, and accept feedback from teachers.”
Excitement for New Experiences
The transition to high school is a significant milestone. Our students are eager for new learning experiences and the independence to make their own choices. One student expressed their excitement for “new learning experiences” and meeting new friends, eager to expand their social circles.
Advice for Future Leaders
Our Year 6 leaders offered valuable advice for future leaders. One shared, “Be nice to people and be respectful towards teachers, especially because you are the oldest.” This advice underscores the responsibility and impact of a compassionate attitude within our school community.