Student Voice & Community

In 2023, Swinburne's Student Voice and Community team has grown from one to four!  Maeve Thompson is continuing her wonderful work in Student Leadership, including coordinating our SRC program, overseeing clubs recruitment, and supporting our school captains. In recognition of the growing vibrancy of student voice at Swinburne, this year Maeve is joined by our Legal Studies teacher Lachlan Stonehouse, who is stepping up to take the lead on Student Diversity. Lachlan has hit the ground running with Swinburne's participation in 2023 Midsumma Pride March, and hosting the first meeting of Swinburne's Rainbow Alliance. He's also supporting students to explore the philosophical question - what IS diversity? (We're still working out the answer, but we know it involves celebrating individuality and difference, and creating inclusive, dynamic communities. And that these are things people come to Swinburne for!). 

Speaking of community - this year we are so lucky to have Summer Read, who you might know from the Wellbeing Team, joining us is Student Voice and Community.  I have decided to call her portfolio "Community and Fabulosity". So far this has included everything from strengthening our links to community organisations (including a nifty spreadsheet of grant opportunities!), cutting up adorable cards for Galentine's day, and co-leading our first ever Neurodiversity Club meeting. Including some very satisfying snacks. Summer is an absolute powerhouse in the wellbeing team, where she mostly supports students one on one, so it is fantastic having her involved in building social and emotional wellness from the other side, by bringing people together and creating special moments.  

As Learning Specialist for Learning Engagement and Enhancement, it is such a privilege to be leading this team. I was the Student Voice Manager from 2017-2019, including leading the SRC and Social Justice Clubs, developing the Variety Show, and supporting students to source funding and plan out Swinburne's Sensory Food Garden.  I'm passionate about finding as many opportunities as possible to bring people together, celebrate our diversity, and empower students to be bold and compassionate leaders, and amplify student voice and agency across our entire student body, both in the classroom and beyond. Basically, I'm just so excited to be back in this space again, alongside Maeve, Summer, and Lachlan, and I can't wait to see what emerges in 2023. 

Meiki Apted

Student Engagement and Enhancement  

GARDENTINES 

On February 14th The Swinburne Gardening Club, lead by Oli, hosted Gardentines Day, a celebration of love.  We gave out Roses chocolates, vegan Oreos, and bouquets from the school garden. 

The Senior VM students made affirmations of love, including self love, and love for friends, family, community, and the environment, and helped set up the space. 

All our decorations were handmade, and Year 12 music students Mannix McGovern, Roy Darby, Raine Raine, Riley Hunt and Henry Van Buuren-Milne, brought the event to life with their beautiful guitar and vocals. 

Meiki Apted

Student Engagement and Enhancement  

MIDSUMMER PRIDE MARCH

On Sunday 5 February the Melbourne Midsumma Pride March took place along Fitzroy St in St. Kilda. 

Swinburne Senior Secondary College had a lovely group of students, parents, friends and teachers participate walking with our school banner. It is hard to explain the friendly, welcoming atmosphere, where everyone felt at home to be themselves. As a school group we received lots of cheering and encouragement as we walked along with other like minded groups. There was music, singing and dancing from participants and in the crowd. Outfits and coordination for the day took some groups significant time and effort. 

This event was an excellent opportunity for Swinburne students to show their solidarity for gender and sexuality diversity.

Well done everybody.

Lachlan Stonehouse

Student Diversity