Clyde North Campus News

Student voice through student leadership

Last week we wished the graduating class of 2019 all the very best as they begin their journey towards the completion of VCE examinations, or enter the workforce associated with the completion of VCAL. This week we complete the final chapter in selection of the 2020 student leaders with speeches from the Forum Leader candidates at each year level. Sixteen of the elected forum leaders will then be invited to join with the College Captains to form the 2020 SRC.

Student voice plays a pivotal role in the College, ensuring that all students have the ability to express their ideas, creativity, views and concerns. Student voice empowers and enables students to be active and informed citizens within their school community. The skills, knowledge and experience our students gain through formal and informal leadership opportunities supports their ability to have a credible and articulate voice within their wider community.  Below is a reminder of why we have a student leadership structure within the College with the composition of the Student Representative Council as one of the main examples of student leadership.

Student Leadership Rationale

Our Patron Saint, Peter, was made the leader of Christ’s Church on earth.  He led by example with people of all races and beliefs to bring the good news for the Kingdom to all.  He worked tirelessly in the service of others.

Similarly, the students of St. Peter’s College are called to act as servant-leaders to the College and the wider community, following Peter’s example.  In accepting their roles, student leaders at St Peter’s College are encouraged to aspire to be leaders who:

•  Lead and serve the College community through word and action
• Are trust-worthy, responsible and supportive of the College ethos
•  Encourage, motivate and challenge other members of the College community to work together
•  Honour what has been established and explore and initiate new ways of enhancing the life of the College
• Are worthy ambassadors for the College in the wider community
• The staff members of the College community, are called to provide the environment and opportunities for students to explore the challenges of leadership.

SRC Structure

Each Campus Student Representative Council would be made up from a selection of Forum Leaders and the eight Year 12 College Captains:

• Male College Captain
• Female College Captain
• Arts Captain
• Environment Captain
• Liturgy Captain
• Social Justice Captain
• Male Sports Captain
• Female Sports Captain

The House Leaders, Pastoral Care Leader and Deputy Principal nominate & vote on two House Forum Leaders from each House to fill the following positions:

• Year 7 SRC students (at least two)
• Year 8 SRC students (at least two)
• Year 9 SRC representative (at least two)
• Year 10 SRC representative (at least two)
• Senior (Year 11/12) SRC representative (at least two)
• Some year levels will have three student representatives as the number of Forum Leaders, but the number of Forum Leaders on the SRC will be fixed at 16 students.
• House Leaders may choose up to five other Forum Leaders
• Two Middle School SRC students representatives (Year 8-10) will be elected as Uniform Committee Representatives
• This gives a total number of students on the SRC as twenty four students

As you can see our SRC represents all year levels and provides a wonderful platform and forum for an active, vital and responsible student voice. We encourage the student leaders to live by our College Student Motto ‘Be Not Afraid’. Developing confidence in their own leadership style and their ability to work for the good of others.

What did our students feel about the Forum Leader Selection Process?

My experience of going for the 2020 Marian Year 8 Forum Leader was quite relaxed. It was enjoyable and fun time.     Saoirse (Marian House)

I was very nervous and excited to perform my forum leader speech. During my speech I talked about the things I hope to see in Marian house in 2020. I aspire to do my best to encourage enthusiasm and participation within our house and see each of the Marian students grow in confidence.  Olivia (Marian House)

My experience was quite interesting.

When I was doing my speech, my face was quite hot, because I had the feeling of a billion eyeballs staring at me. My hands started shaking, and I nearly dropped the paper. Even my friends said I was shaking. Despite all of that, I had a lot of confidence in myself, and I was determined to say the last word in confidence. (Assisi House student)

2020 Rosemary Graham Shield – Let the competition begin

I am officially declaring the Rosemary Graham Shield 2020 open. The tug-of-war is the first major event which takes place at the very end of this term. However, Houses are busy already looking at ways to win points. The Premiers Reading Challenge being the first event to earn valuable points for each House and contribute to developing great readers, a critical skill required for life-long learning.

It was a four way draw for first place, therefore sharing in the points for first place down to fourth. Well done to all.

I wish you all a safe and productive week. Enjoy the long weekend.

Julie Banda

Deputy Principal - Head of Clyde North Campus