From the Principal

Finding Your Voice

Enhancing and Engaging Student Voice and Agency in Learning

In recent times there has been much said about the importance of schools facilitating opportunities for students to have a voice and agency in decisions which impact upon their lives at school. If I were to provide a definition of what student voice means at Lakeside College, it would focus on empowering students and providing them with opportunities to give feedback, thoughts and opinions to each other and their teachers. This concept is closely related to our understanding of student agency which often refers to the level of autonomy and power that a student experiences in their learning environment.

Educational researchers argue that to create powerful learning experiences that prepare students for the future, we must give them agency over their learning. Greater agency leads to more engaged, confident and capable students who are ready to succeed in an ever-changing world.

At Lakeside College, there are clearly a number of ways in which student voice and agency is lived. We have an active and enthusiastic group of student leaders who engage with the student body to enrich the lives of students and others. This group provides student voice on a number of school matters, initiates and projects to support students across the school. All members of the student leadership team are aware of their responsibilities and take their role in expressing their representative voice very seriously. 

One very important aspect of agency at Lakeside College is to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge or understanding in different ways. Before offering students that choice, it is crucial to help them reflect on how they learn best, as this will help determine the mode they choose to demonstrate their learning. Helping students understand how they learn best can guide them in how to demonstrate their knowledge in the classroom. It is also important that we give students some agency in how they will be assessed. Doing so helps build their confidence and also helps them identify their strengths. We provide clear expectations and communicate how students will be assessed so that they are set up for success in self-reflecting as well as giving and receiving feedback. 

Educational theorists, argue that helping students develop greater self-awareness around their learning strengths and challenges is a crucial aspect of building agency. Students should have an accurate picture of where they are on their learning journey and what steps they need to take next. The use of assessment, feedback and other forms of diagnostic data helps us do this effectively along with asking students how they learn best and what kind of learning environment they need to flourish in their learning.  

When students know their strengths and areas of growth, it gives them the power and confidence to direct their own learning. They have a clear idea of where they are and a vision for their future. Self-reflection is a skill that can be practiced, and one that students will use throughout their lives. Greater agency in the classroom is the starting point for helping students become independent, successful adults who actively work to make the world a better place. Students who take ownership of their learning develop the confidence, strength and self-awareness to succeed in their future careers and become successful lifelong learners. I encourage parents/guardians to have similar conversations about learning with their children and support them in their aspirations as they continue upon their lifelong journey of growth and development. 

For Our Teachers

After parents, teachers probably have the most profound influence on the formation of young people. The calling of teachers is sacred and their responsibility is great. Those of us who can look back fondly upon the wise instruction of a beloved teacher are lucky indeed. As is expressed in the media so often today, many teachers are choosing to either leave the profession or not stay in the profession for an extensive period of time. Our teachers need encouragement and affirmation for theirs can be a difficult job without much recognition.  It is important that we express how thankful we are for our teachers and for the important gifts they bring to their ministry.  As so beautifully expressed in Colossians 2:2 – 3 

“I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ himself in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Introducing Our New Chair of the Lakeside College Board

It is with great pleasure that I introduce to the Lakeside College community the new Chair of the Lakeside College Board, Mr Lester Kerber.  Lester commenced this role at the beginning of the 2024 academic school year, following the retirement of Mr Mal Wegener who prudently chaired the Lakeside College Board for over the last 13 years. 

Lester Kerber is retired and has a business management and finance background serving Lutheran Schools for over 30 years. This included 13½ years at Yirara College, a boarding school for traditional Indigenous secondary aged students near Alice Springs, 4 years at a developing P to 12 Lutheran school in Bunbury, W.A. before joining Luther College, a large coeducational secondary school in Croydon Hill, Victoria. He concluded his service with 4 ½ years as the Director, Business Services at the Lutheran Education VIC, NSW, TAS regional office.

Lester has held various roles in professional organisations such as the ASBA Victorian executive committee, Trustee Director on the Board of Lutheran Super, and Trustee for the Lutheran Welfare Fund. He is currently the President of The Dining Room Mission, a charity meal service located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. He is also the Chair of St John’s Lutheran Primary School, Jindera, NSW.

Lester has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) qualification and has undertaken numerous

management and leadership courses throughout his career. Since taking on leadership roles within Lutheran Education, he has been involved in governance, either reporting to or being a member of the Boards.

Lester grew up in the Lutheran Church, being baptised and confirmed at Woodside, S.A. He held various leadership roles in the Lutheran Youth scene in S.A. and was involved in youth ministry while living in Adelaide, Brisbane and Alice Springs.

I know you will join me in warmly welcoming Lester as he takes on this integral role at Lakeside College and we look forward to introducing Lester in person at our forthcoming Thanksgiving Service. 

God bless

Mr Robert Tassoni

Principal