Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning 

Student Leadership 

This week upon entering the senior building, I could not help but feel the positivity within the learning common. The atmosphere was buzzing as our year 5 students worked collaboratively in small groups to practice reading aloud their speeches for 2023 Leadership positions. 

This year, the process for the selection of student leaders has been reviewed and refined. We want all students to be given every opportunity to build their skills and confidence, in order to showcase their talents. In the classroom, students have been learning about what makes a captivating speech and how to write one so that they can convince their peers and teachers to vote for them. Students have identified what leadership positions they would be interested in applying for and provided with the chance to go for more than one, so that if they are unsuccessful in one area, they have the opportunity to try again.  

Students and teachers alike are feeling the positive vibes. This is what some of them had to say...

It has been an absolute pleasure hearing the Year 5 students present their leadership speeches. In the lead up to presenting, the students wrote and practised their speeches in class. Their speeches reflected their passions, interests, and future goals. The confidence the students demonstrated while presenting was a delight to watch. All students should be so proud of the commitment they have shown.  - Kim Davidson, 5D

All students wrote a speech whether they were applying for a leadership role or not. I think it helped the students reflect and see positivity in their character. Presenting to the class or entire Year 5 cohort was certainly character building. The students displayed courage, resilience, and comradery during the process.  - Di Eva, 5E

In Term 4, the Year 5 students have been working towards writing an engaging and authentic speech that is reflective of their personal strengths. It has been incredibly inspiring and rewarding for the teachers to watch the students evolve and become very confident speakers that are genuinely passionate about their goals. We congratulate all the students that completed their speeches and look forward to seeing them fulfil their role next year as Leaders of Karoo Primary.   - Sophie Brown, 5B

You get to be more comfortable because we are around friends who support us. It is so fun and I liked how it has linked in to debating which we learnt about earlier in the year. It will also help us in the future when we need to write a resume, as well as in other areas. 

- Lilly, Alyssa and Sophie

We have learnt about the different ways we can begin a speech that are far more interesting than just ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’. It has to be engaging. You also have to be genuine by just being yourself. – Keegan and David

It has brought its challenges, like starting your speech and gathering your ideas. The hardest part has been memorising your speech so you aren’t just reading it off the page. It has been great being able to practice amongst friends and build our confidence.  – Isaiah, Miley and Joshua 

I trust that our now Year 5 cohort are going to make outstanding leaders next year, whether it be in an official capacity or otherwise. What a wonderful bunch of students to lead us throughout 2023. No doubt, they will be excellent role models to the next generation of leaders. 

See you about the school, 

Ms Ashley Kuusela