Student Leadership 

Student Leadership: Diversity and Identity Leadership Day

In the lead up to Wear it Purple Day, students at VSC were invited to participate in a Leadership Day to build their capacity to contribute to safe and inclusive spaces in our school community. Over the course of the day students were able to explore themes of diversity and positive self-identity in activities and discussions. Demand for this experience was overwhelming and we were able to support 44 current and emerging leaders ranging in years 7-12 to participate in an itinerary that included exploring remarkable exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria; WHO ARE YOU: Australian Portraiture and Queer: Stories from the NGV Collection. 

It was invigorating to share this experience with students passionate about actively seeking to explore a discourse to champion change – seeking to ensure our school community is a safe space for everyone to feel confident about their identity.

A big thank you to our wonderful Education Officer at the NGV – David. He had the group enraptured in wonderful discussion about artworks, fashion, and queer history. Additionally, thank you to Leesa, Bhagya and Helen who joined us from the Wellbeing and Inclusion Teams to facilitate forums held during the excursion.

Below is a report from Holly and Armaa (Yr 9) who were keen to share their experience:

We gathered at Mitcham Station and quickly debriefed about the day ahead before we headed down to the platform and jumped on the train. We travelled to Flinders Street and walked to the NGV where we met David. He guided us through their ‘QUEER: Stories from the NGV’ collection, telling us stories about the arts history and how far the LGBTQIA+ community has come. We viewed amazing fashion items, beautiful paintings, sculptures and photographs which gave us an insight into the past. David told us about how Shakespeare actually wrote the majority of his works (particularly sonnets) about a male, but they were later changed to be about a female. We found this interesting because although we knew a lot about Shakespeare and his literature works, this is something we had never been taught before. We then headed to the NGV Ian Potter and observed some more spectacular artworks including a massive pile of skull sculptures. Before the day came to a close, the group partook in a photograph workshop that Ms Stals ran for us. We went to a nearby playground and took photos utilising skills like perspective, masks, pinhole frames and reflections that we had been informed about.

The day not only was an amazing and positive experience but also very educational. The skills we learnt about how to create a safe environment for people who are in the LGBTQIA+ community are very important to have. We learnt a lot about the history and struggles people had to face if they identified as queer. We are so grateful for the opportunity to learn about these things in a fun and interesting manner.

Two of the many artworks at the Queer Exhibition that captivated our students’ interest.

Having some fun exploring identity with photography tricks in the gallery space.

Kelly Stals

Leading Teacher – Head of House (Hotham)

Coming up - Community Focus Day 'R U OK?'

The Student Leadership Team has organised an Out of Uniform Day on Thursday September 8th to support‘R U OK?’ Day.

‘R U OK?’ is a suicide prevention charity in Australia, encouraging everyone to notice the signs of mental health struggles in those around us. They aim to start life-changing conversations and raise awareness for mental ill health nation-wide.

‘R U OK?’ empowers everyone to initiate meaningful conversations and lend support to those struggling. This year the theme for the national day of focus is ‘Ask R U OK?; No qualifications needed’. 

Students can show support by dressing up in yellow and bringing a gold coin donation which will go towards the charity.

Out of uniform donations will be collected by Student Leaders during Period 1 on the day.

There will be live music near the E-wing, classroom and lunchtime activities including nail painting.

‘R U OK?’ merchandise such as stickers, badges and wrist bands will also be for sale. 

Look out for photos from the day in our next newsletter! On behalf of your Student Leadership Team - Ruby & Freya