Principal's Message
Dear Marian College families,
On Monday 11 September I was fortunate to participate in a Leadership Day with 21 Year 11 students along with Ms Williams and Mrs Stafford. It is great that so many students have put up their hand for a leadership role in some way or other. Supporting student leadership and providing an avenue for student voices to impact real decision-making at the college is not just a noble endeavour; it is a vital aspect of fostering a vibrant and inclusive school. As part of our School Improvement Plan we are committed to develop and implement a structure that provides real avenues for student participation in the direction of the College. Here are some areas that we plan to continue to develop:
- Promote the Student Leadership Team: Create a structured student council that represents various aspects of College life. This council should be composed of student leaders who can serve as advocates for their peers.
- Open Channels of Communication: Ensure that there are clear channels for students to voice their concerns, suggestions, and ideas. Regular feedback sessions, suggestion boxes, and online platforms can facilitate this process.
- Active Listening: Make it a priority to actively listen to students. This involves not only hearing their words but also understanding their concerns and empathising with their experiences.
- Collaborative Decision-Making: Include student representatives in important College decision-making processes. This can extend to areas such as curriculum development, school policies, and facility, building and grounds improvements.
- Training and Development: Provide training and development opportunities for student leaders. These can include leadership workshops, conflict resolution training, and communication skills development to help them effectively represent their peers.
- Mentorship: Pair student leaders with staff mentors who can guide them in their roles and help them navigate complex issues.
- Transparency: Be transparent about the decision-making process. Students should understand how decisions are made and how their input is considered.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Ensure that student leadership roles are diverse and inclusive. Representation from various backgrounds and demographics will help capture a wider range of perspectives.
- Regular Meetings: Hold regular meetings between student leaders, faculty, and administration to discuss campus issues and initiatives. These meetings should be a platform for collaboration and problem-solving.
- Action Plans: After gathering student input, develop action plans to address their concerns or implement their ideas. Be sure to communicate the outcomes and progress made.
- Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate the achievements of student leaders and the positive impacts they've had on campus life. This recognition can motivate more students to get involved.
- Empowerment: Empower students to take the lead in initiating projects, events, or changes they are passionate about. Encourage their creativity and initiative.
- Visibility and Promotion: Promote the activities and initiatives led by students. Highlight their contributions through college newsletters, websites, and social media.
By actively involving students in decision-making processes and supporting their leadership roles, we can create a more inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment. Moreover, it empowers our students to become responsible and active participants in shaping their own educational experience, preparing them for future leadership roles beyond their Marian years. We are very proud of the role our student leaders play in providing for improvement at the College.