From the Prin and the AP

Student Voice

This week, I want to highlight the importance of student voice at Golden Square Primary School. At Golden Square, we often talk about Working as One: Respect – Safety – Learning. Listening to students is an important part of this. It helps us understand where students are feeling confident, where they feel connected, and where we need to keep improving.

This morning, I was out in the yard chatting with a group of students who were very keen to share their ideas about possible additions to the school. Some ideas were ambitious, some were creative, and some may need a fairly generous budget (zoo, anyone?!), but what stood out was how clearly students could explain what they enjoy, what they think would make playtimes better, and how different spaces in the yard could be used.

These everyday conversations are a really important part of school life. We learn a lot from students in the yard, in classrooms, through our Junior School Council and Student Leaders, and through the way they talk about what is working well or what could be improved. Student voice can happen in small moments, though a simple conversations and a willingness to listen.

At other times, we gather student voice in a more formal way. This term, our Year 4 to 6 students will complete the annual Attitudes to School Survey. While this is a Department of Education survey, it also sits within a much bigger picture for us. We want our students to know that their voice matters, and that their experiences help shape the way we support learning, wellbeing and connection across the school.

The survey gives students the chance to share their thoughts about school, including their learning, friendships, relationships with teachers, resilience, health and wellbeing, and their general experience of school life. We get results in summary form only and they help us notice patterns, celebrate strengths and plan next steps for our programs and supports.

Parents and carers of students in Years 4 to 6 will receive a separate email with further information about the survey, including details about participation and how to opt out if you do not want your child to take part.