Student Leadership Voice and Agency - Meet the Leap Team 

LEAP Team's Leap Forward: Innovating for a Brighter WHSC 

At Wheelers Hill Secondary College, the LEAP Team has embarked on a new academic year with a resolute focus on enhancing our learning environment and academic programs. As Team Leader, I had the pleasure of welcoming our members who collectively share a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. 

Our first gathering was a mosaic of introductions, where each member, including myself, shared a vision for the year—envisioning a school where teamwork, open dialogue, and the celebration of student achievement are at the forefront. The word 'Buoyant' resonated through our meeting room, setting the tone for a year of cheerfulness and optimism. 

By revisiting the college's core values of Respect, Creativity, and Excellence, we delved into discussions on actionable changes. Milan's insightful suggestion to weave languages like French and Mandarin into other curriculum areas, like cooking related foods in Food Tech, was met with enthusiasm. Aiden's idea to work on public displays of work, for example, sculptures around the school, or artwork celebrating subjects and our values in the classrooms, aims to celebrate our incredible student creativity and achievement. 

Understanding the importance of real-world connections, Thomas advocated for curriculum relevance, ensuring that what we learn within the school walls echoes beyond into the broader contexts of our lives. Olivia's proposal for a writing showcase promises to offer students a platform for their creative voices to be heard and appreciated. 

Our vision extends to the physical spaces we inhabit daily. The proposal to adorn classrooms with student-designed artwork and subject-specific posters is more than an aesthetic choice; it's about creating a learning atmosphere that inspires and welcomes. 

The concept of a communal calendar was put forth to foster transparency and inclusivity, ensuring that all students are in the loop with school events, from Year 7 excursions to LEAP Team initiatives. 

In our pursuit of these enriching projects, we've turned to a democratic approach, setting up a vote on Teams to prioritise our ideas, aligning them with our values and the tangible impact we aim to make. Our immediate action plan involves updating the physical aspects of our learning spaces and ensuring that these changes are in motion by Term 2. 

As we wrapped up our session, I encouraged our members to stay engaged and forthcoming with feedback. A shared photo of our board notes will serve as a visual reminder of our commitments. Looking ahead, the LEAP Team is poised to make significant strides in enriching the academic life at Wheelers Hill Secondary College. We're not just planning; we're actioning change that will reverberate through the buildings and classrooms, fostering an environment where excellence is not just required but revered. 

Stay tuned for the unveiling of our vision statement and the cascade of initiatives that will follow. Together, we leap into a year of transformation and triumph. 

Kind regards, 

Kim and the LEAP Team