Health & Wellbeing @ NLPS

Student Voice: Junior School Council (JSC)

At Newport Lakes Primary School, we value Student Voice as a powerful force in driving learning and fostering engagement. We believe that all students have the ability to participate, learn, and lead. Student Voice recognises that students bring unique insights into learning, teaching, and school life, and they should have the opportunity to actively shape their own educational experiences.

Student Voice empowers students to take an active role in their school, community, and the wider education system. By contributing to decision-making processes and expressing their perspectives, concerns, and ideas, students collectively influence outcomes in meaningful ways. One key platform for student participation is the Junior School Council (JSC), which provides students with an authentic opportunity to have their voices heard. Ensuring a diversity of viewpoints leads to more informed decision-making and a stronger school community.

Junior School Councillors have now been elected from grades 1–6, with one representative chosen from each class for 2025. The JSC will convene fortnightly during lunchtime meetings. Congratulations to the students elected by their peers to represent their classmates this year!

JSC Coordinators Michelle Sullivan, Bicanca Egan and Samantha Meddis

2025 JSC Representatives 

Year 1  

1HW - Arthur, 1TD  -  Frances,  1MK  -  Allira, 1EM  -  Teddy 

Year 2

2MM  -  Amanda, 2DO  -  Hunter, 2CB  -  Lia, 2MS  -  Leo 

Year 3 & 4  

34L  -  Mary,  34A  -   Thomas, 34R  -  Freya, 34T  -  Erin, 34H  -  Brandon, 34M  -  Evie 

Year 5 & 6

56A  -  Amelia, 56B  -  Bella, 56E  -  Milla, 56K  -  James, 56J  -  Sam Rowe

Supporting Emotional Regulation: Toolbox Steps for Parents

Helping children navigate their emotions is a crucial part of their development, and as parents and caregivers, we play a vital role in guiding them through this journey. Before we support our children in moments of distress, it is important to recognise and manage our own emotions. When we model self-awareness and regulation, we provide a strong foundation for our children to do the same.

The Toolbox Steps offer practical strategies to support children’s emotional wellbeing.

Highlighted in Yellow are proactive strategies that help us recognise and address emotions before they escalate, promoting healthier responses to challenges.

Highlighted in Blue are strategies designed for moments when emotional regulation is particularly difficult. These tools support coregulation—helping your child transition from a heightened emotional state to a calmer one through connection and guidance.

Validating your child’s emotions while providing space for them to process their feelings is key. This takes time, patience, and consistency. Remember, you are not alone in this journey; seeking support from teachers, other trusted adults or professionals can be invaluable. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child.

By using these strategies, we can create a supportive environment where our children feel heard, understood, and equipped to manage their emotions effectively.