Student Voice
at
Mackellar Primary School
At Mackellar Primary School, we believe every student's voice matters. Student voice gives children meaningful opportunities to share their ideas, contribute to decision-making and help shape their learning, wellbeing and school community. When students feel heard and valued, they develop confidence, a stronger sense of belonging and become more engaged in their learning.
Throughout the year, our students have many opportunities to have their voices heard.
Some recent examples include:
Junior School Council (JSC): Our JSC members work together to plan fundraising activities and whole-school events. This year, our school leaders came up with the idea for Crazy Hair Day to raise money for KIVA. They designed the promotional posters displayed around the school and developed criteria to help determine who would receive the funds raised. They then explored the KIVA website to identify the recipients who best met their criteria. Also, instead of teachers choosing the students with the craziest hairstyles, students in each grade voted for two winners to receive prizes.
Assembly Buzz Award Wheel Prizes: Students completed a Google Form to vote for their favourite prizes to be included on our Assembly Buzz Award Wheel, which rewards students for demonstrating positive behaviour in the school yard during recess and lunchtime.
Respectful Relationships Student Survey: Students in Years 5 and 6 recently completed a Respectful Relationships Baseline Assessment, providing valuable feedback about their experiences at school and sharing ideas about how we can continue to make Mackellar Primary School a safe, fair and inclusive place for everyone.
Bin Point Rewards: Students voted for the reward that will be awarded to the house that earns the highest number of Bin Points during Weeks 5 and 10.
Compost Caddies Initiative: The JSC initiated the introduction of compost caddies in every classroom to reduce food waste, encourage environmentally friendly practices across the school, and create nutrient-rich compost to help our school garden thrive.
By listening to our students and involving them in decisions that affect school life, we empower them to become active participants in their education. Student voice helps build engagement, strengthens wellbeing, develops leadership skills and contributes to a positive and inclusive school culture where everyone feels they belong.