Student Voice....

Student Agency - Lunchtime Clubs Update

Claire Lim, in year 3, has shown that leadership and big ideas can start by asking a question or writing a persuasive letter by launching a new debate club at school. With a strong sense of student agency and a passion for sharing ideas, Claire proposed the club after noticing that herself and many classmates enjoy discussing topics and asking thoughtful questions and she thought it would be a great way to improve the opportunities at Karoo PS.

The debate club will give students a supportive space to express their opinions, listen to others, and build confidence in speaking. Meetings will include fun, age-appropriate topics where students can practice taking turns, giving reasons for their views, and respectfully disagreeing. Teachers have supported the idea and are going to work with Claire to turn the idea into a reality.

This initiative highlights how student voice and agency can shape school life. By taking action, Claire has not only created a new opportunity for peers but also demonstrated that our learners can be changemakers in their community. The debate club will commence with our Term 1 lunchtime clubs very soon!

'The Power of Yet' & Challenge

In year 4, we have been talking and sharing about the power of 'yet' and challenges.  We know we might not be able to do something the first time, however if we keep trying and working through challenges, we might be able to do this in the future.  Working through a challenge is important because it means that we can learn something different and then help other people to overcome challenges too. It is also important to know that challenges can be fun! And when you overcome a challenge, you can feel so proud of yourself! To overcome a challenge, you need to believe in yourself, give it a go and reach out for help if you need it.  Working towards showing our school value of Tenacity! What sensational thinking Year 4s!

Let's hear from our students what they think about the power of 'yet' and overcoming challenges!

'I want to help other people by helping them understand the power of 'yet.'  This means mean putting yourself in front of challenges and so that you can learn new things.  It's important to know you might not get something the first time but maybe you will the times after that when you keep practicing.  That is the power of yet!'

Rafaela, Year 4

'When I try and do things that are challenging, I try to keep going and going and going!  When I achieve a challenge, I feel happy, excited and energetic because I am so proud!  If I need help, I would ask my mum, a friend or a teacher, as they are able to explain and support me.'

Shae, Year 4

'It's really important how we respond to people and respect others when we are working on challenges.  It's so that we can have the chance to overcome challenges and we all need the chance, so that we can learn and feel proud.'

Timmy, Year 4

'I think pushing through and thinking of the quote 'The best you comes from the hardest climb' is a great way to think about challenges.  When you do your best, this doesn't mean you have to 'win' but just be proud of what you have achieved.'

Sean, Year 4

'Overcoming challenges is important, when there is a challenge and you are not sure how to achieve it, you can use strategies to figure it out.  At the beginning I sometimes feel worried, but then when I figure it out, I am so proud of myself!  If you don't know a strategy, then you can ask a friend or a teacher to help you!'

Florence, Year 4

'I feel proud when I achieve a challenge because I have accomplished what I wanted to.  When I see others achieving their goals, I feel happy too.  For me having a quiet room helps me to concentrate and if I need more help, I can ask a peer or a teacher'

Emilia, Year 4

Thank you to all our Year 4's for sharing their student voice on how understanding the power of 'yet' and overcoming challenges can have a positive outcome!  We look forward to seeing how future challenges are taken on and the learning that results.