Student Empowerment  

At our school, we believe that every student’s voice matters. This year, as we roll out our new school values – Tenacity, Equity, Synergy, and Stewardship (TESS) – our students are taking a leading role in shaping what these values mean for our community. Rather than having the values defined only by teachers and leaders, we are inviting students from Foundation to Year 6 to share their ideas and experiences.

In focus groups and class discussions, students are working together to create clear, meaningful statements that bring the TESS values to life. These statements will describe how students can show each value in their learning, in the yard, and in the wider community. For example, some groups have already suggested ideas such as “We never give up when learning gets tricky” for Tenacity, and “We care for people, places, and possibilities” for Stewardship. By creating these statements, students are helping ensure the values are real, relatable, and easy to use every day.

At the same time, our Student Representative Council (SRC) is strengthening student voice in another important way – through their leadership in the school yard. This term, SRC captains and members have been taking on rotating leadership responsibilities during breaks. They are helping to encourage positive play, supporting younger students, and promoting inclusion so that everyone feels welcome. They are also acting as a listening post – gathering feedback and ideas from students about how to make the yard a safer, friendlier, and more engaging space for all.

This work is a powerful example of student empowerment in action. By combining their creativity, leadership, and sense of responsibility, our students are not only learning about the TESS values but are also actively shaping how these values will be lived out across the school. Their voices are helping to build a stronger, more connected community where everyone can thrive.

At TESS, student voice isn’t just a slogan – it’s something we do every day.

Rebecca McCorkindale | Student Empowerment Leader