VicSRC 

Jess R (11B) has the world at her feet. She's recently been elected to the VicSRC Executive Advisory Committee for 2020-21 and she embodies all that we stand for at DSC.

We caught up with Jess to learn more about VicSRC and what it means to her. VicSRC is the peak body representing school-aged students in Victoria and Jess is one of only 15 students in the state to be on the VicSRC Executive Advisory Committee. 

ABOUT JESS

You've obviously got what it takes to be part of the VicSRC. How would you describe your personality? I’d say I’m an approachable person who is open to new ideas and willing to give things a go. I love to collaborate with others and build partnerships in order to create positive change. I think this is why I love being part of VicSRC. We are a strong team with common goals and are determined to elevate the voices of Victorian students.

FAMILY

How did your family react when they learnt about your election to VicSRC? My family is so excited for me to have received this role! They have always encouraged me to give things a go and put my best effort into everything that I do, and to know that this effort has paid off is something they are really proud of me for.

FIRST REACTION

How did you feel when you heard about your election? When I got the phone call to hear the news about being elected, it felt surreal. I didn’t think that I would get the position since there were so many amazing students who were nominated so it was a real shock, in a good way of course. As soon as I found out, I wanted to get started straight away!

THE EXPERIENCE SO FAR

Have you had any meetings yet? We haven’t had any official meetings yet, but we recently had our induction camp where we had three days to get to know each other and discuss our goals for the year ahead. It was amazing to connect like that with heaps of like-minded students. We have already had a social night and I’ve made lots of new friends. We are all excited for when we can meet in person!

JESS' FOCUS

Are there any particular issues that are close to your heart? One thing I’m particularly passionate about is establishing sustainable practises in schools and enhancing sustainability education. We’ve seen how the environment has thrived during lockdown so how can we continue this once we return? Also, why are primary schools the leaders in carrying out sustainable practises, but secondary schools fall so far behind? Are there any policy or legislative changes that can be made to assist in improving this? These are just some of the issues I’m interested in and wish to work on during my term as an exec.

THE BIG ISSUES

What kinds of things do you think you’ll discuss in VicSRC? The priorities that we as an executive team will focus on during our term will come out of Congress 2020, which is held at the end of this month. During Congress, students from across Victoria come together to plan action that will help solve the top issues in the education system, as voted by students. These action priorities then become VicSRC’s advocacy platform for the next 12 months. Congress in sold out this year, but if you ever get the opportunity to attend, I highly recommend it. I’m not exaggerating when I say it is truly an experience you won’t forget!

MEETING THE EDUCATION MINISTER

Have you met the Minister for Education, James Merlino yet? Not yet, but I have heard from past executive committee members that he is lovely. He is genuinely interested in hearing young peoples' perspectives and attempts to work alongside students to implement changes. Knowing this certainly makes the prospect of meeting him less daunting, and rather quite exciting.

INSPIRATION

How did you hear about VicSRC? Have you been involved with them before? I first heard about VicSRC early last year when Mr Gardiner told two other students and myself about the opportunity to attend Congress 2019. I went, have been involved with VicSRC ever since and have never looked back! I have been a VicSRC Ambassador this year where I have been doing more work based in the local community, but this drove me to go out on a whim and apply for exec… and I'm so glad I did! 

I want to give a massive shoutout to Mr Gardiner and Mr Shirley. They have been on the VicSRC journey with me from the start and have done everything in their power to support me. I honestly wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.

DSC EMPOWERMENT

What are some things you’ve done within school that helped you build confidence and skills to apply for VicSRC? Being involved in DSC’s SRC as well as the opportunity to speak at many assemblies, being involved in 'teach the teacher' and being a peer leader when I was in Year 9 have all helped me build my confidence. In saying that, I still have a long way to go and many new skills to develop. I’m hoping my term as a VicSRC member will help with this. I certainly wouldn’t have been able to get to this position without the unconditional support of my friends, family and teachers as well… so thank you from the bottom of my heart. You guys are honestly the best!

A FUTURE IN POLITICS?

Would you like to get into politics one day? I can’t really see myself as a politician actually! However, pretty much everyone who knows me knows that I really want to establish a career in the aviation industry (and they’re probably really sick of me talking about it). I think there are a lot of similar skills that are important in both fields of work, including great communication skills, leadership and teamwork, so I'm really looking forward to working in the VicSRC and developing these skills further.

2020: ISSUES FACING US TODAY

It’s an unusual time in the world right now. What issues are at the forefront of your mind? Maintaining positive mental health is something that I understand is really important right now, for both students and teachers. This year certainly has been a roller coaster with everyone having their own feelings regarding remote learning. This time I think has been a big wake-up call to increase wellbeing support in schools across the state. I strongly believe it is vital for schools to keep checking in with and reaching out to students, asking for feedback and providing a safe space for students to encourage them to talk things out with someone they trust. VicSRC also created a Remote Learning Report with data gathered from a survey. It is filled with feedback from students regarding what changes they would like to see once we return to onsite learning, as well as the positives and negatives of their experiences. I highly recommend having a read!

BENEFITS FOR DSC

Do you think your involvement with VicSRC will benefit DSC? My involvement with VicSRC will allow me to build partnerships with students and other stakeholders. It will provide a space to discuss what is and isn’t working in schools in order to benefit Victorian students, including students at DSC. It is so exciting to have the opportunity to collaborate with others in order to share ideas on how certain aspects of school life could be improved.

SCHOOL PRIDE

What makes you proud about going to DSC?DSC is a school where student voice is valued, student agency is implemented and we are a close-knit community where the values of respect, responsibility, teamwork and resilience are upheld. I think being a student at a school like DSC is something to be incredibly proud of. I owe how far I have come since I began in Year 7 to this school community.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

How can other students get involved with VicSRC? VicSRC is passionate about connecting with students state-wide and is genuinely interested in what you have to say. That’s what VicSRC is for! I couldn’t speak more highly of the VicSRC students and staff who put in so much work into running a variety of programs. If you have the opportunity to attend, just do it! VicSRC also post regularly on their socials so hit them up on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as well as their YouTube. They also have an online Student Voice Hub that is worth checking out. 

Also, please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns or things you want discussed at a state level.  I will be more than happy to bring it up. Remember… your voice matters!

Jess R