Student voice and agency is vital in allowing our students to develop a strong sense of belonging, connection and engagement with the School and its values.

One way we facilitate student voice at John Wollaston Anglican Community School is through our Student Leadership programs across the School. In 2023, we have 170 student leaders within our School holding an array of different roles and duties within their leadership portfolios.

“Being a leader means to guide others going through challenges and to motivate individuals to achieve their best.”

In the Secondary School, students have the opportunity to hold a variety of formal leadership positions where they actively support younger students, represent the School, initiate and organise activities and events within their portfolio. In Secondary across Years 7-11 students have the opportunity to be involved in leadership roles such as Student Council, Peer Support Leaders, House Seniors and of course, in Year 12, a School Prefect.

In the Primary School, leadership is promoted through Class Representatives from Year 3 to 6 and students have an opportunity each semester to nominate for this leadership opportunity. Our Year 6 students participate in a Leadership workshop at the start of the year. The students work through activities helping them to clarify the role of a leader and explore the idea ‘More than a badge’, preparing them for the opportunity to nominate themselves for a captaincy role. A key role for the Captains is to lead by example and take action within their roles such as assisting and leading for School events and planning initiatives to benefit the student body in the Primary School.

“We are so excited to be representing our classmates this semester in the Primary School. We chose to be Class Reps because we like to take care of others and act as role models for our peers.”

Our School Prefects are selected through a rigorous selection process that includes a written application, staff references and formal interviews. Prefects are placed in portfolios that align with their nominated passions and interests are. The Prefecture undergoes a formation workshop, an extension of the Sigma Leadership program with David Castellani that all Year 11s undertake. Students are encouraged and coached to create their plan and goals for the upcoming year.

To assist our Prefects in achieving their goals they lead student councils made up of students in Years 7-11. Each council has a staff member included to facilitate and support the council as well as to mentor the Prefect as they continue to develop their leadership skills.

As students are completing Year 10, they can apply to become a Peer Support Leader. Their main role is to assist at the Year 7 Orientation Day and to support the Year 7s and other new students to the School to settle in quickly and transition into the "John Wollaston way".

The final piece of the Secondary Leadership team are our House Seniors. These students are Year 12s whose role is to support the House Council and Head of House.

Our Primary and Secondary School Leaders come together to collaborate, inspire one another, create relationships and mentor each other to grow and aspire to be strong leaders. They also work together and represent the School at various events including ASC Schools Week Eucharist, Remembrance Day, Annual Appeals and promote House spirit and connection on Founders’ Day.

Holding a leadership position means taking on a responsibility to positively influence my school community. It means being a role model for my peers, leading by example, and striving to make a positive impact on the lives of those around me. It also means being a voice for my fellow students and working collaboratively with them to make our school a better place. Being a student leader is a privilege that requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine desire to make a difference. It is an opportunity to learn and grow as a person, and to leave a lasting legacy that you can be proud of."

Wollaston's Wrap

Issue 7 · 24 Mar 2023

In this issue