With the re-establishment of the Student Representative Council (SRC), the elected members from Years 7 to 12 first created an SRC Charter and Vision document, followed by canvassing their peers about improvements to the student experience at St Catherine’s School. 

SRC members outlined a list of areas they would like to see refinements and changes to, then prioritised the list based on greatest impact for the greatest number that aligned with our values and mission statement. The Year level representatives, ably supported by one or more Student Executive members, met on a more regular basis to draft and workshop different proposals, using evidence-based solutions, to take to the various stakeholders as suggested improvements to the school day.  

Proposals ranged from adding shorts to the Summer Uniform, providing sanitary items in bathrooms, reinstating school bells, and suggestions around the new Independent Learning Tutorials (ITLs) structures at Years 10 and 11. Moving forward we hope to work on seeing these proposals through to completion, as well as focus on Senior School engagement projects.

This shift to a more student-centred approach has seen an exciting new set of segments and interest areas appear on stage during Monday Assembly time. Students balance the fun and vibrancy of interviews and quiz show style segments, with the gravitas of promoting important events, such as International Women’s Day and commemorating ANZAC Day. Their willingness to not only lead by example, but also involve a broad cross-section of students and staff in these assemblies has allowed for an impressive number of voices from across the school to be heard.

School Co-curricular Clubs are an important way to promote and develop conversations and skills across the broad range of student aptitudes. I have had the pleasure of working with the A-Team this year, led by Spirit and Wellbeing Captain Sophie Gorton, who has a few new events planned, including the ‘STC’s Got Talent’ Show in late August.

 

Light and Dark Blue Leadership Diploma endeavours have continued in Terms 1 and 2, showcasing the breadth of talent and interests within our student body. Dark Blue Diplomas have shown the ability to lead community service events, like creating dog toys (for The Lost Dogs Home) by Eloise Rudge, or a book drive to discuss favourite childhood books (donated to Chum Creek Primary, whose library was impacted by bushfires) by Angela Yu. Mietta Passon’s initiative – a ‘Big Freeze’ dunk tank for FightMND – was well worth the wait, having far exceeded her target donations in Term 2. Teachers and students made a big splash on the ‘footy colours’ themed day, with over $10,000 being raised to help find a cure.

Student-led and inspired initiatives and events will continue into Semester 2 and beyond, fostering a stronger sense of connection and belonging across the School.