Corey Jewell, Principal of Lalor Secondary College, believes that students need to be the critical agents in their learning, and to feel empowered to build stronger communities for themselves, their families and their friends.
“At Lalor, the Student Representative Council (SRC) exists to provide opportunities for students to address interests and concerns and to develop leadership skills,” Mr Jewell says.
“An Assistant Principal works with the leadership coordinator to guide and empower students to self-manage their procedures and raised issues. Training in proper meeting procedure is provided and motions are put forward, debated and voted on.
“As well, students seek to participate in the broader Whittlesea and local communities to foster connection for all.
“And expansion of the leadership capacity of students within the school allows the activities organised throughout the year to be shared amongst all students.”
The SRC works closely with the VicSRC, with past activities including the ‘Kids teaching Kids’ program that saw secondary school students involved with the cluster, running activities with the local primary schools, and a cluster breakfast with more than 100 guests to celebrate Youth Week.
Moving forward, the SRC will work to continually raise its profile around the school. This will include a variety of initiatives, including looking at establishing additional numbers of student-led clubs and running a number of student-led forums around topics chosen by them – such as a cultural diversity and respectful relationships group.
Student leadership at Lalor has taken a further bold step to ensure democratic student participation throughout the school.
Sarah Moore, Student Leadership Coordinator, says that Students Making A Difference (SMAD) is a movement open to every student.
“This enables all those with leadership aspirations to get involved to continue to build a great school and a better world,” she says. “I’ve never seen so many excited and motivated students so eager to work for their community.”
Lalor Secondary College, 118 David Street, Lalor. Enquiries: 9463 7300 or visit www.lalorsc.vic.edu.au
