Student Voice

I was reminded on a few occasions this week by how empowering that the opportunity have student voice can be in a school community. Out in the sensory garden we have a group of students that have been writing and signing songs during break times. After having a chat with Mrs Lusted, the students have taken it a step further and are planning to run auditions for a grade 2 choir, complete with posters advertising the auditions!

Another great example of student voice relates to the provision of hot meals for school lunches. The state government are trialling a school lunch program similar to what is run in some schools on the mainland and in other countries. When we visited Taiwanese schools in 2019 with our grade 9’s, this was a daily feature of the government education.  Eilidh, Molly, Rory and Scarlett felt that we should be looking at launching a similar program at Penguin. They have surveyed students and have written a letter outlining the reasons why they think this is important. We will table this at our upcoming School Association meeting for discussion.

The final example of student’s advocating for change is with our winter uniform. A group of students have spoken with Miss Murphy or secondary campus student board coordinator, and have provided reasons for why they think that we should have a winter alternative for trousers that would be neat and appropriate for school based activities. This has been shared with our school leadership team, and will not go to the School Association for a final decision.

Farewells

Last week we were able to farewell Nat Urbanczyk and Janine Mott. Nat joined us in 2017 and has contributed a lot to our school as part of our team of hard working Education Facility Attendants. Nat and the EFA team have been highly adaptive, not more so in recent times with the cleaning and hygiene demands in a COVID environment. Nat will be moving to Mt Isa in Queensland, where she can be closer to family that are based out of Brisbane. I’m sure that she can leave behind some of her winter woollies as she moves to a warmer climate!

Janine has had a tremendous impact on the education of many of our youngest learners starting back in 1997 at Penguin Primary. Many of her colleagues and friends have commented on how Janine has the ability to read a situation and support student with initiative, care and a sense of fun that makes her irreplaceable. We wish Janine and her husband Hassa well, as they can enjoy some extended time travelling and exploring the countryside.