Editor’s Note
Anndd... we're back with the second exhilarating issue of ReConnectEd, and this time we're turning thespotlight on Australia's youngest students and their incredibly powerful voices. In this edition, we embarkon an exploration of student voice and agency, uncovering the profound impact the primary schoolstudents and teachers are making not only within their school communities but also beyond.
Often, in our pursuit of discussing student voice and agency, we may inadvertently overlook the potentforce emanating from the youngest learners. However, as we delve into the pages of this issue, you'll find yourself captivated by the remarkable endeavours and impassioned initiatives led by these budding changemakers.
In this edition of the journal, we are offered a captivating glimpse into the incredible impact that primaryschool students and teachers are creating within their school community and beyond. Coauthored by theJunior School Council (JSC) student executives and JSC coordinators, Sophie Cartelli and Caitlin Wheeler, this article sheds light on the diverse range of initiatives undertaken by the students, both withintheir immediate school environment and in the wider world beyond its walls. Emma Donaldson contributesan insightful discussion that centres around building self-capacity and determination within educators. Herwork is an invaluable resource for all educators looking to empower their students through an initiative to Increase Indigenous Australian education. By harnessing their own strengths and fostering a sense ofdetermination, educators can ignite a fire within their students, enabling them to blaze trails and create abetter, more inclusive future for all. In the next article, we delve into the transformative journey of theStudent Voice Project at Guardian Angels (GA) school, beginning with a significant shift inleadership during 2021. The project marked the first year where staff, students, and the communitycollaborated to investigate the profound impact of student voice. As the project entered its second year in 2022, the team built upon the strong foundations of clarity and definition, laying the groundwork for apowerful framework. Initially involving two dedicated staff members, the project was supported by a dynamic partnership between Brisbane Catholic Education and the Quaglia Institute. As the only primary school finalist in VicSRC's student voice awards in 2021, Tecoma Primary School (TPS) has since put a focus on consolidating practices and fostering change-makers. TPS is committed to ensuring that their students' involvement and agency remain intrinsic to their educational experience. Looking ahead, the school's emphasis will be onnurturing student agency and actively incorporating student feedback into future planning, particularly in inquiry-based subjects.
Finally, we bring back two Connect Magazine archive articles featuring Incredible Initiatives fromprimary schools: Switched On/Switch-Off Learning Student Engagement Initiative; and Primary School Students Advise on Teacher Training.
As we continue our journey in promoting educational excellence and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, we hope this issue of ReConnectEd serves as a testament to the immense potential residing in the hearts and minds of young learners. Together, let's amplify their voices, nurture their dreams, andembrace their unwavering determination to transform the world.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible adventure. We are grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm for ReConnectEd. Together, we build bridges, cultivate connections, and empower the future.
