Collecting the Voice of Staff, Parents and Students to create our Preferred Future at Living Faith

Principals Pen Thursday, 31 Oct 2024


The school has engaged MMG Education to conduct a comprehensive survey of all staff, parents and our Years 5 and 6 students. The survey closes on Sunday, 3 November after which time the team at MMG will collate the results.
Thank you to everyone who found the time to complete the survey. If you have not yet completed the survey and would like to please do so by Sunday, 3 November. The results are going to be an invaluable source of information as
we prepare to create a new strategic plan for Living Faith in the early part of 2025. We are planning some parent and student forums as part of this process and we will communicate dates for these in the coming months.

Student agency and voice underpins the foundation of a school that offers a contemporary model of learning and we are continuing to look for ways to gain the voice of students in their learning and in decision making for the school.

Here are several benefits to student outcomes when students are given agency and voice in school decision-making:

1. Increased Engagement: Students who have a say in decisions are more likely to feel invested in their education and participate actively in classroom activities.


2. Enhanced Motivation: When students contribute to shaping their learning environment, they often feel a greater sense of ownership, leading to higher motivation to succeed.


3. Improved Academic Performance: Research shows that student agency can lead to better academic outcomes, as engaged and motivated students tend to perform better.


4. Development of Critical Thinking Skills: Involvement in decision-making encourages students to analyse situations, weigh options and develop solutions, fostering critical thinking.


5. Stronger Leadership Skills: Taking part in decision-making helps students build leadership qualities, such as collaboration, effective communication and responsibility.


6. Increased Self-Confidence: Having a voice fosters self-esteem and confidence, as students learn to express their thoughts and ideas in a supportive environment.


7. Enhanced Sense of Belonging: When students feel heard and valued, they develop a stronger connection to their school community, fostering a sense of belonging.


8. Better Relationships: Student agency promotes collaboration between students and teachers, strengthening relationships and creating a more positive school culture.


9. Conflict Resolution Skills: Engaging in decision-making teaches students how to navigate disagreements and find common ground, equipping them with important life skills.


10. Preparation for Future Challenges: Students who practise agency in school are better prepared for real-world situations, where decision-making and advocacy are crucial.

By empowering students in the decision-making process, we help cultivate a generation of thoughtful, engaged and capable individuals who as graduates of Living Faith will go on to become valuable members of our community.

Secondary Expansion Update

Recently several members of the Living Faith staff and governing council attended a special general meeting of the Council for Lutheran Education Queensland (CLEQ) to make a final presentation of the details of our proposed secondary expansion. Whilst we were hoping for an outcome at that meeting, CLEQ have shared that more time is needed to carefully consider our proposal. I ask families to keep our proposed secondary expansion in your prayers. 

Peace
Andrew Kelly
Principal