Character education is most powerful when students are given authentic opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their community.
Since the introduction of Leadership Portfolios in our Junior School last year, our Year 6 students have been given many chances to step into genuine responsibility and translate service, leadership and empathy into everyday practice.
Under the stewardship of teacher Mr David O’Farrell, our Innovation and STEM Portfolio Leaders have begun offering in-class tech support to help younger year groups navigate new applications and digital tools. Whether they’re assisting to troubleshoot issues or build confidence using new software, these Year 6 leaders are learning the importance of patience, communication and service.
The group will also undertake technical audiovisual training with the School’s Audio-Visual Technician, Mr Ben Collier, to assist in the running of assemblies, developing valuable behind-the-scenes skills and a strong sense of responsibility.
Environmental stewardship has been a focus for the Sustainability Portfolio, supported by teacher Mrs Natalie Kell.
Recently, students delivered an engaging and interactive presentation to Kindergarten students about sorting rubbish correctly and caring for the environment. Through peer education and hands-on leadership, these students are learning how small actions can positively influence others.
The Student Voice Portfolio has taken a storytelling approach, with students involved in the student-led newspaper currently immersed in writing, editing and designing the next edition.
Guided by Ms Sacha Webster, the process has become an exercise in curiosity and collaboration, with students shaping ideas and developing critical thinking for external audiences.
For students in the Service and Social Justice Portfolio, help often happens in the middle of the playground.
Supported by teacher Mrs Megan Sproats, the Friendship Ninjas initiative equips Year 6 students to support younger peers as they navigate what the students themselves call ‘friendship fires’.
By helping their younger peers remain in the ‘green zone’, these student leaders are modelling empathy, emotional regulation and respectful relationships.
Working in pairs, students from the Community and Culture Portfolio, supported by Ms Sacha Webster, also lead visiting families on tours of the School.
For many, it will be the first time they are asked to represent the School in such a visible way, and is an opportunity to reflect not only on where they learn, but how they contribute to the culture of the community around them.
Supporting this collaborative portfolio structure is the weekly Prep Meet Up program, led by Director of Wellbeing K-6, Mrs Sarah Beasant. The sessions have quickly become a valuable point of connection across the different portfolio groups, giving students a clearer sense that their individual contributions form part of something larger.