Student Voice in Action

Student Voice in Action: Reflections from the 2025 SRC Year 12 Representative and President

At the heart of every thriving school is a group of students dedicated to making a difference, not just for themselves, but for the entire school community. That’s exactly what the Student Representative Council (SRC) represents. Made up of passionate, responsible, and forward-thinking students from across all year levels, the SRC works hard to amplify student voices, build school spirit, and contribute to a positive and inclusive school culture.

This term, we’ve started the exciting process of interviewing candidates for the 2026 SRC team. It’s been an absolute pleasure meeting so many enthusiastic applicants and witnessing the incredible potential our college community holds.

We’d like to extend a huge congratulations to everyone who applied for all the student leadership opportunities across the school.

If you’re looking for a way to get involved, we’d like to remind all students that applications for the Social Justice Committee are still open. It’s a fantastic chance to help drive meaningful change in our school and beyond. Please contact Ms Smith via email if you are interested in joining the team: smiths@ignatius.vic.edu.au

The College also has a FIRE Carrier Program students can apply to be a part of. FIRE Carriers are students and staff who share a passion for learning about First Nations culture and history and are committed to sharing this knowledge, promoting Reconciliation within and beyond the school community. A FIRE Carrier promotes respect, fairness and inclusion for First Nations Peoples. Please contact Mr Martschinke for further information about how to become one of the College FIRE Carriers: martscha@ignatius.vic.edu.au

All incoming 2026 student leaders will be invited to attend our annual Student Leadership Day held early in December. We look forward to seeing you all come together to learn about leading the Ignatian way. On this day, we will also vote students into a range of SRC positions.

Our current SRC roles include:

• President – Represents the SRC, facilitates meetings, and oversees the planning and delivery of council initiatives.
  
  

• Secretary – Manages meeting minutes, communications, and keeps SRC records and schedules organised.
  
  

• Casual Clothes Day Organiser – Coordinates all aspects of Casual Clothes Days, including promotion, logistics, and fundraising.
  
  

• Media/Communications Team – A new team created in 2025, this group designs and shares SRC updates across digital platforms, posters and announcements to keep the school informed and engaged.
  
  

As the 2025 SRC President, it’s been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and inspiring group of students and staff. Collaborating with a team made up of individuals from different year levels and diverse backgrounds has been incredibly rewarding. Our team has consistently shown initiative, inclusivity, and a strong commitment to making sure every student voice is heard and valued.

Personally, this role has helped me grow in so many ways. I’ve developed greater confidence, leadership, communication, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving skills - all while balancing the responsibilities of Year 12. The experience has truly been one of the most fulfilling parts of my final year at school.

A special thank you goes to Mrs Kiely, Ms Frigo, and Mr Timms for their ongoing support and guidance throughout the year - it has made a lasting impact.

Being part of the SRC has not only allowed me to contribute to our school community, but it’s also prepared me for the future - whether that’s further study, travel, or entering the workforce. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and I’m excited to see where the next group of leaders will take us.

Ella H
Your 2025 SRC President

Student Voice in Action: Reflections from the 2025 SRC Year 12 Representative and Secretary

At the beginning of Year 12, bright eyed, bushy tailed and blessedfully unburdened, I had little expectations of what my first, and final year of being on the SRC would entail. I had always known, or at least hoped, that my future would involve some manner of leadership, and after serving as the Academic Portfolio Captain, I was grateful and happy to be voted in as the SRC year 12 representative. Furthermore, I was lucky enough to be elected by my fellow representatives as the 2025 SRC Secretary.

As a representative for year 12, it was important to focus on what was relevant to seniors. With the opening of the new Mackillop building, the SRC and I recognised that there was now latitude to expand study opportunities during recess and lunch time by opening a second study room. During the push for this, I had to develop an understanding on appropriate ways for effecting change; drafting emails to teachers in a favourable manner, sending follow-ups and check-ins when progress stalls, and, perhaps the most important lesson, learning to utilise fellow school leaders in order to augment my own strengths and counteract my weaknesses.

Further, there were lessons to be found as SRC Secretary. As the representative responsible for note taking our recording minutes, I was soon able to develop the skills necessary to accurately and efficiently document the various activities of the SRC. Here, I must note my gratitude to Ms. Frigo, who provided me with key advice on properly (read legibly) organising our minutes.

In a sense, the greatest responsibility for a Year 12 representative is to ensure students, especially students in the younger years, are inspired to aspire to a leadership position. One of my favourite memories of my time with the SRC is interviewing applicants for the SRC Year 7 representatives; alongside Ms. Frigo and Sam, a fellow representative, it was enjoyable seeing our junior students, having not even completed a year at St Ignatius, already willing to give up their time towards becoming a representative for their year level. Moreover, having been familiar with being an interviewee, it was an interesting experience sitting in the interviewer’s chair and seeing the difference between an adroit and adequate interview.

Of special note here, it is worth congratulating and validating all student leader applicants for their offer to contribute to student leadership at the college. I urge all unsuccessful applicants to consider alternate leadership opportunities, such as joining the Social Justice Committee, or speaking with Ms Frigo and Mrs Kiely about other leadership opportunities available.

A special thank you goes to the teachers who give up their time for the SRC, Mrs Kiely, Ms Frigo, and Mr Timms; their support, guidance and example has been essential for developing our leadership potential. Moreover, I would like to thank Ms. Allan for her assistance with introducing a second study room.

Ultimately, when I reflect on my time with the SRC, my only feeling remains that of gratitude and affection for being able to achieve the triple bonus of developing so many important skills, working with so many amazing fellow representatives and furthering so many needed projects.

Archibald S

Your 2025 SRC Yr. 12 Representative and Secretary.