MAFFRA Secondary College has been awarded Victorian School of the Year by the Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC).
The accolade was received by the school as part of the organisation’s Student Voice Awards last Thursday, November 17.
Thirteen of Maffra Secondary’s student leaders, along with staff members Riley Shefford and Kristen Raine, accepted the prize on the school’s behalf.
“This award celebrates a whole school approach to student voice, agency, leadership and participation,” Mrs Raine said.
Finalists and winners are selected based on how involved students are in making student voice part of school culture, how involved students are in school decision-making and the impact this has had on the school community.
News of their award was warmly received by the school’s principal, Jennifer Roep.
“I am so proud of our students and the way they have launched into our new student leadership structure, led by Mrs Kristen Raine this year,” Ms Roep said.
“To be named the VicSRC Student Voice School of the Year is a true reflection of the calibre of young people at Maffra and the passion they have in creating a positive culture for all students where they feel valued and connected.”
Photo: Contributed
Year 11 student and 2022 vice-captain, Chloe Curran said it was “nuts” for Maffra Secondary to win out of the whole of Victoria.
“Our leadership team is so student-focused and we’ve done a lot as young adults,” she said.
“We have had mentorship from teachers who have allowed us to do our thing and we have done a lot by ourselves.
“For example, Harmony Week activities, a Whole School Carnival Day and Wear it Purple Day.
“These activities were designed to increase connectedness at our school, which was the goal of the Student Leadership Team this year.
“We have worked with Wellington Shire and their initiative, 5 Ways to Wellbeing, and incorporated it into the activities that we have done this year, and it has helped improve the education of wellbeing from a student perspective.”
School captain Lily Rose added: “our achievements through leadership this year have been a team effort”.
“Our leadership team has increased in size and includes students from across the whole school.
“There is a great sense of connectedness in our group, which has developed over the year and become a key element of our success.”
The VicSRC Student Voice Awards are an annual celebration of best practice student voice, supported by the Victorian Department of Education and Training.
The awards amplify the important contribution of students to Victorian education and acting as a catalyst for change within Victorian schools.
Winners are selected by a panel of students and are presented at the end-of-year Student Voice Extravaganza.
