Respectful Relationships Student Voice
On Thursday 20 July, the Respectful Relationships teams from all four campuses of the Padua community came together to discuss ‘Respect’ and what that looks like at our school.
Students had the chance to mix with like-minded students from varying year levels and campuses to brainstorm ways they can implement respect into our school and community.
The day gave them the opportunity to define respect and empowered them to be leaders of change and respect in our school community.
Some of the key focus areas the students discussed in making Padua College a safer and more respectful space were:
- Addressing vaping and students hanging out in toilets
- Reducing litter in the yard
- Safer/quiet/(warm) spaces for recess and lunch
- Creating more upstanders
- Not allowing ‘Put downs’ in classrooms.
- Addressing gendered derogatory language
Below are some samples of the work students completed during and after the leadership day. The Respectful Relationships Student Group will then meet with the leadership teams from each of the College Campuses and start planning initiatives to make Padua a safer and more respectful place.
Please Note
At this point I wish to reiterate our message around vaping in the bathrooms. Unfortunately, a small minority of students are challenging boundaries by continuing to vape in the bathrooms and/or congregating with large groups of friends in the toilets. There are several reasons why congregating in bathrooms poses challenges. Firstly, these gatherings can result in overcrowded spaces, making it difficult for students to use the facilities appropriately. It can also create an uncomfortable or intimidating environment for some students, as privacy and personal boundaries may be compromised. Bathrooms are also inappropriate places for students to be consuming food. We kindly request our parent communities' support and co-operation in discussing these matters with your child and emphasise the importance of responsible behaviour and respect for our school community.
Padua College takes the issue of vaping very seriously. Most of the College bathrooms are fitted with ‘vape sensors’ and those found with these devices will be dealt with accordingly. Many teenagers are succumbing to peer pressure around this risk-taking activity due to the ease of accessing and hiding vapes. Students found ‘vaping’ at school or in the deliberate presence will be suspended and required to engage in material about the harms and risks of this behaviour.
Vision for Student Leadership 2024
Earlier in the year the Pastoral Executive consulted extensively with the student body on the topic of Student Leadership. The teams of each of the campuses have since been working through enhancing our strong student leadership program.
Each Padua College student is called to lead by example, to serve and act with compassion and justice. At its core, student leadership within the Mercy and Franciscan traditions prioritise service to others and the pursuit of justice.
Students are encouraged to view leadership as a means to uplift and empower their peers, as well as to advocate for those who are marginalized or in need. This vision of leadership is grounded in empathy, recognizing the inherent dignity of each person and fostering a culture of inclusivity and compassion within the student body.
From the beginning of their schooling in Year 7, students are provided with chances to explore various aspects of leadership. The enhancement of these abilities is strongly encouraged through their active participation in programs available within the College. These roles offer valuable opportunities for students to gain confidence, harness their God-given talents, and develop the necessary skills to assume leadership positions after completing their education at the College. Our students eagerly embrace the opportunity to make decisions, shoulder responsibility, and contribute to shaping the College's path through the available leadership programs. By recognizing and utilizing their innate abilities, they strive to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world around them.
Student Leadership Positions
Below is the list of positions across the campuses:
Year 12 Student Leaders
• College Captains (2)
• College Vice Captains (2)
• House Captains (2)
Bernard, Elizabeth, Djeembana, Merton, Mercy, Francis, MacKillop, John XXIII
Year 11 Student Leaders
• Yr 11 House Leader (2)
Bernard, Elizabeth, Djeembana, Merton, Mercy, Francis, MacKillop, John XXIII
Year 10 Student Leaders
• Yr 10 House Leader (2)
Bernard, Elizabeth, Djeembana, Merton, Mercy, Francis, MacKillop, John XXIII
Year 10-12 Student Portfolio Leaders
• Academic Captain
• Performing Arts Captain
• Mission Captain
• Sports Captain
• Sustainability Captain
• Visual Arts Captain
Year 9 Student Leaders
• Yr 9 House Leaders (2)
o Mornington: Assisi, Chisholm, Clare, Frayne, Kolbe, Mannix, Romero, Sebastian
o Rosebud: Anthony, Goold, McAuley, Teresa
o Tyabb: Cardijn, Doyle, Geoghegan, McCormack
Year 8-9 Student Portfolio Leaders
• Academic Captain (per House)
• Performing Arts Captain (per House)
• Mission Captain (per House)
• Sports Captain (per House)
• Sustainability Captain (per House)
• Visual Arts Captain (per House)
Year 7 Student Leaders
• Yr 7 House Leader (per House)
o Mornington: Assisi, Chisholm, Clare, Frayne, Kolbe, Mannix, Romero, Sebastian
o Rosebud: Anthony, Goold, McAuley, Teresa
o Tyabb: Cardijn, Doyle, Geoghegan, McCormack
Other Leadership Opportunities
• FIRE Carriers
• Peer Mentors
• Respectful Relationships Team
Padua College firmly believes in its responsibility to cultivate leadership skills in all students. Every member of the school community is encouraged to promote, foster, and inspire students to embrace roles of leadership, responsibility, and commitment to their school.
The college encourages each individual to strive for excellence, setting the highest standards for themselves. An integral aspect of our daily life revolves around the numerous opportunities for students to actively participate in the College community.
College Captain/College Vice Captain
Our College Captains will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact by embodying the Catholic ethos, exemplifying excellence, representing the College externally, and providing support and guidance to students of all levels.
House Captain (Yr 12)/House Leader (Yr 10 -11)
Our House Captains work closely with the SSC and House Co-ordinator to cultivate a strong sense of House spirit through various initiatives and collaborative efforts. Working alongside the House Co-ordinator, the House Captain plays a supportive role in ensuring the smooth and seamless execution of programs and initiatives within the College community. By serving as a role model, the House Captain exemplifies the school's expectations and behaviours, setting a positive example for all students and staff members of the College.
Academic Captain
Our Academic Captain plays a crucial role in creating a supportive academic environment, nurturing students' intellectual development, and inspiring a love for learning throughout the college community. They serve as a representative and advocate for student academic interests, ensuring their voices are heard and considered. Our Academic Captains also organise and co-ordinate academic events, such as study groups, subject-specific seminars, and academic competitions, to promote engagement and enthusiasm for learning. They work collaboratively with the Vice Principal – Learning & Teaching to ensure student voice, agency and advocacy in these endeavours.
Performing Arts Captain
Our Performing Arts Captains work to foster and promote active participation within performing arts and play a major role in the organisation of activities to promote performance and artistic endeavours. They advocate for the importance of drama and music in education and encouraging students to participate in various artistic disciplines. They take the lead in organising and co-ordinating performances, showcases, or other events to provide platforms for students to display their artistic talents and creations. They work collaboratively with the Director of Performing Arts to ensure student voice, agency and advocacy in these endeavours.
Mission Captain
Our Mission Captains work to foster and actively contribute to the faith and mission of the College. They promote and advance the values of justice, social responsibility, and service within the college community and they serve as an advocate for justice, equality, and social issues, raising awareness and promoting understanding of local and global challenges. Encourage students to engage in discussions and activities that address these issues. Working with the Vice Principal – Mission, Identify & Community they plan and co-ordinate social justice initiatives and activities within the College, such as fundraisers, awareness campaigns, and community service projects. They collaborate with other student leaders, faculty, and community organisations to maximize impact and promote positive change.
Sports Captains
Our Sports Captains work to foster and promote active participation within the Houses and College and play a major role in the organisation of activities to promote active engagement for all students. They work with the key sports staff at the College to develop and explore opportunities for students to be active and engaged within the College community. They work collaboratively with the Head of Sport to ensure student voice, agency and advocacy in these endeavours.
Sustainability Captain
Our Sustainability and Environment Captains actively contributing to the creation of environmentally sustainable initiatives and measures to be implemented throughout the college community. This includes areas such as energy and water conservation, waste management, and enhancing biodiversity. They assume the responsibility of showcasing sustainable thinking and behavior, setting a positive example for the entire college community. The work collaboratively with the Leader of Sustainability to ensure student voice, agency and advocacy in these endeavours.
Visual Arts Captain
Our Visual Arts Captains work to foster and promote active participation within the visual arts and design area of the College and play a major role in the organisation of activities to promote artistic endeavours. They advocate for the importance of the arts in education and encouraging students to participate in various artistic disciplines. They take the lead in organizing and coordinating art exhibitions competitions, showcases, or other events to provide platforms for students to display their artistic talents and creations. The work collaboratively with the Leader of Visual Arts to ensure student voice, agency and advocacy in these endeavours.
Year 9 House Captains (per House)
Our House Captains from the Yr 7-9 campuses, work closely with their respective House Co-ordinators to cultivate a strong sense of House spirit through various initiatives and collaborative efforts. Working alongside the House Co-ordinator, the House Captain plays a supportive role in ensuring the smooth and seamless execution of programs and initiatives within the College community. By serving as a role model, the House Captain exemplifies the school's expectations and behaviours, setting a positive example for all students and staff members of the College.
Year 7 Student Leaders (per House)
Our Year 7 House Leaders work closely with their respective House Co-ordinator to cultivate a strong sense of House spirit through various initiatives and collaborative efforts. Working alongside the House Co-ordinator, the Year 7 House Leader plays a supportive role in ensuring the smooth and seamless execution of programs and initiatives within the College community. They also provide an opportunity to build student voice into the transition process and initiatives to ensure new students coming into secondary school are supported.
Year 7-9 Academic Captains (per House)
Our Academic Captains from the Year 7-9 Campuses, play a crucial role in creating a supportive academic environment, nurturing students' intellectual development, and inspiring a love for learning throughout the College community. They serve as a representative and advocate for student academic interests, ensuring their voices are heard and considered. Our Academic Captains also organise and co-ordinate academic events, such as study groups, subject-specific seminars, and academic competitions, to promote engagement and enthusiasm for learning. They work collaboratively with the Vice Principal – Learning & Teaching to ensure student voice, agency and advocacy in these endeavours.
Year 7-9 Performing Arts Captains (per House)
Our Performing Arts Captains work to foster and promote active participation within performing arts and play a major role in the organisation of activities to promote performance and artistic endeavours. They advocate for the importance of drama and music in education and encouraging students to participate in various artistic disciplines. They take the lead in organising and co-ordinating performances, showcases, or other events to provide platforms for students to display their artistic talents and creations. They work collaboratively with the Director of Performing Arts to ensure student voice, agency and advocacy in these endeavours.
Yr 7-9 Mission Captains (per House)
Our Mission Captains from the Yr 7-9 Campuses, work to foster and actively contribute to the faith and mission of the College. They promote and advance the values of justice, social responsibility, and service within the College community and they serve as an advocate for justice, equality, and social issues, raising awareness and promoting understanding of local and global challenges. Encourage students to engage in discussions and activities that address these issues. Working with the Vice Principal – Mission, Identify & Community they plan and co-ordinate social justice initiatives and activities within the College, such as fundraisers, awareness campaigns, and community service projects. Collaborate with other student leaders, faculty, and community organizations to maximise impact and promote positive change.
Yr 7-9 Campus Sports Captains (per House)
Our Sports Captains from the Yr 7-9 Campuses, work to foster and promote active participation within the Houses and College, and plays a major role in the organisation of activities to promote active engagement for all students. They work with the key sports staff at the College to develop and explore opportunities for students to be active and engaged within the College community. They work collaboratively with the Head of Sport to ensure student voice, agency and advocacy in these endeavours.
Yr 7-9 Sustainability Captains (per House)
Our Sustainability Captains from the Yr 7-9 Campuses actively contribute to the creation of environmentally sustainable initiatives and measures to be implemented throughout the College community. This includes areas such as energy and water conservation, waste management, and enhancing biodiversity. They assume the responsibility of showcasing sustainable thinking and behavior, setting a positive example for the entire College community. They work collaboratively with the Leader of Sustainability to ensure student voice, agency and advocacy in these endeavours.
Yr 7-9 Visual Arts Captains (per House)
Our Visual Arts Captains work to foster and promote active participation within the visual arts and design area of the College and plays a major role in the organisation of activities to promote artistic endeavours. They advocate for the importance of the arts in education and encouraging students to participate in various artistic disciplines. They take the lead in organising and co-ordinating art exhibitions competitions, showcases, or other events to provide platforms for students to display their artistic talents and creations. They work collaboratively with the Leader of Visual Arts to ensure student voice, agency and advocacy in these endeavours.
FIRE Carriers
The FIRE Carriers Program (Friends Igniting Reconciliation Through Education) is an initiative of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Victoria and the Opening the Doors Foundation, to promote reconciliation through education. FIRE Carriers at SHGC are part of a wider network of schools and represent the College at FIRE Carrier events. In addition, they assume a key role in promoting reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Aboriginal Australians within our College community.
Peer Mentors
The role of the Student Peer Mentor is to provide guidance, support, and encouragement to fellow students within the college community. Our Peer Mentors serve as positive role models, exemplifying the values and behaviours expected of students within the college. They offer a helping hand to fellow students, providing guidance and support in various aspects of college life, such as academic challenges, social integration, personal development, and overall well-being. Working exclusively with Yr 7 students whom they help acclimate to the college environment by providing information, guidance, and support during the orientation process. Aid in their transition to college life, helping them navigate campus facilities, connect with resources, and establish social connections. The program gives students the chance to be positive role models and mentors, in addition to promoting positive, pro-social behaviours amongst the student body.
Respectful Relationships Team
The Rights, Resilience, and Respectful Relationships program is based upon an understanding that everyone deserves to be respected, valued, and treated equally. The team focuses on ways to change attitudes and behaviours through embedding positive attitudes, behaviours, and equality in classrooms, the yard, sporting fields, and social events. A large focus is placed on Emotional Literacy, Personal Strengths, Positive coping and stress management, problem-solving and help-seeking, Gender and Identity, and Positive Gender Relations.
