‘Big kids’ in new role as Seniors

Sydney
21 July 2002

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‘Big kids’ in new role as Seniors

Inspirations: Students rally to Winter Appeal

‘Big kids’ in new role as Seniors

Students in Years 5 and at St Mel’s (above and left) are in one unit called ‘Seniors’

St Mel’s Primary School in Campsie has dispensed with the concept of having a Year 6 school captain and vice captain.

In fact, there is no Year 6 at St Mel’s this year.

Nor is there a Year 5.

Instead, the older students have been combined into one group that has then been divided into four equal classes, known as Seniors.

The school says establishing the Seniors classes encourages all of the students to see themselves as leaders.

And the changes have had a positive affect throughout the whole school and the community.

At a recent school open day the Senior students were St Mel’s ambassadors, greeting visitors, serving them morning tea and showing them through the school.

The Seniors are responsible for reading with younger ‘buddies’ in the school. This ‘buddy’ reading system helps make the older children more confident in guiding the younger ones and builds a friendly climate between the age groups.

Elizabeth O’Carrigan, St Mel’s principal, says the standard of the children’s work has improved greatly.

“They now have formed many new friendships and are thriving on the many leadership opportunities we are able to give them,” she says.

Assistant principal Mary Colagrossi says she is impressed with the Seniors’ confidence and the easy way they talk to adults.

Senior student Rachael Bakhos says the support of teachers and friends gave her the confidence to read in front of 2,500 people at St Mary’s Cathedral recently.

Senior student Joseph Sourani says the leadership opportunities make him feel more involved in the school.

The student council at St Mel’s is truly representative – consisting of one student from each class from Kindergarten upwards.

The council says the best things about St Mel’s are the friendly teachers and a principal who cares, as well as a great tuckshop.