New Norfolk High is a respectful learning community with high expectations for all. Some of the ways in which we demonstrate those high expectations is by building on the ways in which we gather and act upon student voice.

Student voice is an important part of our approach to increasing student attendance and engagement. By focussing on belonging and strong relationships, positive school culture, quality teaching and student voice, we will be better equipped to engage students with their learning. Developing systems to integrate student voice and agency recognises the importance of within this approach of empowering students to share their views to influence their learning and their learning environment.

Last term the DECYP Student Engagement & Attendance Team ran focus groups, gathering student voice from all year levels. As well as repeating those focus groups later this term, we have also built capacity in our student leaders to begin gathering student voice every two weeks both in regard to student belonging and also other specific issues for which we are seeking student input (beginning with ideas for Electives in 2026).

Across this term, teachers will be building on the consistent routines we have already developed, including year level entrance routines, by developing a consistent exit routine for classes which includes gathering student voice. We are doing all of this because gathering student voice is important feedback to help us understand how we are progressing but also important input into shaping future actions.

One recent example is the White Card training we ran for twenty plus students last week. This training is not part of the Australian Curriculum but is something students have told us is important to them. The cost is not insignificant, but we see this as a direct investment in our students’ future.

We will continue to use student voice to plan for our ongoing school improvement work with students and staff. There is always a next step, and we are absolutely committed to continually working to live up to our vision for this school because that is the New Norfolk Way.