Student Voice
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Canteen |
Catchment care |
Environment |
Fund raising |
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Gathering |
Graduation |
Interaction |
Playspace |
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Resource/Finance |
Transition |
STUDENT PARTICIPATION AT RIVERDALE SCHOOL.
At Riverdale, students are active in making decisions that effect the resourcing and management of our school. Across the school, nine committees and two working parties are convened. Each committee comprises representatives from Reception to Year Seven. Students determine a number of important issues such as the food sold in the Canteen, the content of "Gatherings" (Assemblies), expectations of yard behaviour, purchase of resources (managing a $2000 budget) and fundraising initiatives, to name just a few.
Students at our school are taught the skills of effective participation, such as negotiating, teaming, prioritising, goal setting and consulting. Secondary schools, to which our students transit, tell us of the abilities and confidence displayed by Riverdale exit students who have had the opportunity to work within our decision making structures. They are able to take leadership roles and drive initiatives which make a difference to their learning. Our students are able to identify issues they want to change, plan an appropriate process, access information and human resources and evaluate their success. They are prepared as active and responsible members of future communities and workplaces.
Riverdale School is widely recognised as a leader in the field of Student Voice programs, frequently hosting colleagues from SA, Interstate and overseas who wish to implement similar programs at their sites. Uni SA beginning teachers visit annually with their lecturer, as they develop their understanding of quality teaching & learning. Staff at Riverdale School have hosted a number of statewide workshops and information sessions to share our expertise with the Educational Community. This year, Riverdale School is a member of the Commonwealth Civics & Citizenship Education Professional Development program.
A student trusted to make decisions and respected as an important contributor to their school will be happier and more fully engaged in their learning. Riverdale School staff take pride in the proven successful outcomes Student Voice allows our students to achieve.