Wandin Yallock Primary School - Junior School Council

Growing Leaders, Listeners and World-Changers

At Wandin Yallock Primary School, we believe every child has a voice worth hearing. When students feel listened to, respected and empowered, they develop confidence, responsibility and a genuine sense of belonging. Our Junior School Council is one of the key ways we nurture these qualities and help our students see themselves as active contributors to their school and their world.

A Team Where Every Voice Matters

Junior School Council (JSC) brings student leadership to life. Each class elects two to four representatives who speak on behalf of their peers. These students meet regularly to share ideas, raise concerns, plan events and celebrate what is going well in our school. JSC meetings are a safe, supportive space where students practise real leadership skills such as respectful communication, problem solving, collaboration and decision making.

Students quickly learn that their voice has power. When they bring ideas forward, things change. When they raise issues, solutions are found. When they speak up for others, their community becomes stronger. This helps students build confidence, resilience and pride in contributing to something bigger than themselves.

Learning to Lead with Purpose and Compassion

One of the most important roles of Junior School Council is choosing the causes and organisations they would like the school to support. Students learn about local and global needs, ask thoughtful questions and work together to decide where their fundraising efforts will make the greatest impact.

Our students are also deeply committed to supporting our World Vision sponsor village. Through this partnership, they learn empathy, global citizenship and the idea that even small acts of kindness can create powerful change.

JSC leaders take ownership of organising special events such as Crazy Hair Day, Coin Drives and Footy Colours Day. These events are more than fun dress up days. They help students develop planning skills, teamwork, initiative and responsibility, while also connecting their actions to meaningful outcomes.

Benefits That Last Far Beyond Primary School

Being part of a student council has well established benefits supported by research. Children who participate in leadership programs often show:

• Increased confidence in speaking and sharing ideas
• Stronger communication and teamwork skills
• Improved sense of belonging and connection to school
• Greater empathy and understanding of others
• Higher levels of motivation and engagement in learning
• A belief that they can contribute to positive change
• Early development of civic responsibility and citizenship

Most importantly, Junior School Council gives students the feeling that their thoughts matter. It helps them see that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room but about listening, caring and taking action that benefits others.

Leadership for Today and for the Future

At Wandin Yallock, we see leadership in every child, not just a select few. Junior School Council helps students discover their strengths, practise using their voice and gain the confidence to take on new challenges. These experiences shape who they become as learners, friends and community members.

By growing leaders who are compassionate, thoughtful and brave, we are helping our students create a better school today and a better world tomorrow.