Meet our Student Advisory Council

In July CEWA announced a new Student Advisory Council, consisting of 20 Catholic School Students from across Western Australia, with the purpose of informing and shaping Catholic education, in consultation with the Council Chair, the Deputy Executive Director.

Recently we caught up with members of the Council to hear why they applied, what they are interested in, and how they’ve found the experience so far.

Why did you apply to be on the Student Advisory Council?

“I applied to the CEWA student advisory council to help collaborate with like-minded student on topics which affect students in Catholic schools. I felt this opportunity would help my own personal leadership, faith and build connections while also giving me lifelong experiences of being on a council,” said Keith.

“I wanted to be able to bring out the student voices in my school on another level.  Through the Student Advisory Council, I felt like I would be able to collaborate with many other students who have similar aspirations and goals,” added Malia.

“I applied to be on the CEWA Student Advisory as I believe there needs to be a voice between students and CEWA Executives. It is the voice that students have that will make a positive impact on catholic schools across the state,” said Lachlan.

“I wanted to make sure student voices especially from regional and rural areas were being heard in decision-making and represent the community I have grown up in and give back. I’ve seen firsthand how location, resources, and opportunities can affect students’ experiences, and I wanted to contribute to making education more inclusive and accessible for everyone,” added Lei.

“I saw this as an amazing opportunity where I can represent student voices and contribute to making a true difference for our CEWA school communities. I’m passionate about listening to my peers, understanding their concerns, and helping find solutions that can positively impact everyone. When applying I also thought about how this experience will allow me to establish more leadership-based qualities and grow in my faith,” said Samara.

“I want to be a voice for my school community and contribute to positive change. Being part of this council gives me the opportunity to represent the views of my school friends, collaborate with students from schools all over WA, and help shape decisions that affect us all in Catholic Education,” Damon added.

“I feel that the council is a great place to experience exposure to new leadership and independent skills, along with sharing different ideas and creativity with the other students on the council. I believe that my ideas and skills that I have developed through Sacred Heart can benefit in helping to create a safer and more engaging school environment for all students, those current and of the future,” said Klaudia.

“I applied because it seemed like an opportunity that would be beneficial, to be part of a group of likeminded individuals who also value education, leadership, and making a change for the benefit of others,” Macey said.

“I wanted to be apart of the Student Advisory Council because it is an amazing opportunity to learn about the different ways to be a leader and learn more about catholic education as I haven’t come from a catholic education background,” added Jorja.

“I applied as making a great and meaningful impact for Catholic Education Western Australia sounded like something I wanted to do. I felt that if I took part in the student advisory council, I would also be able to grow my leadership skills through faith, connections and mentors along the way. I saw this experience as one that would benefit me and help me learn new skills,” Josie said.

What are the big issues students are interested in?

“To me, student wellbeing and mental health are of high importance as they are often overlooked and is a common topic many high school students face,” Keith said.

“Students are interested in opportunities to witness Faith and drive Catholic Mission and ensure equality for all students that enrol in Catholic Education,” Damon said.

“I am very interested in the wellbeing and social aspect of schools around WA. I believe that it is a very important aspect in every community and must cherished and developed,” added Malia.

“Students nowadays are wanting to make their voices heard but don’t get enough opportunity to do so. The CEWA Student Advisory Council is a great forum where students can take their ideas to another level and seek feedback and ideas from other members of the council,” said Lachlan.

“Changing the mindset of individuals to be more actively involved in their communities, whether it be community service and volunteer hours through school, or during their own time,” said Macey.

“I am interested in multiple issues but the main interest of mine not going of catholic education is how the ocean’s currants move plastic into certain parts and how we can avoid it. In a catholic education perspective, my question would be how many people are in charge of changing the education system,” Jorja said.

“Some of the recurring themes I’ve noticed are mental health support, equal access to opportunities regardless of postcode, and making sure education systems aren’t disadvantaging students. Students also really care about feeling represented and having a genuine say in policies that affect us,” added Lei.

“Big issues such as maintaining the wellbeing of students, especially during exam periods are one of the main concerns students are interested in, as the mental health of students is extremely important and a subject everyone can relate to,” said Josie.

“One of the biggest concerns I find students are interested in is the wellbeing of ourselves. This is a concern that majority of students can relate to as it is an ongoing experience that not only students face but adults too. By prioritising the wellbeing of students during these challenging years we can create an environment where everyone can thrive in their own ways and empower each other,” Samara added.

“That everyone, no matter who they are or where they have come from all have the same opportunities at school to engage and learn – and that although we might offer these opportunities we sometimes need to encourage those less willing to try, to experience and help to see that there is sometimes benefit in pushing beyond the comfort zone. I also strongly agree with a safe learning space for all students, because everyone has a right to an education,” said Klaudia.

How have you found the experience so far?

“It’s been really rewarding. I’ve enjoyed connecting with other students from across different backgrounds and schools and  hearing how diverse the ideas are depending on where you live or what stage of education you’re at. It’s also shown me how much work goes on behind the scenes to bring student perspectives into policy conversations, and I’ve found it inspiring to see what the peers I’ve spoken to have had ideas on the current project we’ve been working on,” Lei said.

“Being a part of the council so far has been an amazing experience as I’ve got to meet so many new people and be involved in topics which I am free to express opinions and thoughts about. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have been given, and I am eager to see what lies ahead for the CEWA student council,” said Keith.

“It’s an eye-opener to future opportunities on leadership panels and roles, in helping to create a better future for all students in Catholic Education. All staff and students have been extremely kind and supportive, and I am grateful to be selected to represent my school on the council, I will give it my absolute best,” added Klaudia.

“I have really enjoyed my time so far on the council. I liked the role of note taking during our most recent meeting, and I hope to act as a chairperson for a future meeting. I definitely like talking with students of all ages that share the same or similar concerns for our modern youth,” Malia said.

“Being on the Student Advisory Council at CEWA has allowed me to grow not only as a person but as a leader as well. It enhances the basic traits that normal school leadership roles have taught me – like talking and meeting new people, engaging in group discussions, and committing to making a positive impact,” said Lachlan.

“I have enjoyed being able to voice my opinions during discussions, and having the opportunity to chair the meetings sometimes,” Macey added.

“I’ve enjoyed working with my school mentor and meeting my fellow change agent council members,” said Damon.

“Amazing, it’s such incredible experience to learn in such a great space, although some instructions are unclear. For example for the Bishop Mandate is the number on the page the page number or chapter number,” said Jorja.

“Exciting. This experience has been interactive, enabling me to learn more about Catholic Education WA as the experience goes on. I feel it has been really beneficial for me, as I get to meet new people and learn what other activities Catholic schools around WA are participating in,” said Josie.

“This has been an eye-opening experience. I have learnt a lot about what goes on behind the scenes at CEWA and been able to interact with other like-minded students and I look forward to the rest of the program!” said Samara.