Information for Current Students

Student Leadership

High School Leadership

All students at IGS are encouraged to understand that the best form of leadership comes from within the group and is not imposed upon them.

Team building is an important aspect of leadership preparation.

Leadership at school level is an understanding of service to others. Leadership activities are such that students are encouraged to think of their social responsibility both within and outside the school community. To support students in this there are many activities that move students toward leadership across the years.

The tutorial system is vertical allowing for senior students to mentor the junior students in the group. Year 9 students also mentor Year 4 as part of their curriculum. Links are also made with specific senior students and junior students for extra support - Big Sister, Big Brother style.

Year 11 are given responsibility in the House system and in House assemblies and attend a Leadership Development Day mid year. The aim is that all Year 11 have the opportunity to have some form of Leadership within the House structure to prepare them for the chance of School Leadership in Year 12.

Any Year 11 can also choose to attend a weekend Leadership camp. All Year 10 students train to be Peer Support leaders to the incoming Year 7 of the following year. As Year 11 students they work with the heads of House on this program.

At the end of Term 3, a number of Year 11 students are voted in as School Leaders.

Positions are to lead the Houses, Art, Music, Language, Sport, Community Service and co-curricular activities. The leaders are expected to liaise with the staff member responsible in the school for these activities and encourage other students to take part in activities that are structured for this.

As new leaders they are encouraged to maintain the support of their year group as they decide on their goals for the year. There is a follow up day early in February leading on from the Development Day held the year before to support this idea. Leaders attend other school functions and forums and attend official functions on behalf of the school.

Leaders meet each week with the Director of Welfare to work on skills and activities to support them in their role and to encourage them to improve their public speaking, take responsibility for their actions, gain confidence to create opportunities, think team work and lead by example.

Leaders are encouraged to show empathy to their peers, courtesy, respect and self-discipline.

Primary School

The following is an outline of the support for Primary School students and the framework in place so that staff, parents and the students themselves can access the support they need. In order to be able to work to their full capacity, students need to know the avenues of support that are available to them.

The Home Class teacher is the primary carer for the students in his or her class and should be the first person with whom matters relating to children should be referred. In certain instances, it may be necessary for Home Class teachers to receive the assistance or advice of the Head of Student Care in the Primary School.

The Head of Student Care in the Primary School may deal with any matter or refer it immediately to the counsellor. Matters requiring support may also be referred the Head of the Primary School, Deputy Principal or Principal.

Primary School Leadership

Student leadership provides opportunities to develop the capacity to lead and serve others in a responsible manner. Student leadership activities link strongly with learning about citizenship and the democratic process. They can assist students to learn about, and exercise, the rights and responsibilities of participating in a community that values social justice. IGS promotes processes and structures for student representation and the incorporation of students' views into decision-making and the life of the school.

The development of student leadership skills involves opportunities that encourage students to:

• Act responsibly, with integrity and honesty;
• Foster a sense of vision and purpose;
• Work with others to achieve collective goals;
• Take on appropriate, shared responsibilities and use decision-making skills;
• Be active, reflective listeners who respond effectively;
• Learn that respect of others comes from one's own actions.

In 2006 the Primary leadership roles at IGS will include:

• Primary Leaders -1 boy and 1 girl;
• Baado, Gura and Kuyal House Leaders - 1 boy and 1 girl for each House;
• Language Leaders - 1 boy and 1 girl;
• Sport Leaders - 1 boy and 1 girl;
• Music Leaders - 1 boy and 1 girl;
• Community Service Leaders - 1 boy and 1 girl.

Student Representative Council - Primary

Every student has the opportunity to nominate for selection as a class (SRC) representative. Democratic class elections held twice a year will determine who the class representative will be for that semester. Each class may select two representatives each semester.