Yeronga State High School
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159 Villa Street
Yeronga QLD 4104
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Email: office@yerongashs.eq.edu.au
Phone: 07 3249 1400

News From Middle School: Student Voice and Attendance

Holly Haswell-Smith

Term 3 is in full swing, and our Year 9 and 10 students are showing us every day that leadership and learning don’t just happen in the classroom — they happen in how we show up, speak up, and back each other.

Student Voice in Action

Student voice is alive and well. Whether it’s analysing the Belonging & Connection survey data, planning this term’s Yeronga Student identity activity, or shaping our code of conduct, students aren’t just being asked for feedback — they’re leading.

They’re setting the direction for our Horizons Women’s Hub too, and showing us that when we make space, they’ll fill it with purpose, creativity, and care. This isn’t just participation — it’s leadership.

Together for Humanity - Youth Summit

On Thursday 28th August, a group of Yeronga studdents took part in the Together For Humanity Youth Summit at the QLD Parliament House Brisbane. The Summit, created by Together For Humanity and supported by the Federal Department of Education, was a platform for students to voice their ideas around intercultural diversity, inclusion and community cohesion to fellow participants, politicians, and leaders. The students prepared a presentation around the theme, 'Bridging to the future: Navigating identity and Differences Together', selecting the topic of Student Voice.

There were 14 schools in attendance from Queensland & Northern Territory, with a diverse range of topics that showed what was close to the hearts of the students and their communities. Seeing the students confidently present and share their ideas on complex social issues was really inspiring!

Students were welcomed to Yuggera country by Derek Oram-Sandy, and also heard from John-Paul Langbroek, QLD Minister for Education and the Arts, and Jason Clare MP, Federal Minister for Education.

They displayed teamwork, leadership and dedication during the preparation of the presentation prior to the Summit day. We hope the Summit is a catalyst for action out in the world.

Alna George's Experience at the Together for Harmony Youth Summit

"Some others and I were lucky enough to attend the 2025 Youth Summit – Together for Humanity, an event where select schools from QLD and the NT were invited to the Queensland Parliament House to share our responses to the topic “Bridging to the future: Navigating identity and differences together”. Our school spoke about this theme through the lens of student voice, and how our school encourages people to share their experiences through various summits, SRC meetings, and Yeronga Celebrates. We then heard from other schools their ways of addressing diversity, and discussed with them and parliament members our ideas.

A personal highlight of this event was meeting so many students who shared similar backgrounds and experiences to me and discussing how to educate and encourage students to participate in school events. I can’t express how proud we were to represent the school at parliament."

Pride in the Everyday

Lately we’ve been talking about the quiet ways we show leadership — things like wearing the full uniform, greeting others by name, or inviting someone in.

These might seem small, but they go a long way in helping others feel safe and seen. So our focus right now is simple: Show pride. Help others belong.

Leaders wear their full uniform with pride — especially on stage, at events, and in the classroom. It’s not about perfection; it’s about consistency and connection.

Engagement Means Showing Up

Attendance is still a big focus for both Year Levels. We’re continuing to push the message:

"Every student matters – your presence helps others feel connected too."

Our attendance prize wheel on assembly is celebrating the journey, but this is about more than numbers — it’s about trust, routine, and showing students they matter. If someone’s slipping, we take a one step at a time approach, with Learner Agency Mentors and GOs ready to walk beside them.

Women’s Hub: Leading with Purpose

The buzz is building for our next Horizons Women’s Hub breakfast featuring Anisa Nandaula as keynote speaker. We are getting excited to share the full details with you including working with Mu’ooz for catering.

Some recent student comments:

“When I wear the full uniform, it shows I belong here.”
“Coming to school helps my friends feel more confident too.”
“Being part of Women’s Hub made me realise I have something to say.”

Let’s keep showing up — for ourselves, and for each other.

Holly Haswell-Smith - Head of Department: Middle School
Email: hhasw1@eq.edu.au