From Our Head of Secondary School

Sustainability and Student Leadership at Investigator College

Wednesday, 14 August 2024
One of Investigator College’s five values is Sustainability. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful area like the Fleurieu and of course take enormous pride in our College-wide commitment to sustainability.
Jodie O'Donnell

Jodie O'Donnell

Head of Secondary School

Our conservation and care for the environment and our Currency Creek Eco Centre provides an immersive natural environment for our students across all year levels. From facilitating Certificate-level qualifications in Horticulture, Conservation and Ecosystem Management for our Senior Years students, to offering our Early Years learners the opportunity to gain their first experience with Environmental Science, Currency Creek is an invaluable setting for real-world teaching and learning.

Only last week, we were so proud to host the now annual, Sustainable Futures event at our Currency Creek site. This event showcased not only our magnificent site, but also some incredible guests and activities. This entire event was organised and ran by our student leaders Mathew Boyd, Chloe McPherson, Django Westmoreland and Emma Paxton and of course, the magnificent Natalie Gilbert. Anglican schools from around the state attended and every year it continues to grow. See more here.

Student leadership in schools plays a crucial role in fostering a positive school environment and developing essential life skills. As mentioned above, our student leaders organised and hosted Sustainable Futures, but in the lead up, they also promoted to the school community and facilitated a full Year 7-12 assembly. When teenagers are stepping up in this capacity, we know our future is in very safe hands.

We will continue to promote and support our student leaders as we know this is so important for life beyond school. Some of the lifelong skills they develop include:

  • Communication: Student leaders learn to articulate ideas and listen to others’ perspectives.
  • Teamwork: Working with peers to achieve common goals fosters collaboration.
  • Problem-Solving: Leaders are often tasked with resolving conflicts or overcoming challenges.
  • Time Management: Balancing leadership roles with academic responsibilities teaches prioritisation.

In Week 5, we continued to encourage our young leaders by accompanying them to the  Inter Anglican Schools Networking and Leadership Workshop, hosted at Walford Anglican school for girls.

This fantastic networking opportunity will further enhance their leadership skills and allow them to further grow outside of their normal school environment.

We have so much to look forward to in the coming weeks. Book week is happening next week and the secondary school students are so excited to be joining the junior school for this wonderful celebration of reading and fun.

We continue to appreciate the support of our community. Investigator College truly is a wonderful place to work and learn.

Jodie O'Donnell
Head of Secondary School
jodonnell@investigator.sa.edu.au

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