TSS Junior Councillors are Learning to Lead This year, The Southport School has five representatives on the Gold Coast City Council Junior Council learning what Head of Humanities it takes to become tomorrow’s leaders. They are Year 11 student Harrison Cush and Year 10 students Cameron Sheldon, Lucas Jones, Michiatsu Masuda and Dragomir Petrovic-Djordjevski. The Junior Council has been operating since 1993, and in conjunction with the Ashmore Rotary Club, the Gold Coast City Council has developed a highly successful youth program for civic-minded emerging leaders from Years 10 and 11 across 20 Gold Coast schools. The program has four stated aims: Citizenship Providing students with a better understanding of the role and functions of local government, the Gold Coast community and local issues. Participation Real opportunities for youth to have a voice. Students raise issues, exchange ideas, discuss community issues and input into Council planning, programs and services. They grow in confidence, and develop communication, consultation, leadership and program-development skills. Consultation Opportunities for young people to be involved in decisionmaking processes. Community Students also develop a sense of community connectedness through active participation in Gold Coast community life and meeting like-minded people. Many of the boys and girls who participate in Junior Council are likely candidates in Year 12 for roles such as Prefects and House Captains, and it is a positive experience for our boys to meet fellow emerging leaders across the Coast.
Robert Ritchie
Junior Council is a two-year student program. Boys can join in Year 10, and then seek an Executive role in Year 11. Students attend five Junior Council meetings per year. The program is dynamic and varied, including a range of guest speakers on themes such as multiculturalism and the environment. In addition to the scheduled Junior Council meetings, students are invited to become involved in a range of community activities and events. Students may be required to attend additional meetings as part of their involvement within their particular committee or working groups, such as the Youth Achievement Awards events committee. The Southport School extends it sincere thanks to Elizabeth Hermanoczki, Donna Matulis and Lauren Woodhouse who coordinate the program at GCCC and are constantly encouraging of our boys. Any Junior boys who are interested in becoming part of this program in future years are invited to speak to Mr Ritchie, the TSS Coordinator, or seek more information at juniorcouncil@goldcoast.qld. gov.au. TSS looks forward to finding its next GCCC Junior Mayor!
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