The Importance of Student Voice

Written by Sarah-Elizabeth Sahle
Edited by Noor Khan
Cover Image by Nancy Cao

It can be frustrating, and confidence-draining, when you feel like your voice is not being heard. It makes you feel as if others don’t value your opinion. This is not how Havergal wants students to feel. For students that are struggling with finding their place, or feel like they don’t fit in, knowing that their voice is being heard can help them to see that they’re not alone. As you can see, connecting with your school is a great way to help students feel comfortable expressing themselves, and teach them to stand up for their ideas and opinions. 

Havergal College is a large school with an equally large and important student voice. The school, along with its students, have taken the initiative to listen to student voices. An example of this was during the recent ‘Chomp Chat’ event. During this event, teachers and staff listened to students who raised questions and feedback about various topics concerning students including student life, wellbeing, athletics, and more! The school has taken many steps towards being open and active in creating an environment where students can feel safe and confident in! The school is here to listen, embrace all students and help them feel comfortable in discussing their thoughts and developing their skills. 

Every single student has the ability to make a change, and it all starts in the place they spend most of their day, at school. Havergal College promotes student voice through many opportunities to “help guide young women to make a difference”, our school motto.

Even if you’re not a student at Havergal, or a girl, or both, this is something you can try in your own life. If you are in a leadership role and make decisions that affect others, think about what impact you can bring to the student body. This can have a great impact on your own confidence and level of self-acceptance, which is a great start to anyone who is still finding their place!

Encourage students to speak out and be who they are, and create a student voice that is open and accepted. It will help you connect to the student's voice, and help you to be more comfortable about being yourself.

We need to help students to make a difference.
A student's voice is also important because it helps them learn how to interact with others and have a voice in what goes on around them. The students here at Havergal College learn about building relationships with others, they learn how to put themselves out there, and it is expected of them to speak up and take their place in what they are passionate about.

Students learn how to speak to others, ask questions, share ideas, and take an active role in what goes on around them. Being willing to ask and express their opinions is a skill that is taught here at Havergal.

It’s normal to have doubts and challenges, and part of taking on new challenges is having a sense of confidence in yourself and your abilities. This confidence is to be encouraged at all times and is needed to achieve these great things. Having your voice heard and taking part in what goes on around you is such a great way to boost confidence, and gain new skills. Inspiring the difference can encourage us to be the change we want to see. 

Havergal has also done very well compared to other schools by encouraging students to engage in the go-ons at their school as that is one of the aspects of the school that I think is unique to others.