A Umina student has been asked to sit on a NSW ministerial student council steering committee to help provide input into government education policy.
Charli Grant, from Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina Campus, was asked by Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell, to join the board earlier this month.
Now as a representative of almost one million public school students, Charli’s role will be to discuss school policies with the education department in an effort to improve student wellbeing.
Charli said she was really looking forward to joining the committee of twelve when it launches in February next year.
“I’m nervous – I know we as students are at the same level, and the scary bit is trying to get your opinion across,” Charli said.
The year nine student said she was hoping to bolster support from the committee for equal and fair access to technology for all NSW students.
“More than half of my school population had no access to technology at home so students could not access Zoom lessons and meetings, or email their teachers if they had any issue,” Charli said.
Charli’s skills and experience in leadership include representation as School Captain in primary school and current Vice Captain at Umina Campus as well as leader in the student representative council.
Principal of Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina, Kerrie O’Heir, said it was an honour for the college to have a student selected for the committee and Charli was a deserving recipient of it.
“I think Charli’s passion for equity and authentic representation of our school and community have been justifiably recognised by the Minister,” she said.
“I think it is essential that authentic student voices are heard, and the steering committee is a wonderful vehicle to share those voices.
“Our collective future is in very good hands when young people of the calibre of Charli Grant take the reins of leadership.”
Maisy Rae