A focus of the Rise Up program is to improve student engagement by improving individual student attendance, academic achievement, taking on a leadership role, mentoring others, meeting a set goal, or community engagement across Hedland and Newman.
During term two Jacqueline McGowan-Jones Commissioner for Children and Young People Western Australia visited the Rise Up space at Hedland Senior High School as part of her Listening Tour. The Commissioner is an independent person who works closely with children and young people, their families, community, and government to improve their wellbeing and make Western Australia a better place. The Commissioner’s Listening Tour aims to ask our young people:
• What support services can young people access for emotional wellbeing?
• How are these services helpful or unhelpful, and how can they be better?
• What helps children and young people feel safe?
• What helps you feel like you belong?
The students from Rise Up met with the Commissioner and had their voices heard about how they are feeling and what can be done to support young people in the Pilbara. These conversations were both inspiring and potentially life changing for our students. The students demonstrated confidence, leadership and gave honest opinions about what it is like to be a young person in 2024.
“Yes, you are the leaders of the future however, you are the leaders of the now.” said Commissioner McGowan-Jones.
