Public school students across northern Sydney are taking an active role in shaping the future of education through the newly established Metropolitan North District Representative Council.
Spanning suburbs from the Northern Beaches to the Nepean River, the council gives students from primary and secondary schools the opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and influence educational priorities at both district and state levels.
Executive Director for Metropolitan North, Cathy Brennan, said the initiative ensures students’ perspectives are not only heard but acted upon.
“The council will amplify voices from every school network in the directorate, helping identify shared challenges and guiding meaningful change at a state level,” Ms Brennan said. “Their role is to connect the dots to take what’s happening in schools, identify priorities, and bring them forward to DOVES, the Minister’s Student Council.”
Student representatives have already made an impact, participating in the Metropolitan North Principals Conference to share insights with more than 240 principals. Discussion focused on how students can be recognised and supported as individuals in their learning and wellbeing.
Year 10 student Sam McQuillan from Cherrybrook Technology High School said authentic student input is essential.
“You need the student’s opinion and voice as part of change otherwise decisions can lean too much toward an adult view that doesn’t reflect what works best for us,” he said.
Fellow member Isaac Pudney, from Northern Beaches Secondary College Cromer Campus, added:
“It’s about closing the loop making sure students are involved in every step and informed about the outcomes of these discussions.”
The council’s first focus areas include responsible use of AI in education and making the most of the NSW Public Schools Student Survey, particularly to address issues like racism and inclusion.
The Metropolitan North District Representative Council now represents schools across Cambridge Park, Carlingford, Gordon, Hornsby, North Sydney, Pittwater, Ryde, The Hills, and surrounding regions ensuring student voices grow stronger at every level of public education.