Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) inaugural Student Voice Showcase (23 October) brought together passionate students and dedicated staff from schools across BCE to celebrate, connect, and inspire. The event spotlighted the winners of the Student Voice Challenge, whose projects exemplify the power of student-led change and meaningful partnership with educators:
Emmaus College, Jimboomba – P–12 category winner
St Andrew’s Catholic School, Ferny Grove – Primary category winner
Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs – Secondary category winner
From mental health advocacy to social justice initiatives, these champions demonstrated how staff and student partnerships can uplift entire communities. Year 6 student Quinn from St Andrew’s Primary School shared, “the showcase was an opportunity for me to inspire other schools to promote mental health initiatives”. “Lots of people my age have mental health challenges,” she said. “It’s important we’re supported to share our ideas on issues that impact us.” The Showcase wasn’t just a celebration - it was a collaborative learning space. Students and staff exchanged ideas, explored new approaches, and built connections to strengthen student voice across BCE. Whether schools are just beginning their journey or already leading the way, the Showcase offered a moment to reflect, recharge, and commit to strengthening student and staff partnerships in their schools. Caitlan Christie, BCE’s Student Voice Advisor, said, “the students’ ability to identify and respond to issues that matter to them is inspiring”. “BCE schools are doing amazing work partnering with students to make our schools truly one of a kind,” she said. “Thank you to the schools, students and staff, who submitted an entry into the Student Voice Challenge, and who were able to attend on the Showcase Day. “Keep an eye out on Spire to check out all of the fabulous entries into the Student Voice Challenge!” Student Voice Lead Nadia Van Elswyk said, “the showcase was an opportunity to reflect on student voice in everyday school life and for students and staff to be inspired by each other and swap ideas”. “Now schools can take back and implement these ideas in their own school settings,” she said. “Whether they’re just beginning on their Student Voice journey, or already leading the way, the showcase was a moment to learn, connect and celebrate together.” For more information about Student Voice, the impacts, and how your school can get involved, click here. 
Emmaus College, Jimboomba – P–12 category winner. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2025).
Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs – Secondary category winner. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2025).St Andrew’s Catholic School, Ferny Grove – Primary category winner. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2025).