Celebrating the Gowrie NSW Leaders Initiative at Erskineville OSHC

By Joel Appleyard, Program Manager, Erskineville OSHC

Strengthening Connections with the School Community

At Gowrie NSW Erskineville OSHC, we are committed to continuously reflecting critically on our practice and finding ways to deepen our connections with the school community. This year, I partnered with our school principal to create the Gowrie Leaders role – an initiative born out of a collaborative effort to enhance the leadership opportunities for Year 6 students attending OSHC and to further integrate our program into the school’s leadership structure.

Introducing Our First Gowrie NSW Leaders

After thoughtful discussions, Jack and Molly, two students who had not yet taken on leadership roles within the school, were selected as our first Gowrie Leaders. With their official Gowrie Leader badges, designed to mirror those worn by our educators, they began representing OSHC by delivering important messages at school assemblies, sharing updates, and handing out awards. This initiative not only highlights the empowerment of children through leadership opportunities (NQS 6.1.1) but also reflects our ongoing commitment to meaningful engagement with the school and broader community.

Embedding Leadership into School Culture

What has stood out most is how this role has been embedded within the school’s culture. The children’s voices, agency, and leadership are woven into the fabric of both OSHC and school life, creating a seamless connection that enhances the learning experience for all students. The decision to have Jack and Molly take on this responsibility exemplifies how child-led engagement can shape school culture, allowing the messages shared at OSHC to resonate more deeply with their peers (NQS 6.2.3). When children hear from children, the message carries extra weight, and we’ve seen that first-hand in the positive response from the wider school community.

A Lasting Initiative for Future Leaders

This initiative is not just a one-off project; it will be officially embedded into the school’s leadership program moving forward, with Year 6 students voting for their Gowrie Leaders just as they would for other leadership roles like House Captains. By doing so, OSHC is not only seen as a crucial part of the school community, but we also ensure continuity of learning between school and after-school care. This continued partnership reinforces the value of shared learning across both environments, making for a more cohesive experience for the children.

Recognising Our Gowrie NSW Leaders

A special thank you to Jack and Molly for being such remarkable ambassadors for OSHC and embodying leadership with heart and dedication. We look forward to seeing how this initiative continues to grow and how our children will continue to take on meaningful leadership roles within the school community.