St John’s College Inclusion and Diversity Program Leader, Teacher Amanda Tollner said ensuring First Nations voices were heard and valued was central to the success of the programs and mentoring opportunities. 

From didgeridoo sessions to weaving yarning circles, together with First Nations students, Amanda has implemented initiatives that are benefitting the whole school. 

“By listening to what our students need and understanding their culture and identity, I can give them care and support and meet them where they are at,” Amanda said. 

Amanda – who has built a wealth of knowledge over many years from listening to First Nations voice – said she was proud of her First Nations students who have had the courage to speak up and share their knowledge with other Indigenous students, and to the whole community. 

“It is inspiring seeing our First Nations students grow over their years at St John’s and also see their families join us on the journey,” she said.  

Year 12 student Jarlo first asked to run Didge Club when he was in Year 9, because he was keen to share his skills with younger Indigenous students. 

"When I look back on my time at St John’s, I can think of so many examples of us sharing our ideas and working with Ms Tollner to bring them to life,” Jarlo said.  

“All students deserve to have their say, and everyone has something they can share, otherwise we’re missing out on so many great ideas.” 

“It’s not just for Indigenous students, it’s for everyone to learn and experience our culture and that is really important for Reconciliation - it’s about sharing our Australian culture and that’s how we move forward.” 

Brisbane Catholic Education’s Education Officer - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement, Erin Dougherty said Amanda’s advocacy and allyship for the First Nations community extends beyond St John’s College to the wider BCE community. 

“Where historically First Nations people haven’t been given opportunities to share their voice, the work Amanda is doing is so important,” Erin said. 

“Amanda really understands how important it is to build relationships in First Nations culture to ensure the work she does, and the opportunities she provides, are truly what the families and students want and are appropriate.” 

Amanda recently organised a First Nations Cultural Day with 120 students from BCE schools across the Sunshine Coast coming together at Stella Maris School Maroochydore to learn and connect. 

“This cultural day was a great success and was developed in direct response to students telling us they wanted more opportunity to connect with culture, and connect with other First Nations students,” Erin said.   

St John's College Principal, Martin Moloney said the school worked in partnership with students to listen to their thoughts and ideas, so they feel valued and empowered on their educational journey.    

“Students know their world best and we encourage our students to be part of the decision-making processes for our school community and hope they leave St John’s College as active and informed community members,” Martin said. 

“We are really proud of our First Nations students and the way they authentically live and promote their culture within the school, and the way they share their voice with our community.” 

On Monday 21 October, Brisbane Catholic Education celebrates Student Voice Awareness Day, an opportunity to highlight student voice and ensure it remains embedded in everything we do.   

Student Voice is also at the centre of Standard 2 of the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards, which embeds the rights of children through empowerment and participation. It outlines the importance of providing students with information and opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their lives.​