Student Voice

Student voice is at the heart of Manly Vale Public School. We believe children feel more connected, confident and empowered when they know their ideas matter. Across the school, students are given meaningful opportunities to contribute, lead and shape their school experience. From decision-making and community projects to peer support and leadership roles. When children feel heard, they thrive.

School Leaders

Our school leaders are role models who represent the spirit of Manly Vale with kindness, responsibility and pride. These students support whole-school events, welcome visitors, help run assemblies and work closely with staff to lead positive initiatives. They inspire younger students, strengthen our sense of community and show that leadership is about service, teamwork and courage.

Student Representative Council (SRC)

The Student Representative Council at Manly Vale Public School gives students a genuine voice in shaping their school. Each year, every class elects two representatives, ensuring all students have the opportunity to participate across their time at MVPS. Year 6 school leaders guide the SRC, while the rest of Year 6 takes on the role of Class Managers, supporting communication between the council, teachers and students.

The SRC meets every three weeks in the school hall. At each meeting, three classes are invited to present ideas or suggestions for improving school life. After listening to the proposals, SRC members vote on each idea before it is passed on to the executive team for final consideration. This process teaches students how to participate in democratic decision-making and shows them that their ideas truly matter.

Over the years, student-led initiatives have made a real difference to daily life at MVPS. Successful suggestions have included:

• installing mesh under balustrades to save runaway handballs
• introducing the “Take 3 for the Sea” sustainability initiative
• roaming play on Fridays
• mufti days for charity, and
• even trialing a slushie machine for the canteen.

The SRC helps students feel heard, empowered and connected to their school community, building leadership, responsibility and pride in making our school an even better place for everyone.

Peer Support

Peer Support is one of the most loved parts of school life at Manly Vale, bringing students from Kindergarten to Year 6 together in small, connected groups that build confidence, friendships and belonging. Our students are divided into approximately 30 cross-age groups, each with around 10 students and led by trained Year 6 Peer Support Leaders. Before the program begins, our Year 6 cohort completes dedicated leadership training, and they continue to meet weekly to prepare for each session. This helps them develop the skills they need to guide younger students with empathy, confidence and care.

Each week across two terms, Peer Support groups meet to work through fun, meaningful activities that promote resilience, teamwork and positive relationships. The program helps younger students feel known and supported, and it gives older students a chance to shine as role models and leaders. The relationships formed go far beyond the sessions. Peer Support Leaders and group members look out for each other in the playground, offer help when needed, and build a warm sense of connection across the whole school. It’s a program that strengthens our community and one our students look forward to every year.

Buddy Classes

Buddy Classes are a cherished part of school life at Manly Vale Public School. Each class is paired with an older or younger buddy class for the full year, creating strong cross-age friendships and a sense of belonging across the school. Our Year 6 students proudly support Kindergarten as they begin their first year of school, helping them feel safe, confident and cared for. Year 5 buddy up with Year 1, and the pattern continues throughout the school so that every child has an older peer to guide them and a younger friend to look out for.

Buddies enjoy spending time together during planned, structured class activities, special projects and our much-loved Roaming Lunchtimes, where they often seek each other out on the playground. These relationships last well beyond the year. Students frequently talk about their buddies with affection and pride. It’s a program that strengthens confidence, builds leadership and nurtures a warm, connected school culture.

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