Positive Contributions

March 23, 2022
Eliza Mack

‘It gives me great pleasure to invite you to become a member of the Ministerial Student Advisory Council’  Grace Grace MP.


And with that sentence, Lizzie McCollum was chosen as one of only 16 students in Queensland to form the Minister of Education’s Student Advisory Council.

‘I thought it was worth submitting my resume, but I definitely did not expect to be chosen!’ Lizzie says. 


‘I am passionate about raising awareness of students’ needs, and I see joining the Education Advisory Council as a great way to make a positive contribution to improving the educational services for all schools in our region.’


The Council, which meets twice a year, tackles a broad range of issues facing students, such as respectful relationships, age- appropriate matters of consent, wellbeing and cyber bullying.


‘The meetings I attend will give feedback and ideas to help inform future Government policy and program development,’Lizzie says.


‘I think it will be a really interesting process, and to get an insight into how our education is monitored and run at a governmental level will be fascinating. I also hope I can influence positively and provide useful feedback to help improve education - even if it is in a small way.’


Lizzie, who started at Fairholme in Year 7 and cites Science and Design as her favourite subjects, recognises COVID-19, mental health and cyberbullying as the three major issues facing students in 2022.


‘I feel I have a great perspective of education from attending both public and private schools. I think it has exposed me topeople from varying parts of the community and given me a deeper understanding of how fortunate I have been with the opportunities I have with my own education,’ Lizzie says.


‘It is important that these opportunities are extended to all students in our region. I am always grateful for how many opportunities Fairholme has provided me with.’


But if there was one person who particularly inspires her, Lizzie says it’s Head of Middle School, Ms Ross.


‘She is so calm and happy all the time - even though she deals with Middle School girls all day! She always sees the good in people. And I like that.’



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