Student Panel Insights to Start the New School Year 

The final day of teacher orientation and school year preparations ended with one of the most anticipated events of these preparations — the annual Student Panel. Through this unique event, our faculty learns directly from the students they’ll be guiding this year.

Led by Head of School Dr. Catriona Moran, the Student Panel gathers students from all divisions to share their experiences, dreams, and feedback. This gives our faculty a peek into what our students think about learning styles, impactful classroom moments, and ideas for creating better learning environments at SSIS.

“Great teachers not only excel in delivering content but also create a nurturing environment where students feel seen, heard, valued, and inspired to achieve their best. The Student Panel is one of the ways we promote student voice and is a testament to our commitment to continually improving the learning experience for our students,” shared Dr. Moran.

Impactful Experiences

Questions such as “What has been your best memory at SSIS so far?” and “Can you share an experience where a teacher or staff member positively impacted your well-being or academic performance?” reveal insights beyond grades and assessments.

Grade 12 student Luke shared how he completely changed his mindset about math when his teacher helped him appreciate the beauty of the subject. “I had a teacher who showed me that math is beautiful. That really resonated with me and helped me take a liking to the subject and really immerse myself. I could feel his passion when he was teaching,” he shared with the audience. 

Students' responses to inquiries such as “What aspects of the school community make you feel most connected and supported?” and “What programs and opportunities do you hope we will offer in the future at SSIS?” also shed light on how teachers can enhance the learning environment and foster a stronger sense of community. Several students spoke about the incredible support they feel from all of the teachers at SSIS.

A Fresh Perspective for Teachers

The students’ reflections offer teachers a refreshing perspective. New Grade 1 teacher Gerhard Pretorius captured this perfectly: "This was my first time experiencing a student panel at the start of a new school year. It gave me great insight into our students and what they value when it comes to learning and building community. I was really impressed with how articulate they all were, especially on the topics of assessment feedback and well-being. It truly shows how much the school values student agency and independence." His response highlights the profound impact of hearing directly from students.

Looking Ahead

We are deeply appreciative of our student panelists whose insights have provided invaluable guidance for the upcoming school year. Their contributions will help shape an educational environment that is not only academically challenging but also supportive and responsive to every student's needs.

As we embark on another year of teaching, we carry with us the perspectives shared by our students, aiming to create a community where every individual feels connected, valued, and inspired.