Brittney Francis

As Head of Year 10, I play a pivotal role in supporting student welfare and engagement at Wavell State High School. I lead a team of 14 teachers, and support staff to improve student outcomes and create a positive, inclusive, and engaging school culture. This role requires a strong commitment to student welfare, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for enhancing the overall educational experience for the 277 students I support.

Key responsibilities and outcomes under my leadership include:

- Lead and Support Teacher Teams: Manage and lead a team of 14 teachers and support staff, providing guidance and support to enhance their effectiveness in promoting student welfare and engagement.

- Case Management: Identify and assess the individual needs of students, particularly those facing challenges, and develop personalised support plans to address their unique requirements. This includes adjustments to timetables, connecting with internal external support services, finding alternative pathways.

- Wellbeing Programs: Develop and implement a range of innovative and effective well-being programs that promote mental and physical health, resilience, and personal development among students and staff. Programs include, Workout Warriors, Mindful Mondays, Motivational Monday’s, Week 8 is Great, Daily Habits Tracker focusing on sleep, nutrition, movement & GEM.

- Community Service and Partnerships: Establish and maintain partnerships with community organisations and businesses to create opportunities for students to engage in meaningful community service projects and experiential the learning. Organisations include; Rosies Friends on the Street and Hummingbird House.

- Collaboration: Collaborate closely with teaching staff, parents, and external professionals to ensure a targeted and coordinated approach to student support and success.

- Promote School Values: Act as an ambassador for the school's core values of Inclusion, Integrity and Innovation; promoting them through various platforms and activities within the school community.

This position is designed to empower and nurture student leadership within our school community. Student leaders play a crucial role in creating school culture and enhancing school belonging. Within my role, I collaborate closely with both staff and students to support and achieve student leaders with their goals and promote continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities and outcomes:

- Inspire Student Leadership and Innovation: Develop and implement programs and initiatives that encourage students to take on leadership roles and think innovatively.

- Develop a Sense of Community and Belonging: Foster a welcoming and inclusive school environment where all students feel a strong sense of community and belonging.

- Empower Students to Lead: Provide training, mentorship, and resources to empower students to lead and take initiative in various aspects of school life.

- Cultivate Culture: Promote the development of qualities such as courage, empathy, and resilience among students to create a compassionate and supportive school community. Work collaboratively with staff and students to identify and address areas where school culture can be enhanced, ensuring a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

- Enhance School Belonging: Implement strategies to improve school belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection among students.

- Collaborate with Staff and Students: Build strong working relationships with both staff and students, encouraging open communication and collaboration to achieve shared goals.

- Networking: Establish connections and relationships with schools and educational institutions to share best practices and stay updated on the latest trends in student leadership and school culture improvement.

In this role I specialise in Health and Physical Education and Social Science in years 7-12. I have subject coordinated Senior Health, Year 10 HPE and Year 8 HPE. Planning, preparing and delivering engaging and effective lessons that align with QCAA and ACARA standards.

Responsibilities include:

- Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes student learning and well-being.

- Use innovative teaching strategies and resources to meet the diverse needs of students.

- Assess and provide constructive feedback on student performance to support their development.

- Collaborate with colleagues to develop curriculum materials, assessment tools, and teaching resources and share best practice to promote a culture of continuous improvement.

- Maintain open and effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues regarding curriculum, student progress, and other relevant matters.

- Participate in parent-teacher conferences and school events as required.

As the Sports Coordinator at Wavell SHS I was responsible for coordinating and organising all aspects of the school's interschool and external sports programs (excluding specialised sports programs). This includes overseeing the selection of sports, conducting trials, leading a team of teachers, and managing sports events such as school and district carnivals and weekly sports fixtures.