See me before you teach me

Last year, we travelled to Sydney to join a student panel at the 2025 HICES Conference. The theme, Future Trailblazers: Evolving Education, Transforming Societies, brought together educational leaders from across New South Wales. 

We were two of four students invited to share our perspective with more than 200 principals from independent schools – a pretty exciting opportunity to have our voices heard!

One key message we shared was that school should prepare us for more than the HSC. The world is changing so fast that much of today’s content may be irrelevant by the time we graduate. What will always matter are the skills we develop along the way - problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. 

That’s why the International Baccalaureate feels so valuable at HVGS. It focuses on skills and dispositions that remain essential, no matter how the world evolves.

We also spoke about student agency and why it’s vital for students to feel ownership of their learning. When we’re engaged and see purpose in our work, outcomes are stronger and more meaningful.

Chelsea shared how her CAFS teacher, Ms O’Brien, inspired the phrase “See Me Before You Teach Me.” She takes time to understand her students as individuals, and that personal connection makes all the difference. For us, it’s a reminder that education is most powerful when relationships and student voice are at the centre.