Australian Christian College principal Kevin Sourgen and student Harvey Zeglin took part in the ‘Shadow a Student’ program. Photo: Supplied.
Australian Christian College principal Kevin Sourgen swapped the principal’s office for a Prep classroom last Tuesday to step into the shoes of the school’s Prep students.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Taking part in the global ‘Shadow a Student’ initiative, Mr Sourgen spent a full school day following young Harvey Zeglin.
Mr Sourgen said it was an opportunity to see school life from a student’s perspective.
“It was a great opportunity to really just see the youngest in our school five weeks into the year and just to experience a full day for them,” he said.
“Our vision here is for students to be well known, well loved and well taught and so, what better way of ensuring that and showing them that we genuinely care than by stepping down and walking a day in their shoes.”
The day started at 8am for Mr Sourgen and Harvey. Photo: Supplied.
The day kicked off at 8am with Mr Sourgen meeting Harvey at his bus stop so they could travel to school together.
From the first class to the last, he shadowed Harvey, joining in reading sessions and hands-on activities.
Mr Sourgen enjoyed lunch with Harvey and his peers. Photo: Supplied.
At lunch and recess, he sat among the Prep students to enjoy lunch and play on the playground together.
At the end of the day, Mr Sourgen hopped back on the bus with Harvey to finish the day where they began.
Mr Sourgen sat in on every class with Harvey and the other Preps. Photo: Supplied.
Mr Sourgen said the experience was valuable in understanding how effective the school’s routines and structures were.
“There are so many benefits to what we’re doing here and to see that in practice and to really witness first-hand how these five-year-olds are coping with that day — it’s phenomenal,” he said.
“There’s definitely some minor tweaks and changes that we can implement that will continue to benefit our students, because that’s what it’s all about.”
Following the success of the initiative, Mr Sourgen hopes to continue the program in the future, by shadowing students from other year groups and extending the opportunity to other teachers.
31°C