NSW Education DOVES: Meet the kids changing classrooms for the better

A team of students from across the state is determined to change schools for the better. Meet the kids and see their plans here.

They are the future leaders, representing hundreds of thousands of their peers in an effort to tackle major issues in the classroom — meet the DOVES of the NSW Education Department.

The DOVES, also known as the Department of Student Voices in Education and Schools, is a team of student council representatives with a direct line to Education Minister Sarah Mitchell.

The team of 27 students work to provide advice and insight on education and school policy for more than 800,000 public school students across the state.

“Students are at the centre of everything we do in education, so it makes sense they have a seat at the table where decisions are being made,” Ms Mitchell said.

“The student council has provided us with advice and insights on the return to school road map following periods of learning from home due to COVID-19, as well as how to tackle issues like vaping and bullying in schools.”

MEET THE DOVES OF 2022

Tisha Bahri, Year 10

Wagga Wagga High School student, Tisha Bahri was inspired to join the DOVES council thanks to her passion to “improve the education system”.

“I knew that currently in my community, students were frustrated but they had no choice but to stay silent, knowing their voices had no way of being heard,” she said.

“When I saw the ad for the council, I instantly figured that this was the perfect way to help voice our opinions and concerns.

Tisha said she wanted to be the voice of her entire student body to the Education Department.

“I hope to see an idea for a proposal regarding mental health go-ahead and hope that it allows students to be able to receive the help they need,” she said. “I hope to leave behind a positive impact on the education system, and change it for the better good of future students.”

Gisele Bezbradica, Year 6

Pleasant Heights Public School student Gisele Bezbradica said her passion for student advocacy was her driving force to joining the DOVES council.

“I hope to achieve a brighter and more cooperative education system to help students with their wellbeing,” she said. I will bring to the table enthusiasm, a willingness to discuss and an eagerness to implement positive change as soon as possible.”

Ethan Hayes, Year 8

Year 8 student, Ethan Hayes of Kingscliff High School said the idea of joining a council that represents the voices of students and making schools a better place was his reason for joining.

“I am hoping to be part of an Education System that includes everyone regardless of their Ability or Disability,” he said.

“I hope to raise awareness to the current school Multi-Class sports classification system that currently excludes students with Autism from competing.

“I am also looking forward to working with other DOVES Members and listening to their ideas on how we can work together and make a ‘better’ school system that is ‘inclusive’ for all Students.”

Ethan said he was hopeful of raising awareness of Autism as part of his DOVES council membership.

Doug Kench, Year 7

Rose Bay Secondary College student Doug Kench said the fact that he could bring about change in classrooms across the state was his inspiration for joining DOVES.

“I could be the voice of action for many students,” he said. “It is my chance to raise issues that the school community has, and try my best to get them fixed and changed, because that will mean I make an impact.”

Doug said the overcrowding of schools across South Sydney was a major issue he hoped to raise, as well as call for more schools to be built across the region.

“I hope to be a voice of action for students, and someone that people come to tell their

issues related to schooling,” he said. “I hope to voice those issues to the council and then raise them and meetings, that way they can be solved and as a council we can make an impact.”

Ruby English, Year 8

Meanwhile, Merewether High School student Ruby English said despite the integral position students hold inside schools, their “voice is overlooked”.

“That’s what inspired me to get involved in this program, being able to speak up on these issues and actually be heard,” she said.

Ruby said she was determined to create a system where “no one’s quality of education depends on where they live, how they identify or who they are”.

“Where no one feels unsafe at school, or like they’re being discriminated against,” she added. “Schools that support the students, not just the grades.”

Khawlah Albaf, Year 11

Young High School student Khawlah Albaf said she was passionate about sharing the voices of student in her community and “making a difference at my school to better the education of my peers as well as myself”.

“I hope to make a school where the student voice is always heard,” she said.

“Schools (should) become a safe place for everyone.”

The Year 11 student said she was also determined to tackle teacher shortages so “everyone can receive a fair and quality education”.

“I believe that I am a good person who can share my own ideas as well as bring the voice of

others to the table when discussing issues as they do not only concern me or other members of the council but everyone in the public education of our state,” she said.

Daniel Mawbey, Year 10

A chance to prove himself to his peers was a key driver for Albion Park High School student Daniel Mawbey’s decision to join the council.

“It wasn’t until further down the track that I became more aware of the responsibility required of me and even more invested into the amazing opportunity,” he said. “Now that I recognise and respect the fortuity of my position that I am inspired by all the good I can do for those I seek to represent.”

Daniel said he hoped to support those who have had difficulties in the education system in an effort to turn it into something that provides all students with the support they need.

“I am a determined and assured advocate for instituting the most effective improvement upon

the status quo,” he said. “I am forthright, advantageously critical of myself, my own views and those presented to me, I seldom make a premature judgment so that when I do make a judgment it is informed, robust and worth my time and reputation to support or pursue.”

Phoebe Vimpany, Year 8

Glen Innes High School student Phoebe Vimpany said she was apprehensive to joining the DOVES council at first, but after research she decided to put her hand up for the role.

“I felt that DOVES would be a fantastic way of getting my voice and my peers’ voices heard,” she said.

“I wholeheartedly believe in striving and advocating for all people and hoped I would be able to do that justice through DOVES.

“When I first applied to DOVES my main purpose and passions lied in getting free menstrual products into all rest rooms across NSW — I was ecstatic when I found out that this initiative was already under way.

“Being able to give kids in regional and rural areas equality in opportunities is something I hope to be able to be of aid in.”

Hannah Ross, Year 7

Northern Beaches Secondary College student, Hannah Ross said she is determined to change the education system for the better.

The Year 7 student said joining DOVES was a great opportunity to work with Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and “share all my ideas to improve the NSW education system”.

“I hope to achieve by the end of my time on the council, improved equitability in our

education system,” she said. “As our climate gets worse, we need better action plans for bushfires, flooding and other disasters to make sure students from all areas of NSW are safe and will still have access to education. 

“Schools and teachers need to lead by example and be good role models for the environment.

“I believe I bring a unique perspective on education as I have experienced education in many countries and communities, so I know what’s really important in education and what could improve.”

Yousef Nabizadeh, Year 11

Arthur Phillip High School student Yousef Nabizadeh knows first hand the issues that face students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

They year 11 student is determined to change the education system in an effort to do more to support those who need it.

“As a student who comes from a disadvantaged background, I strongly believe in the value of education because for my older siblings and many peers who come from countries of conflict such as Afghanistan, education was not an option,” he said.

“With the familiarity of experiences which many of my peers and siblings have experienced

during their school life in NSW, it would allow me to have the opportunity of having a direct input and influence on education and school policies.”

As part of the DOVES Council, Yousef wants to empower the voice of students.

“I personally believe the three attributes that I possess that are the most valuable as a DOVES

representative is being able to communicate and collaborate effectively and efficiently with

other DOVES representatives,” he said.

Charli Grant, Year 11

Brisbane Water Secondary College student Charli Grant has seen the DOVES council develop from the ground up.

A member of the steering committee, Charli said she was inspired to advocate for the 823,000 student across the state.

“In 2022 I to hope strengthen and learn more leadership skills from being Chair, ”she said.

“Also becoming a Chair that is used as an example for many years to come. 

“I believe my experience from the past few years being on the council has allowed me very

beneficial insight into what works and what doesn’t.

“Meaning I can guide discussions in a productive and efficient way to ensure we have actions to follow it.”

Tavish Kelly, Year 7

Merewether High School student Tavish Kelly wants to support the students that just want a good education and “wanted to be happy at school”

“I hope, in my time on this council, to improve the school lives of all the disabled children in NSW public schools,” he said.

“I believe that as I have a disability and know other children with disabilities I can bring an insight into what disabled children need to achieve better in

school.

“Also living in a regional area with kids from disadvantaged backgrounds I know that

not every kid has the technology that is needed to keep up with work.”

Zuzanna Mrozewska, Year 10

Port Hacking High School Year 10 student, Zuzanna Mrozewska, said she wanted to advocate for change for “as long as I can remember”.

“When the opportunity presents itself to get involved in this program which would allow me to represent 823,000 students and share our voice, I knew I wanted to join,” she said.

“I had a lot of ideas going into DOVES, and it would be impossible to achieve all of them. A few of my main ideas include; making exams open book, increasing language requirements and curriculum, making education more inclusive to LGBTQ+ students and teachers.”

Zuzanna said her exposure to three different education systems while living abroad would provide the DOVES with a unique viewpoint on issues that matter.

Kathalka Whyman, Year 8

Wilcannia Central School student Kathalka Whyman said she hoped for her community and their voices to be heard.

The Year 8 student said she was determined to motivate change in the Education system to address school and student needs.

“I want to come up with a plan that strongly encourages more students to stand up and be leaders and not let anyone bring them down no matter what the circumstances are because us students are capable of things like letting people hear our voices we just need the encouragement, strength and capabilities to be able to stand in big crowds and talk loud and proud.”