At Brisbane State High School, we believe students learn best when they understand themselves as learners and take genuine ownership of their progress. We foster this by providing all students opportunities to become assessment-capable learners and through a gradual release model that supports students in becoming leaders of their own learning. As part of our continued commitment to meaningful student growth and strong home–school partnerships, we are pleased to share that Brisbane State High School will be transitioning from traditional parent–teacher interviews to a Student-Led Conferences.
Why?
Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) create the conditions for student ownership by fostering a clear and shared understanding of each student’s strengths, challenges, and goals. Unlike traditional parent–teacher interviews, SLCs place the student at the centre, empowering them to confidently articulate their learning journey and identify meaningful next steps to further support personal best goals.
Student Led Conferences directly align with our school Annual Improvement Plan and Strategic Plan by strengthening student agency, enhancing teachers’ repertoire in student management and support, and deepening our partnerships with families. By engaging students, teachers, and parents/caregivers in purposeful, collaborative reflection, we build a more inclusive, accountable, and effective pathway to improving student achievement and wellbeing.
The role of the Student Led Conference Coach:
All students will be allocated a Student Led Coach. The Coach will:
Build trusting, supportive relationships while maintaining high expectations, balancing strong care with appropriate challenge to promote reflection, resilience, and growth.
Through intentional rapport-building and genuine personal regard, they will create a safe environment where students can discuss mistakes, celebrate achievements, and set meaningful goals aligned with the school’s core values of Learning, Excellence, Respect, and Public Education.
The Structure of the Student Led Conference:
All students will participate. This ensures equity and reinforces that every learner benefits from reflection and goal setting. Student-Led Conferences (one SLC in semester 1 and one SLC in semester 2) will replace traditional parent–teacher interviews and interim report cards for term 1 and 3.
Each conference will follow a structured format to ensure it is meaningful and focused. Students will prepare in advance by:
Completing a student profile which provides a holistic reflection of their learning, engagement, wellbeing, and goals.
The Role of the Student
Students will lead the majority of the conference. Their responsibilities include:
The Role of Parents and Guardians
Your role in this process is both supportive and valuable. During the conference, we encourage you to:
Your presence, encouragement and engagement significantly strengthens the impact of this experience.
Semester One SLC:
Monday 27 April 2026 is the semester one Student Led Conference for all students. On this day, there will be no usual timetable classes. Students and a parent/carer will attend school for their scheduled SLC time on this day. All SLC will occur on campus, and the expectation is for all students and a parent/carer to attend in person.
Booking information for SLC will be released to families in week 8 2026. Details of this information will be sent to parents via Compass.
If you wish to contact to the school regarding Student-Led Conferences, thank you for emailing – studentledconference@brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au
Resources For Additional Research
Generation Alpha by Mark McCrindle.