Earlier this year in August, I noticed something extremely disappointing to the values at Catholic Regional College North Keilor,  every TV around the school displayed posters for the school production at the time that were completely AI generated. Sure, they caught your eye very briefly, but where was the real, human touch? No student talent, no creative effort, just designs pumped out by machines. It seemed contradictory to the values our school claims to uphold, especially the message that students should be 'supported to thrive.' How can we encourage thriving when we tear away the chances students have to showcase their own skills and creativity?

What troubles me is not just the lack of student input, but what this reliance on AI represents. It makes our learning environment more mechanical, and a lot less personal. School is where students are supposed to develop their talents and find themselves as a person, not rely on technology to do the work for them. When school staff, our 'role models,' use such a low effort tool, using AI to take over tasks like making posters, we are sending a dangerous message: that artistry and creative sparks are not necessary in our educational journey.

Educational organisations like CRC North Keilor should be environments where creativity and effort are celebrated. Where they 'thrive.' Consider the irony: while academic curricula emphasise the importance of creativity and arts in student development, the tools we provide, what we have to show for it, do not reflect the same values. Instead of shamelessly hanging and displaying posters designed by an algorithm, let’s display the work of our own young artists, students who pour their heart and soul into every design and every piece of art.

We, as students, urge CRC North Keilor to take the time in recognising and allowing our local artists and students to contribute to the creation of posters. By reducing the use of AI in producing school materials and promotions, we reclaim the authenticity of student work. If you claim to 'empower' us with our voices, listen to us. Let's support our students and help them promote their achievements without having their events be represented by AI.

Please join me in encouraging CRC North Keilor to stop their reliance on AI for creating school promotions and instead celebrate the genuine talents of its student community. Sign this petition to call for change that supports REAL student growth and creativity.