Year 9 Activity Days

is week, our Year 9 students took part in a three-day program exploring the theme of Servant Leadership. The experience invited students to reflect on what it means to lead with purpose, compassion and service both within the College and in the wider community.

Day 1: What is Leadership?

The first day focused on defining leadership and challenging students to think beyond titles and badges. Students explored the idea of “everyday leadership”, the thousand small acts we do when no one is looking. They were introduced to the 2026 Student Leadership Application timeline and heard from our current Year 10 leaders, who shared their experiences, advice and reflections on their projects and legacy. Mrs Richardson, led an engaging session on Legacy, encouraging students to consider the impact they hope to leave behind at Mount Carmel. The day concluded with a powerful talk from guest speaker Scott Roth, Head Coach of the Tasmanian JackJumpers, who spoke about teamwork, culture, and leading with integrity and heart.

Day 2: Servant Leadership

Students then put leadership into action through a day of service in the community. They volunteered at local primary schools, aged care facilities and Vinnies offering time, energy and kindness where it was most needed. The day culminated in a One Night of Poverty experience, where students immersed themselves in learning about homelessness and disadvantage. They met with volunteers from Loui’s Van, and reflected on the importance of empathy, gratitude and social responsibility.

Day 3: Inspiring Leadership

The final day was facilitated by the JCP Youth Team, who guided students through a series of dynamic sessions focused on identity, legacy and leadership. Through games, discussions and reflection, students recognised leadership qualities in themselves and others, and considered how they can continue to serve and inspire in their final years of schooling and beyond.

Across the three days, our Year 9s grew in self-awareness, teamwork and compassion learning that true leadership is about service, not status. We are proud of the maturity, empathy and initiative they demonstrated, and look forward to seeing how they continue to live out the values of servant leadership in our community next year. 

Thank you to all staff who supported and facilitated these days; Miss Hudson, Mr Chapman, Ms O’Rourke, Mrs Magnus, Mrs Stevens, Mrs Rodrick, Mrs Dennis, Miss Harding and Mrs Richardson.

Student Reflections 

Throughout the Year 9 Leadership Camp we have experienced teamwork, deep emotional connections and servant leadership. Over the course of these three days we have collectively learnt ways to become better leaders, commit to a decision and follow through with action and just how important the emotional connection we share with others is. From our guest speakers we can now fully appreciate the importance of leaning on and supporting one another whilst also having the chance to individually change the way we think and approach life.

Some Year 9 students participated in an overnight homelessness opportunity where we experienced isolation. And had the opportunity to put ourselves in the shoes of others, who go through many different experiences fortunate and un-fortunate. Although we can not fully appreciate their various situations, we have now had an opportunity to try and experience what many unfortunate people go through in their daily lives.

Esther Tribolet and Ruby Stokes-Little

This week, I was fortunate enough to undergo a 3-day-long camp along with my peers. The central theme of servant leadership was explored and what that means in the context of the greater community we live in. Starting Monday, we were taken down to Kingston Uniting Church to talk with not only our teachers, but also members of the 2025 Student Leadership Team, to gain an insight as to what leadership is, and the processes we will take to run for a leadership position in 2026.  

Ruby Fishwick

We started off this amazing influential week down at Kingston Uniting Church where we explored the idea of leadership and what it means to us. Through a guest speaker (Scott Roth) we experienced a real life example of how to be a good leader. On Tuesday we undertook a community service day where we spread out all over Hobart to serve our community. An optional opportunity was the sleepout which gave us an insight into what homeless people all over Hobart deal with every single night. We were fed our dinner by Louis Van and spent time isolating in the dark and reflecting. On our final day we emotionally reflected and strengthened our bonds as a Year 9 cohort through JCP Youth. Overall this experience was extremely valuable and prepared us all effectively to step into leadership roles for 2026. 

Brooklynn Taylor and Olivia Ims

Student Leadership Timeline & Application Process

Leadership is an important role, carrying many varied responsibilities and demands. All of the student leadership positions play a vital part in the College community and contribute to the spirit of Mount Carmel College. Current Year 9 students are encouraged to apply for all leadership opportunities they may be interested in. 

If you have any queries about the Student Leadership process please do not hesitate to contact Ms Farron Boxall, Head of Lourdes House.  farron.boxall@mountcarmel.tas.edu.au