Student Leadership Retreat

Last week, Monday 4 – Wednesday 6, 25 students from all ten Kildare Ministries schools travelled to Saltbush, Balnarring for the annual Leadership Seminar. We are very grateful for the wonderful care we receive there! These students are the elected leaders for their school in 2024. 

The magical surrounds of Saltbush helped cement bonds between the students very early in the first session. Many said how delighted they were to be spending time with others ‘just like them.’ It was a joyful noise in the interactive activities! 

Laura John, an ex-student of Kilbreda College, now a human rights lawyer delivered a resounding workshop on the 6 lessons of Leadership. This was following by a collaborative activity drawing deeper connections between the ideas of students. Throughout the rest of the seminar, these lessons were consistently referred to and popped up in the planning of students at the end of the 3 days. 

This was followed by workshops by Paul Salmon on ‘Being a Model Worth Following’ and ‘Leadership, Vision and Motivation’. Paul’s energy was infectious and his stories had the students following along intently to the presentation of his ideas. 

Two other workshops ‘How Do We Decide What Matters (I and II)?’ prepared the students for recording their thoughts, feelings and ideas for the Kildare Ministries Ten Year Anniversary Conference. These were then filmed – it is so inspiring to hear what matters to our students! 

In addition, students learned the value of volunteering from the wonderful Rachel Conner and then rolled up their sleeves in the garden for some weeding or put on paint shirt to paint the fences – we hope we made a little difference! 

Of course, we couldn’t be at Saltbush without beach walks, beach liturgy and beach games – enjoying being part of the beautiful creation around us! And on departure, we were lucky enough to be farewelled by a resident Koala in the tree at the gate. It was a perfect end to a really fun and rewarding three days getting to know our new leaders  - forming them, working beside them, having some fun with them and learning with them. We are rich indeed!