From the Leadership Team

Martine Walls, Head of Character and Wellbeing 

Redefining success: Developing the leaders of tomorrow

In today’s rapidly changing world, traditional definitions of leadership — centered on authority or achievement — are no longer sufficient. 

At Kilvington, we believe that leadership is not defined by a title or official role. Instead, it is the ability to navigate uncertainty with integrity, build meaningful relationships and act with purpose. It’s about leading with empathy, resilience and ethical conviction. 

These qualities are not only essential for leadership—they are also protective factors for mental health, and are actively fostered through our wellbeing programs.

THE YEAR 10 RISE PROGRAM: CHARACTER, CAPABILITY AND CARE

The Year 10 Rise Leadership Program empowers students through a leadership choice model focused on three core pillars: Leadership of Self, Leadership of Others and Leadership through Service. 

Each pathway supports growth in character, wellbeing and practical capability — giving students the tools they need to thrive, both in school and beyond.

Pillar 1: Leadership of Self

Leadership of Self begins with self-awareness and personal growth. Our Year 10 students take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award where they learn to set personal goals, build resilience and confidence, and grow through physical challenges, the development of new skills and community service. Research shows that participation in the Duke of Ed significantly enhances adolescents’ sense of purpose, wellbeing and life satisfaction.

Pillar 2: Leadership of Others

In Leadership of Others, Year 10s are trained to mentor Year 4s through a Peer Support Leadership Program. Together, they explore the Keeping Friends module, which focuses on the meaning of friendship, relationship-building skills, empathy, cooperation and critical thinking. These cross-age partnerships foster belonging, strengthen communication and promote ethical, inclusive leadership.

The Year 10s planned fun and exciting games such as ‘Food Memory Game’ and 'Team Colouring' which helped us to build friendships. At first, they seemed a bit shy, but after some time, they got used to us and seemed more relaxed and happier. At the end of the session, we had a ‘Timber Just Dance’, where everyone was piggy-backing each other and laughing a lot. Today, some Year 10s found us on the yard and we played dodgeball. They are excellent at helping us to make friendships. - Olivia Wen, Year 4

Now we feel more comfortable and relaxed with the older students and even say hello to each other out in the playground. - Grayson, Year 4

Pillar 3: Leadership Through Service

In Leadership Through Service, Year 10s engage meaningfully with children and young adults with disabilities through our partnership with Flying Fox. Prior to their community immersion, students complete training modules focused on inclusion and respect, relational and ethical leadership, and the importance of showing up and serving others. This experience reframes leadership as a practice of compassion, connection and humility.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 

Leadership development is not just about building skills — it actively supports mental health, engagement and prosocial behaviour. 

According to research from the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework and AERO, belonging, agency and purpose are foundational to student wellbeing. 

Students involved in leadership programs report higher levels of resilience, hope and school engagement. Character education reduces behavioural issues and increases prosocial behaviour. Emotional competencies—such as gratitude, empathy and emotional literacy—are also essential leadership tools.

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT 

At Kilvington, we strengthen these traits through our partnership with The Resilience Project. The Resilience Project Wellbeing Program uses a whole-school preventative approach to mental health by providing students, staff and parents with the knowledge, tools and resources they need to support their mental wellbeing and build resilience. 

A recent evaluation by Monash University found that participants receiving The Resilience Project's School Partnership Program demonstrated consistently better mental health outcomes  (The Age, 2025).

SUCCESS, REDEFINED 

At Kilvington, we believe true leadership grows from strong character, deep self-awareness, and a commitment to others. 

Our leadership programs are designed to foster these qualities in every student, empowering them to act with empathy, courage and integrity. This approach is strengthened by our whole-school wellbeing program.  

When leadership and wellbeing go hand in hand, we equip young people not only to succeed, but to lead lives of purpose, connection and impact.