STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Last week, our student leadership team participated in a two-day leadership excursion at the newly opened Brighton Lifesaving Club.
The event was designed to help us grow as leaders through a series of engaging activities, games, and motivational talks. This excursion provided a unique opportunity to step outside the traditional classroom setting and gain hands-on experience that would shape our understanding of leadership.
On Thursday, we had the privilege of hearing from Mike Zervos OAM, a respected leader who has guided numerous organisations, including Courage to Care. This initiative travels to schools to educate people on the importance of being an upstander. Mike shared valuable insights from his extensive leadership journey, discussing the obstacles he faced and how he overcame them. His stories offered a fresh perspective on leadership, emphasising the importance of integrity, courage, and resilience. His talk inspired us to consider how we can apply these principles in our own lives and leadership roles.
After Mike's talk, we participated in several activities designed to enhance our communication skills. One such activity was Blind Beanbag Blitz, where we had to guide blindfolded partners using only verbal instructions to collect as many beanbags as possible. Another challenge, the Bridge Building Battle, tasked us with constructing a sturdy bridge using limited materials, requiring teamwork and clear communication. These activities demonstrated how essential effective communication is in leadership, both in everyday situations and larger group projects.
Later that day, we engaged in a thrilling Team Auction. In this challenge, each team was given a limited amount of currency to bid on essential items that would help them survive a fictional Zombie Apocalypse. This activity tested our decision-making, prioritization, and strategic thinking—key components of strong leadership. It also reinforced the importance of working together to achieve a common goal.
On Friday, we had the honour of meeting Toni Joel OAM, founder of the charity Off Your Back, which collects unwanted coats to provide warmth to those in need. Toni spoke about the rewarding nature of leadership and how to turn challenges into opportunities for positive change. Her dedication to helping others highlighted the importance of compassion, generosity, and making a meaningful impact through leadership.
The second day also included activities focused on organisation and time management. We played Minute to Win It, where teams raced against the clock to complete tasks, testing our ability to stay organised and think quickly under pressure. Another game, Connections, required us to use both our communication skills from the previous day and our newfound organisational strategies to solve complex puzzles. These activities emphasised the importance of planning, adaptability, and teamwork in leadership.
We concluded the day with team sports at the beach, including Capture the Flag and Beach Soccer. These games provided a fun way to unwind while also testing our teamwork and cooperation. Working together to achieve success in these sports reinforced the leadership lessons we had learned over the course of the excursion.
Overall, we were incredibly proud of all the students who participated. Their enthusiasm and effort made the excursion a resounding success. It was clear that everyone had a fantastic time and gained valuable leadership skills that will serve them well in the future. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the teachers and parents who supported and organised the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Special thanks also go to Brighton Lifesaving Club for allowing us to use their excellent facilities for this unforgettable experience.
Warm regards,
College Captains
On behalf of Brighton Secondary College, we want to congratulate and recognise our College Captain team's hard work and collaboration with a range of stakeholders, making this a successful, informative and well enjoyed event by all.