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It was at a principal conference some time ago, during a workshop on building children’s capacity, that I first heard the phrase: “Leadership isn’t a destination kids reach at age 18, it’s a muscle they build every time they choose to own a mistake or lift up a friend.”

I was reminded of this recently when I came across a short article by Michael Grose in the Parenting Toolbox, which referenced the same idea. It reinforces a simple but important truth: children are rarely born confident or natural leaders. More often, leadership develops over time—and it begins much earlier than we might think, even in primary school.

With that in mind, I thought it was worth sharing a summary of five key behaviours that help build leadership in children, along with their focus and what they can look like in practice.

The Power of Noticing: Small Shifts that Build Big Leaders (Michael Grose)

You don’t need a parenting overhaul; you just need a keen eye and these five leadership building blocks.

Raising a capable, resilient child is, in many ways, the ultimate leadership project.

As I’ve often said, fostering leadership starts with a shift in our own lens.

It’s about cultivating a leadership mindset. We need to move beyond just seeing good behaviour and start noticing—and naming—specific leadership habits.

What You Focus on Flourishes

There’s a simple truth in parenting: what you notice gets repeated.

When you shine a light on a child’s budding leadership, you aren’t just giving them a pat on the back; you are reinforcing a self-image.

This is particularly true for eldest children who often look to us for cues on how to navigate their world, but the impact ripples through the whole family.

The Power of a Shared Vocabulary

If you want to change a culture, you have to change the language.

When leadership terms become part of your family’s “kitchen table talk,” they become embedded.

Once they are embedded, they become a natural part of how your children operate.

Eventually, these habits are passed down to the next generation. That is the kind of legacy that truly sticks.

The secret is to praise the process and the specific block they are using.

1. Mastering presence (Presentation Skills)

The Focus: Presence and clarity.

What to look for: Steady eye contact, upright posture, and a clear, audible volume.

2. Stepping up (Responsibility)

The Focus: Ownership of actions.

What to look for: Admitting mistakes without prompts, proactivity with chores, and taking the initiative.

3. Staying ahead of the game (Organisation)

The Focus: Structure and foresight.

What to look for: Planning ahead, managing gear, and keeping personal spaces functional.

4. Moving from Me to We (Teamwork)

The Focus: Collaboration and empathy.

What to look for: Encouraging others, active listening, and navigating sibling dynamics smoothly.

5. Taking charge of the inner CEO (Emotional Intelligence)

The Focus: Self-regulation and awareness.

What to look for: Naming feelings, pausing before reacting, and using self-calming strategies.

By naming these behaviours; whether it’s the Organisation shown in a packed school bag or the Emotional Intelligence used to handle a disappointment you are giving your child a vocabulary for lifelong success.

You help them see themselves not just as good kids, but as capable leaders.

It doesn’t take a massive overhaul of your parenting. It just takes a keen eye for the small things and the right words to reinforce them. By catching them doing it right today, you are preparing them to lead the way tomorrow.

"Leadership isn’t a destination they reach at age eighteen; it’s a muscle they build every time they choose to own a mistake or lift up a friend".

(Attributed to Michael Grose / Parenting toolbox)

Something to consider.

Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal on Thursday the 2nd April. Last Day Of Term.

Transcript of Raffaela's Good Friday Appeal speech from Monday's Assembly.

Hi my name is Raffi, I'm here to talk to you about the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Some of you might have been to the hospital before but if you haven't, I want you to know that the workers put in all of their effort to look after kids in need.

In 2025, the Good Friday Appeal raised almost $24 million, which goes towards undertaking groundbreaking research and buying brand new equipment to treat and look after sick children.

Now I want us to repay the favour to the hospital and their workers.

To raise money for the Appeal, there will be a free dress day on Thursday the 2nd of April, the last day of term 1.

Teachers can join in too. Your parents don't need to buy something new, come in whatever you already have that makes you comfortable, even including your pyjamas.

All you need to do is bring in a gold coin donation. Please give your money to your teachers and make sure to remember this money is raising funds for a great cause that contributes so much to children and our broader community.

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Canteen news Wednesday 1st April

The canteen will donate $1 from every order received on Wednesday 1st of April to the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Please get your orders in early

Thank you

Annette and Rita

Year 6 Orchestra

Year 6 Orchestra members perform the National Anthem at assembly

IPS Orchestra's first performance of the year.

Pedestrian Safety and your input

I have received the following letter from Banyule Council regarding safety concerns for our families creating a shortcut to and from Green Street.

Dear Ivanhoe Primary School,

We have recently received community concerns regarding parents accessing No. 23 Green Street, Ivanhoe, via the Tate Street laneway.

As you may be aware, No. 23 Green Street is private property and is currently protected by wire mesh fencing to ensure that pedestrians do not enter the property whilst it is currently under construction.

It has been noted that at times, parents are moving this protective fencing to enter the property and exit onto Green Street as a shortcut instead of utilising the existing Green Street Reserve pedestrian facilities. This additionally carries the risk of the fence falling onto persons/ vehicles using the laneway outside of these times.

We would kindly ask you to remind parents to please not move this fencing and instead use the existing pedestrian infrastructure provided in the area.

By ensuring that pedestrians are using the correct facilities, we can ensure that school children are safely walking to and from school together.

Should you have any queries regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Matthew Scutella Traffic and Transport Banyule City Council T +61 3 9242 346

Banyule City Council is interested in understanding how safe you feel on your journey to school and what might make it easier.

We are reaching out to teachers, guardians, and students to participate in this short online survey to share your experiences.

Your input will help Council make informed decisions and achieve positive outcomes to support you and the school.

https://forms.gle/WXAzHiKtb99aQbKi7

Finally

Over the past week, our school community has shown great support as staff navigated a very busy and important period. We would like to sincerely thank staff for their professionalism, unity, and ongoing dedication to our students and school. We are also deeply grateful for the encouragement from our wider community. The support from our School Council President, and our families has been greatly appreciated.

Mark Kent

Principal

http://www.ivanhoeps.vic.edu.au/

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and pay respect to the ongoing living cultures of First Peoples.

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