Alpine School for Student Leadership

During Term 1, four of our year nine students attended the Victorian School for Student Leadership at the Gnurad-Gundidj campus near Glenormiston. For nine weeks, these students were living in a remote location with limited contact with family and friends (NO mobile phones, limited phone calls and limited internet access).

Along with 40 other students from public schools around Victoria, Joel Piscopo, Mathilda Van Keulen, Celia Nguyen and Ivy Tran took on emotional, mental and physical challenges to develop skills in leadership. These challenges included mountain-bike riding, surfing, bridge-building, public speaking, hiking and problem-solving. Perhaps the biggest challenge of all was planning a Community Learning Project (CLP), which the students will implement in the St Albans community.

The CLP aims to address a cause or issue chosen by the students. Joel, Mathilda, Celia and Ivy have chosen to address the issue of homelessness by increasing awareness and raising funds to donate to charity.

On Friday 24 March, a presentation day was held at Gnurad-Gundidj, where the students presented their plan to the School for Student Leadership students, teachers and visitors. Although the students felt nervous getting up in front of everyone, they presented a well thought-out plan and were awarded a certificate for their achievement.

The four students all felt that their experience at Gnurad-Gundidj was hugely rewarding and are keen to use their new skills back here at school.

Stay tuned as the students make further plans for implementing their CLP!

Ms Clara Singh

Alpine Coordinator