The Leader In Me

KATHY HARAMIS

Leadership Facilitator

Shine the Light on Leadership Day

Once again we've had a  very memorable Leadership Day, with over 330 guests attending on the 30th of August, to help celebrate our leadership journey. Guests included members of the Executive team, Parktone Primary School, representatives of the Board, parents and friends of Oakleigh Grammar.

Our Junior School Leaders, Ava Smirnakos and George Dimitropoulos, opened the event by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land and invited Father George Adamakis to the stage to commence with prayer.  This followed with all students and guests singing the Australian National Anthem with pride.

Next was Mr Mark Robertson address to the audience, thanking the Board for their continued support by reflecting on the Leader in Me process. He congratulated the Junior School on the milestone achieved, by becoming the first independent school in Australia to have received Lighthouse status from Franklin Covey, Australia and New Zealand. This entailed successfully meeting audit criteria across key areas, from curriculum, to student empowerment and staff collaboration.

Ms Sarah Boardman, Acting Head of Junior School, commended the students on their learning journey and thanked all key stakeholders for endorsing the process, which has seen students and staff flourish in their personal and interpersonal development.

It was an event where all Junior School students showcased their energy and passion for leadership. Year 5 students shone the light on each other by reflecting on each other’s character strengths. Performances included songs, dance numbers and our wonderful play, “The Wizard of OG”.

Our morning tea was once again a highlight, as were the classroom tours, where our Year 5 students taught the 7 Habits to their younger peers.  This required them to write and conducted their own mini lessons, and they were so proud to showcase their teaching skills.

Congratulations to our students, teachers and parents for being shining examples of leadership. We look forward to next year’s Leadership Day, where once again we will demonstrate the importance of the 7 Habits an linking these values to integrity, faith and community service.  After all, that’s the essence of leadership!