A Word from the Principal

Leadership

This week the focus of our nation has been on leadership. The nation has voted and the voice of democracy has been heard.  Whether you agree with the choice, or even the selection of possibles, these leaders have come from our society.  Politicians are often questioned about what they believe and what they think, they are scrutinised by the media and must live in the limelight.  The job of keeping everybody happy is, of course, not possible. So what does make a good leader?  Who do we look to for our models of leadership?  Recently I mentioned the New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, her empathy and compassion in a crisis was inspiring.  However, this is not the only quality we look for because of course we hope we don’t go from crisis to crisis. A good leader:

• Is a product of good parenting, teaching, coaching mentoring and guiding that comes before.  A good leader often gives credit to those people in their lives who have impacted their vision and their paths.
• Knows the people in their care – who are they leading, where do they need to get to and how do they need to protect them?
• Displays COURAGE. Not the courage that is the absence of fear but rather they might accept that there is risk but they forge ahead with what they think is “right”.
• Is gentle – not weak but strong in their gentleness. Their gentleness is kind and considerate, it is teachable and accessible, it is approachable by all.
• Gives generously – not money but rather time, attention and insight.
• Is loyal and faithful. They are reliable and dependable. They stand beside those they lead.
• Has the skills of solving problems, sometimes creatively. Drawing connections and linking ideas to move forward.
• Is able to unite a group of people to move ahead, to forge a path forward.

At Mount Carmel, we have many role models for great leadership. Jesus and his work with seeking justice and compassion for all, the Sisters of Charity who founded our amazing College, our parents and carers and our peers.  Each offers an insight into the complexity that is leadership. After all great leaders lead from the inside out – they lead with their heart and with integrity.  They equip, encourage and coach others to reach their potential. Every day I see our students reaching out, helping each other and giving of themselves. They are not a walk over – they stand strong and steady. They each have a mixture of the factors which make a good leader, in different amounts and in different situations.  Our Year 8 students are currently engaging in STRIVE (Spirituality, Teamwork, Resilience, Independent, Volunteering, Empowerment) – they are picking up the rubbish that lies on our beaches, navigating their way from the CBD back to school on their own, undertaking meditation through the use of a labyrinth. They are exploring who they are and what they are capable of.  The first steps in leadership.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the College, in particular the Leadership Team who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the College. From Reception, to the Grounds and to the teaching and support staff – they model true servant leadership in their care for the students. Thank you also to the Board, who meet monthly to discuss and discern – your courage and gentleness is appreciated.

Thought for the Week

My thought for the week is for our students:

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12 New International Version (NIV)

Fiona Nolan

Principal