Head of Junior Years

Student Leadership 

Developing students as leaders is an important part of school life.  Some of these roles may be ‘officially’ recognised but students can lead from any year level in many different ways. 

The Lutheran Education Australia document  Growing Deep – Leadership and Formation framework states in the Capabilities section about leading a team that it: involves creating a very clear sense of purpose and clarity for the school, team or area of responsibility where God and students are at the centre.  It involves establishing compelling vision and describing how each person’s role plays a valuable part in achieving the greater purpose.  It includes clearly and intentionally prioritising responsibilities and articulating how the broader Lutheran education vision and purpose are translated into practical day to day actions, tasks, decisions and behaviours. 

This desire extends beyond staff to students. It is why along with Junior Years Ambassadors and House Sport and Arts Leaders, the College also recognises Mission and Worship Leaders. 

On Tuesday 28 February the Junior Years Ambassadors along with the House Sports and Arts Leaders attended the Youth Leadership Academy Australia – Primary Dream and Lead Leadership Conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. About 2000 Year 5 and 6 students from across Victoria attended the day. The students listened to a variety of speakers who shared their own leadership stories while teaching about leadership strategies and mindsets and encouraging them to grow as leaders. 

Some of the reflections and learning from the students who attended included:

• You are 43% more likely to achieve your goal if you write it down
• You are 57% more likely to achieve your goal if you tell someone else
• A leader is someone who goes first even when they are scared
• Who you surround yourself with is who you are likely to become
• Own your story. Leadership is about showing up as who you are
• Your age does not determine your ability to achieve extraordinary things 
• Words have the power to either lift people up or bring them down
• Leaders are always learners. 

At the end of the day the students were asked to reflect on the following questions, some of their answers have been included: 

Action – What action can I take after today to move me closer to my goals? 

I will use the techniques that we learned from the speakers. 

I can make change and be confident in assembly. 

Big Question – What is one big question I want answered?  How can I answer it? 

How can we motivate ourselves? 

How can I be the best leader I can be?  To answer it I can ask another leader. 

Conversation – What is one conversation I’m going to have after today? 

Asking people what they think makes a good leader. 

Talking to others about change we can make happen. 

As a College leader, it was a privilege and pleasure to spend the day with these young people who were not only engaged in all the activities, they stepped out of their comfort zones, met new people, and made further connections with each other while having fun.