Head of Senior Years

Secondary Student Leadership Conference

Development of student leadership skills is a key element of student learning in the Senior Years. Students can develop and grow as leaders both informally and formally. To help them grow in their formal leadership capacity, students are occasionally presented with opportunities where they can learn from and be inspired by other leaders in the community. 

On 27 February 2023, 19 students from Years 9, 11 and 12 attended the full-day Youth Leadership Conference at the Melbourne Convention Centre. The conference, run by Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA), was attended by students from across Victoria. Students had an opportunity to learn about what it means to be a leader, different types of leadership, and how they can make a difference in their own communities, starting with small actions first.

Students attending the conference shared their reflections on the event, and the impact of it on their own growth as leaders in our community:

The session was very informative, providing various pointers on how to improve and build up skills as young leaders. The main messages that I took from the session were: Learning to “feed courage, and not fear”, learning to “trust yourself” and learning to “seek help”. The CEO, Wil Massara, focused on how “leaders are learners”, emphasising how “changing your environment” can help you become a better person. This doesn’t always mean doing something big, but rather could just be you changing your desk or those you surround yourself with. (Rita, Year 11)

The conference was absolutely amazing! My key takeaway was how it’s okay to feel vulnerable and seek help, as well as how important it is to find your confidence in the right place so it can always be sustained. I would recommend this conference to every student! (Sanjana, Year 12)

The leadership conference really opened my eyes to the diverse ways to lead and how important it is to be confident in yourself to inspire those around you. (Faith, Year 12)