Year 6

Assistant Principal's Report

Developing our Student Leaders

One of the things I love most about my position as Assistant Principal in the Year 6 area at Pakenham Springs, is working with our students to develop their social and emotional skills and their capacity to show leadership and make a difference in their world.  Although the confidence and drive of some students astounds me, the knowledge that we have students who need extra support and guidance in order to let their amazing potential shine through is really what drives me to do my best for all students at PSPS every day.  

This week I was fortunate enough to take 6 of our student leaders to the National Young Leaders Day conference at the Melbourne Convention Centre.  This day is designed to give our future leaders the inspiration, and some handy hints, they may need to assist them in their leadership journey. 

This year we heard from 4 amazing speakers with some wonderful stories to share.  Cal Wilson (comedian and author) spoke about being open to new experiences and to always 'SAY YES'.   When stepping out of our comfort zone, into our 'courage zone' we can learn so much.

Tim Diamond (founder of the Cotton On Foundation) spoke about finding a passion and a way to turn that passion into action to make a difference.  His overall message was around collective impact - by working together, change can be made.

Leisel Jones (Australian Olympic swimmer) spoke about how talent and good timing do not guarantee success.  She examined the 10,000-hour mastery rule and encouraged students to have crazy goals!  By breaking down goals into tiny parts, she showed us how we could achieve so much more than we originally thought we were capable of.  She also encouraged us all to enjoy the ride and take the first step - 'you don't have to see the whole staircase to take the first step'.

Holly Ferling (Melbourne Stars WBBL player) spoke about leaving a legacy - she posed the question 'what  will people remember YOU for'?   We spoke about our Year 6 students currently being the 'big fish in the little pond' and Holly encouraged us all to 'Embrace the scary but exciting.'  The benefit of now being the little fish in the HUGE pond of Secondary School means that we have the capability to grow more than we ever knew was possible.

Personally, I know that I took in so much from all four speakers, as well as from hearing the conversations and reflections of our students. I hope our student leaders found this day beneficial and that they now have the confidence to share their new discoveries with other students at PSPS.

Have a great week!

Renee Cotterell

Assistant Principal