Clyde North Campus News

Leadership

Leadership: a simple definition is that leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal. What happens when we add the word, servant?  How does one word change the meaning of leadership?

Servant leadership: can be defined as a  philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more just and caring world.

Servant Leadership – beckons to everyone, the young as well as the aged, the handicapped as well as those with vigorous health, the educated and the uneducated, worker and employer, rich and poor. It requires an understanding of these twin concepts “I count”, “I can make a difference.

Our patron Saint Peter, was made the leader of Christ’s Church on earth. He led by example, with people of all races and beliefs to bring the good news of the Kingdom to all. He worked tirelessly in the service of others.

Similarly, the students of St Peter’s are called to act as servant-leaders to the College and the wider community, following Peter’s example. In accepting their roles, student leaders at St Peter’s are encouraged to aspire to be leaders who:

• Lead and serve the College community through word and action;
• Are trust-worthy, responsible and supportive of the College ethos;
• Encourage, motivate and challenge other members of the College community to work together;
• Honour what has been established and explore and initiate new ways of enhancing the life of the College;
• Are worthy ambassadors for the College in the wider community.

It was through this lens that our year 11 students embarked on their first leadership journey as seniors. Below is an account of the day and my sincere thanks go to the team, Mr Peter Brannan (Pastoral Care Leader) and our eight House Leaders for the organisation and planning of this most successful day, but mostly for their continued modelling of true servant leadership for all of our students.

Therefore, as members of the College community, we are called to provide the environment and opportunities for students to explore the challenges of leadership. We encourage student leaders to live by the College motto, “Be Not Afraid”, developing confidence in their own leadership style and their ability to work for the good of others.

On Monday, 19 August 2019 our Year 11 students engaged in a Leadership Day in preparation for the selection of our College Leaders in 2020. In the morning session, students explored the concept of Servant Leadership and what they may look like within our school community. Students then explored some inspiring stories of leaders from across the world, whereby they learned the character traits and skills that these leaders possess that help them to inspire others. Here students learn that leaders come in all shapes and sizes and from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

After the exploration of the concept of Leadership, students then look at their own character strengths and traits. In this session it is hoped that students realise that they too possess many of the traits and skills to be a leader within our College community. It is the development of these skills and the determination to succeed that drives great leadership. Students then worked on a team challenge where they explored concepts of team building, group dynamics and problem solving. It was fantastic to see the interactions between students and their willingness to work together and support each other through the challenges presented.

The concluding session involved our students engaging with current College Captains in a question and answer session. As our current college leaders were sat in the place of the Year 11 students one year ago, they were able to present some of their experiences with our Year 11’s. It was evident for all to see the level of growth that our current College Captains have undertaken in the past 12 months and we hope it can provide inspiration to the current Year 11 cohort.

While many students may not consider applying for a College Leadership position in 2020, our Leadership Day has hopefully helped students understand that they will all be leaders in our College Community next year, being our most senior students. The challenge is for them all to lead our student body in a manner that befits our College Ethos. Should they approach this task in the same manner that they approached the Leadership Day, then our College is in very good hands in 2020. 

 Mr Peter Brannan (Pastoral Care Leader)

Winter Sleep Out

I anticipate that many of you will be reading this edition of the weekly newsletter, I plus several teachers and many students will be facing a cold night on campus in the Graham Building. The reason why; the Annual Winter Sleep Out. Now in its fourth year at this campus, it is our attempt to model servant leadership by going without in order to provide for those in need. All participants donate money and goods for the St Vincent’s Winter Appeal. It may well be a sleepless and uncomfortable night but it will be a night to share our thoughts and prayers for those in need.

Wish us luck.

Reminder

• A reminder to all students and parents that strikes are applied for incorrect uniform, gum and lateness to school and classes. When a student has accumulated 3 strikes, they are then placed on after school detentions. It is imperative that parents support their child in preventing such strikes but also in ensuring detentions are attended on the scheduled date or further penalties will be applied.
• I would also remind students and parents that ear pods/plugs are not permitted to be worn as if part of the uniform. It is fine to listen to music during recess an lunch but take the plugs/pods out of your ears in classes and in between classes. Time to re-engage with people, lose the earplugs/pods please.

I wish you all a safe and productive week.

Julie Banda

Deputy Principal - Head of Clyde North Campus