The Leader In Me

SARAH CAFFREY

Leadership Facilitator

Last week our very courageous and determined Year 4 students put themselves forward to apply for the positions of 2020 Junior School Leader. This is a process that requires planning and preparation, self-reflection and the confidence to present to their peers and teachers. The leadership speeches began with a huge round of applause in recognition of each applicant, for the time and effort they have put into preparing their speeches. Each applicant has already demonstrated true leadership skills, and we are immensely proud of each individual who has applied for the role of 2020 Junior School Leader, as well as those that completed application forms for other leadership roles.

All students and staff who observed the presentations were incredibly impressed. Our young leaders were able to reflect on their personal qualities as leaders, their ideas for initiatives in 2020, and how they see themselves as capable of honouring and advocating student voice at Oakleigh Grammar. Our Year 4 cohort of students, listened to each speech with great respect and maturity, and wholeheartedly cheered on and encouraged all of the applicants.

I was particularly proud of how each student articulated how The Leader In Me has guided and strengthened their leadership skills, and importantly provided them with the ability to identify themselves as leaders. Each student made connections to the habits and how they apply these in their daily life, both in and out of school.

During 2019, student voice has been a strong focus. As a response to many discussions held with our current Junior School Leaders, and in consultation with our Senior Leadership Team, there will be development in the 2020 Junior School Student Leadership Structure. We would like to develop our young leaders to hold a position of leadership that requires proactive participation, ongoing reflection, representation of student voice, and a more visible level of involvement in the daily operations of our student’s journey at Oakleigh Grammar.

There will be a reduction in Year 5 titled Leadership positions in 2020, with an increase in overall opportunity to lead various events and processes throughout the year. We will have a termly representation of student leaders to fulfill roles, leading and supporting events that they have a specific interest and passion for. These include events such as, fundraising, Science Week, Numeracy and Literacy Week, Book Parade, lunchtime clubs, Arts Show, environmental projects, Leadership Day planning, lunchtime peer mediators, Student Sabres, camp planning, Better Buddies activities and more.

2020 leadership roles to be filled are as follows:

Junior School Leader – one male, one female representative

Deputy Junior School Leader – one male, one female representative

Faith Leader – one male, one female representative

Social Justice Leader – one male, one female representative

Bradman House Leader – one male, one female representative

Rose House Leader – one male, one female representative

Fraser House Leader – one male, one female representative

Termly Events Leaders – varied throughout each term

We are all very much looking forward to announcing the 2020 School Leadership positions in the coming week. Congratulations is again extended to all students who applied for the position of Junior School Leader, and presented a speech. We would also like to again congratulate those that put in applications for other Junior School Leadership roles. 2020 will bring exciting opportunities for students to fulfill various roles throughout the year, demonstrating and building on their leadership skills.