St Raphael’s Catholic School’s Primary Leaders attended the GRIP Student Leadership annual conference in Bathurst last week, and spent the day engaging with other students and industry experts in interactive workshops which aim to promote and encourage positive leadership qualities amongst our young people. The conference was unique in that it concentrates specifically on training students for their role as School Leaders, and the style, topics and content of the conference all focused on what the students can do RIGHT NOW to bring positive change and enriching experiences to their peers and communities. The event had a timely and modern approach, with young facilitators meeting our students where they are now, and referencing social media and pop culture in a language that really spoke to the group. Feedback from the conference was overwhelmingly positive, with students reporting a clear vision and solid understanding of their leadership roles, and gathering a multitude of ideas to bring back and share with their school! Harriet’s favourite part was when they wrote down examples of being a good student leader, and then matched them to a short clip from a movie scene. Melanie loved the talent show, the loud cheering and the dancing and music! Aditya came away from the experience eager to take on some fundraising events, or build a sports club to encourage community and a sense of belonging. The overall message on the day was that all upper primary students play an important leadership role in their schools; a sentiment strongly supported by St Raphael’s Catholic School in it’s motto of Strength and Gentleness.
