Leadership Opportunities

Each year, ten year 4 students at McMillan House are appointed by their peers as Junior School Councillors. These students represent five leadership teams taking responsibility for various areas of the College for which they would like to make a difference. The Councillors, representing the Services, Sustainability, Activities, Resources and Communication teams meet regularly with teachers and leaders from the Junior School to form goals, action plans and collaborate. They work with other year 4 students, who develop an understanding of effective leadership through the year's first unit of inquiry, to carry out their ideas and to subsequently, make a positive difference to our school community.

In Middle School leadership roles are designed to be rich and engaging for the students. Students are encouraged to apply and go through an interview process for many positions. This helps to develop interview skills from an early stage. We aim to make leaders who are confident, reflective and inclusive of the views of others.

 

The year 9 Student Council members are appointed to lead Middle School. They are involved in fundraising, organising and speaking in assemblies, issues of sustainability and monitoring the facilities so that we have a student voice in decisions about the future and their learning.

 

The year 6 Leadership Team has committees covering the same areas as for year 9. They work closely with the Head of Middle School and their teachers to make sure the year 5 and 6 Centre is functioning as smoothly as possible. They have genuine fundraising and charity connections, they develop the roof top garden to grow produce, using compost from within the College and are given public speaking engagements throughout the year.

 

Form Captains and Class Captains are chosen throughout years 5 to 9. They work with the Year Level Coordinator to arrange year level events, lead their form group in monitoring the way the classroom feels and suggest other events in which the students can engage.

 

At years 9 and 6, House Captains are appointed. All other Middle School year levels have House Representatives. The House Captains oversee team selections in house events and work across years 5 to 9 to make sure students are ready for Cross Country, Swimming, House Music, Athletics, debating, chess and other events that students promote through their own Upper School

Twelve students are elected to Council by their peers and staff. Interviews with the Head of Upper School and the Principal determine the Student Council’s leaders for each year. The Student Council represents the College at many functions and leads not only year 12 students in their final year of schooling, but also provide leadership for the student body as a whole. The Council work closely with the Head of Upper School and the Deputy Principal throughout the year, and make a broad contribution to the life of the College.

 

Students may nominate to stand for the year 10 and 11 committees. They are selected through a combination of peer voting, application statements, interviews and referee input. The year level committees meet weekly and work closely with two Heads of House, who mentor them in leadership roles and skills. The year 10 and 11 committees represent their respective year levels and take responsibility for a community service project as well as promoting year level connections.

 

There are leadership positions associated with each house at year 12: Music Leaders, Events Leaders and House Leaders. Each of these has specific responsibilities and work closely with their Head of House as well as other relevant staff. Students are appointed to these positions after applying and participating in an interview process.

 

This program involves year 10 students supporting younger children at the College. SCOPE leaders may work with individual students or with small groups, from McMillan House or in the 5/6 classes. The program is based on the powerful effect that young people can have through their relationships. It aims to promote a helping culture at St. Leonard’s College and to provide positive role models to younger children. In addition, SCOPE leaders may offer genuine support to those who are experiencing difficulties and promotes the connections between different year levels. The SCOPE program is facilitated by the College counselling staff.

 

This program connects year 11 students with year 7 classes. Peer Support Leaders assist year 11 students make a successful transition into secondary school and provide important positive role models and connections. The Peer Support program includes sessions on friendships, decision-making and cyber issues, and many other topics relevant to young adolescents. The Peer Support Leaders participate in a training program and attend regular meetings with the Peer Support Coordinator throughout the year to support them in their role.

 

The Cornish Resource Centre provides leadership opportunities. The position of Library Leader ideally suits students in years 11 or 12 who love reading and working with younger students.

Library Leaders are expected to promote reading and the library and to be appropriate role models to staff and students. They are involved in the First Monday Book Club, Book and Movie Club and Book Week. They promote reading events such as the National Year of Reading. They work closely with the Head of Library and library staff.  The position can be shared between two candidates.

 

Each year a team of 5-6 senior students are appointed as College Science Leaders. They are expected to promote Science within the student body, initiate ideas and develop these into projects. Science Leaders actively participate in Science Week assisting with the organisation of events and contribute to environmental issues across the College. Students are selected as Science Leaders by submission of a written application to the Head of Science.

 

Students who show leadership qualities are appointed by music staff as Leaders in Band, Choir and Strings. Music Leaders assist in selecting music, assist at rehearsals with organisation and also play an important role at concerts. Music Leaders may have the opportunity to conduct in the relevant ensemble and to represent the College in award ceremonies.