Year 11 are learning to lead

The recent Year 11 Reflection day helped our students to reflect on leadership:

“A great day, filled with emotion and thought-provoking discussions”

On Thursday 23 July, Year 11 participated in a Reflection Day to prepare for the upcoming leadership process. The theme was “Empowering you, Empowering me!”; embodying our Ursuline Value for Year 11. The day began with a whole-grade kahoot on the life of Angela Merici, our Ursuline founder and role model, who inspires us through the leadership process. Throughout the day, we were given the opportunity to hear our Principal, Mrs Leask, and other members of the College leadership team express their own opinions on the qualities an Ursuline leader should embody. Then, as a year group, we came together to discuss what qualities we would like to see in a leader and constructed a word bubble with these characteristics which we discussed in a small group. In these small groups, we were given a TikTok dance to learn and perform, which gave us the opportunity to work together to achieve a common goal. Our opinions on leadership were put to the test, as statements about leadership were read, and each student had to either agree or disagree. This lead to many discussions about what leadership looks like or should look like in our world. Throughout the day, we looked at different examples of leaders. First, we looked at Jesus, St Ursula, St Angela Merici and the Duderstadt sisters as Christian models of leadership. Then, we looked at examples of leaders in our modern world, including Jacinda Ardern, Professor Elizabeth Blackburn and Malala Yousafzai. After a delicious lunch provided by YouPizza, we concluded the day with a silent liturgy, where we were able to empower and reconcile with our peers. Overall it was a great day, filled with emotion and thought-provoking discussions which we will carry with us through our upcoming leadership process.

Antonia Naccarella and Amy Lansdown

“We are now in a position to have the successful qualities of leaders”

Year 11 gathered together in the Merici centre to learn about the qualities of leadership. They spent the day learning about leadership through a number of fun and exciting activities, such as playing large kahoot, practicing active listening, performing TikTok dances and engaging in a variety of discussions about what it means to be a leader. The day concluded with a silent liturgy, in which the girls were able to spend a moment of gratitude and/or penance with each other.

These activities allowed us to understand how good leaders demonstrate our school values – accept, respect, unite, act, empower and serve – in their roles of leadership. In doing so, we are now in a position to have the successful qualities of leaders, both within the school as senior leaders, but also as leaders in our everyday lives.

We would like to give a special thank you to Mrs Leask, Mrs Monk, Mrs Nader, Mrs Di Mattia, and all the other teachers who spent the day with us, for making it such an enjoyable day of learning and bonding.

Anna Chierchia, Lauren Briggs and Eve Shaheen De Jesus

“The day inspired us to take action on issues and matters we care about”

Though Covid-19 prevented us from travelling to St Joseph’s Centre, we were still able to have a fantastic day filled with games and discussion about the qualities a good leader should possess.

By far, the most fun part was the TikTok competition, where the year was split into groups to learn a dance and later perform it for everyone. While some were daunted by the idea, in the end, everyone had a great time as we were able to relax and have fun! This activity gave us the opportunity to work together to learn the dance and gave us the opportunity to recognise leadership values in ourselves and our peers.

Next, the day continued with a talk from Mrs Leask on the qualities of leadership that inspired St Ursula and Angela Merici to carry out their mission; helping us to seek inspiration from these revolutionary women. The day ended with a special silent liturgy that gave us the opportunity to reflect on the day and connect with others in our grade.

All-in-all, the day got us all to think more deeply about the leadership qualities we see in ourselves and inspire us to take action on issues and matters we care about.