Leadership is action, not position. (Donald H. McGannon)
Gone are the times when student leadership in a school provided only opportunities for a small group of senior students to play a role that was, historically, ceremonial in nature. St Margaret’s offers a much broader range of experiences for a larger group of students.
Schools have the capacity to build the understandings and skills of leadership through the total curriculum and the many and varied activities of school life. In this way students develop their individual capacity to lead and influence others in a responsible manner. Student leadership activities link strongly with leadership about citizenship and the process involved in a democracy. St Margaret’s assist all students to learn about, and exercise, the rights and responsibilities of participating in a community that values social justice.
As the leaders of tomorrow, all girls at St Margaret’s have many opportunities to take responsibility and positions of leadership from a very early stage. Many of these roles are formally recognised, but leadership in many forms is encouraged and acknowledged. Engaging in the life of the school community supports successful development as a life-long learner and as a positive participant in the wider civic life of the community.
The leadership program at St Margaret’s provides students with the motivation, skills and confidence they need to tackle the many complex challenges they may face in their lives today and as the leaders of tomorrow. Girls are prepared for leadership throughout their school life, enhancing their growth in awareness, self-esteem and responsibility.
We believe:
- all students have the potential to develop leadership skills over time
- leadership is a process
- leadership is developed through education and experience.
St Margaret’s leadership programs aim to foster essential leadership qualities and skills, including: self-awareness, responsibility, motivation, empathy, active listening, courage, honesty, integrity, confidence, respect, innovation, creativity, resilience, ethical.
In the secondary school, there are many and varied leadership opportunities and positions. St Margaret’s horizontal pastoral care approach and vertical house system provides many opportunities for girls to practice their leadership skills, no matter where they are in their leadership journey. There is a mix of formal and informal leadership positions, especially in Years 7 to 11, with a more structured system in Year 12.
Primary School Leadership
The primary school provides a variety of environments and opportunities for students to fulfil their leadership potential. An effective group of student leaders helps set the tone for the school. The primary school leadership program gives students the opportunities to be resourceful and develop their own personal leadership capabilities.It is based on the philosophy of ‘leadership by service’, therefore the most important aspect of leadership lies in serving others.
Students are encouraged to:
•
act in roles of responsibility with integrity and honesty
•
foster a sense of vision and purpose
•
work with others to determine and achieve collective goals
•
take on responsibilities and use decision making skills in order to carry a
project through to a successful conclusion
•
be active, reflective listeners who respond effectively
•
earn the respect of others through their actions.