Our Year 7/8 students discovered how everyday acts of kindness, service and leadership can make a lasting difference in our community.
Our Year 7/8 students recently had the opportunity to hear from a wonderful group of local volunteers and community members as part of our Community Leaders Panel.
A heartfelt thank you to Kelly Whittaker, Ellie Oster, Danny LeFeuvre, Lyall Schultz, Paty Morris and Greg Treloar for generously sharing their time, stories, experiences and wisdom with our students.
Each story was unique and filled with valuable lessons about leadership, service and the difference one person can make. Our students heard how volunteers and community members use their skills, passions and kindness to make our community a stronger, safer and more connected place.
One of the most important messages our students heard was that leadership often begins at school. It starts with having the courage to speak up, helping someone who needs it, showing kindness, becoming involved and choosing to make a positive difference. These small actions can grow into something truly powerful and lead people into roles where they continue supporting and inspiring others.
The panel also reminded our students that not every leader has a title like Mayor, Principal or Prime Minister. Some of the most influential leaders are ordinary people who quietly give their time, share their knowledge and work to improve the lives of those around them. They may not always be recognised, and we may not see everything they do, but their impact can be felt throughout the community.
Every person has a role to play in shaping the community around them. It is because of people like our panel members that our community continues to grow, thrive and care for its people.
Thank you again to Kelly, Ellie, Danny, Lyall, Paty and Greg for the wonderful advice, encouragement and insight you gave our Year 7/8 students. You showed them that leadership is not about having the biggest title or the loudest voice. It is about caring, contributing and having the courage to create positive change.
Our students will take these inspiring stories and valuable lessons with them as they continue through this term’s Learning Expedition. The involvement of experts and community members allows our Learning Expeditions to grow organically, connecting classroom learning with authentic experiences, real people and meaningful change.
Our students left the panel inspired by the leaders sitting in front of them and, hopefully, beginning to recognise the leaders growing within themselves.