From the Head of Junior School

Leadership and Role Models

I actually think that the most efficacious way of making a difference is to lead by example, and doing random acts of kindness is setting a very good example of how to behave in the world. Misha Collins

Being a very young child, I recall meeting older teenagers. They seemed so much older that I, so big and so mature. Seeing them, perform, play a sport and simply spend time with me had an impact. They made me consider what I might be like when I grew up.

Over the past several years, our Year 12 boys have played a special role in the development of our Year 2s. Their simple acts of kindness, of giving up their time to be with boys ten years their juniors, has had a profound impact on both sets of boys. The great thing is, the Year 12 boys do not have to do anything other than be themselves. Their maturity and genuine interested and care for the Year 2 boys is enough. They have become role models for our Year 2 boys and demonstrated, through their actions, what the Year 2's can aspire to be, that is good, kind young men.

The graduating Year 12 boys visited our Year 2 boys for an early morning treasure hunt and BBQ breakfast. They ran around the playing fields in search of clues, getting to know one another and forming bonds. This event was the first of several over the year that will bring these two groups of boys together and provide the young boys of the Junior School with the opportunity to meet young leaders in action. Boys who lead through their actions.

yLead
On Friday, Year 5 students attended the yLead, Lead with Heart, leadership conference. The yLead programme explores what it takes to be a respectful, courageous and positive leader in the community. Throughout the day, students explore the acronym HEART in a series of fun activities. HEART stands for:

Helpful - looking out for everyday actions that enrich the lives of others
Energetic - promoting and sharing positive energy
Active and Aware - becoming more away of personal strengths and how they can be used to take positive action as a leader
Resilient - the importance of having the courage to try new things, and learning to respond positively to challenging or difficult situations
Team player - the importance of working with others in an encouraging and supportive

Students explored the idea that leadership as more than a badge or title. The boys were encouraged to lead through courage, passion and integrity whilst serving others through their actions. They explored a range of activities that required them to work together, to use of their individual strengths, and to ultimately achieve success for the entire group. The boys had to understand the importance of being themselves, being truthful and trustworthy, being open to the opinions of others and being supportive and encouraging. They had a wonderful day, filled with activities that were exciting, engaging and will hopefully empower them to be positive leaders within the Scotch College and wider community.

Mr John Stewart
Head of Junior School