What an incredible day we had at our recent Student Leaders Conference! It was truly inspiring to see so many bright and enthusiastic student leaders come together, embodying the very spirit of collaboration and empowerment.
Our purpose for this conference was simple yet powerful: to provide a unique space for our student leaders to connect, share ideas, and build networks across school communities. We also wanted to encourage reflection on their vital roles and, most importantly, to inspire and empower them to further develop their leadership skills within their own schools.
We were incredibly fortunate to see a lineup of exceptional guest speakers who shared their diverse leadership journeys and invaluable insights:
Scott Cosslett: A representative of NZ Hockey and former NZ Black Stick, Scott, who is also an ex-Bayview student, delivered powerful messages about the importance of taking action and how leadership isn't solely about being the smartest or the best. His journey resonated deeply with our students.
Jo Robson: From Leading Learning Ltd, Jo, an experienced leader and educator, captivated the audience with her session, "Au Kaha, Kia Kaha - empowered together!" Her passion for empowering leaders at all levels was evident, offering practical and insightful takeaways.
Brenda McPherson: A long-time local educator and MAC facilitator, Brenda brought a wealth of knowledge to her session, 'A different type of leadership.' She expertly unpacked indigenous leadership practices, challenging students to think about leadership in new and inclusive ways.
Hayden Allen: Former NBL player Hayden Allen shared his experiences with leadership from the world of professional sport, not only inspiring with his stories but also getting everyone moving with some engaging interactive games.
Nate and Ayesha, the Head Boy and Head Girl of Glenfield College also presented their own leadership journeys, offering relatable and inspiring perspectives from within our school community.
The energy and engagement throughout the day were remarkable. Students actively participated in discussions, collaborated on ideas, and left clearly inspired to implement their new insights within their own school environments.
We believe this conference has sown the seeds for even stronger, more connected student leadership across our schools. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these empowered young leaders in the coming months.
Thanks to the amazing sponsorship from PJ - Harcourts Cooper and Co, Jo Robson - Leading Learning, Event Cinemas, Livewire, Inflatable World, Glenfield Mall, Total Trim, Scott Cosslett, and Court Kings, we were able to offer this valuable conference free of charge to all students. This included supplying students with morning tea thanks to Total Trim, and lunch supplied by PJ - Harcourts Cooper and Co.
The excitement continued with every student receiving a goodie bag and having the opportunity to win a range of amazing spot prizes, including movie vouchers, gift bags, sports gear, books, and gaming headsets, adding an extra layer of fun to the day.
The energy and engagement throughout the day were remarkable. Students actively participated in discussions, collaborated on ideas, and truly shone during the interactive team-building challenges that encouraged collaboration and the development of their leadership skills. They left clearly inspired to implement their new insights within their own school environments.
We believe this conference has sown the seeds for even stronger, more connected student leadership across our schools. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these empowered young leaders in the coming months.