Reaching the heights of Year 12 affords many opportunities to give back to the boarding community. The boarders in the younger years look forward to any interaction with the older boarders, whether that takes the form of a structured activity (a games night, craft afternoon, service activity or exercise class, for example) or something more spontaneous, like a walk to the river, help with homework or cooking together.
Growing student leaders in the Boarding House by Liz Langdon Head of Boarding
S
trong student leadership in a boarding community is crucial. Boarders spend more time in the Boarding House than they do in school, so there are many opportunities to develop and hone their leadership skills. Leadership starts from the top. The boarders in Year 12 lead the way and their example sets the tone in the Boarding House. This year we have introduced some initiatives that involve the Captain of Boarding and the Year 12 boarders that are designed to raise their profile, highlight their contribution and spread some joy within the boarding community. Each week, during notices, the Captain and Year 12s share news with the boarders and present a ‘Boarder of the Week’ award in recognition of someone who makes a difference through their actions and positive attitude.
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THE PENRHOSIAN
In 2022, we are increasing the number of boarder prefects and Year 12 leadership opportunities. The School Vice-Captain: Captain of Boarding will still serve on the Student Council, but we will introduce other additional prefect positions, to serve the boarding community. In this way, we will provide opportunities for the Year 12 cohort to come together, have fun and lead the way. The focus will be to explore possible service, environmental, physical, pastoral and creative opportunities that they can share with their fellow boarders, from Year 7. To help kick-start the leadership initiative, the Year 11 cohort recently attended Leadership Camp at Forest Edge in Waroona with Year 11 boarders from Aquinas College. It was a fabulous weekend of activities, and the boarders came back full of energy and enthusiasm. The aim of the camp was to take participants out of their comfort zone and expose them to stretch opportunities. The activities were a mix of problem-solving, team building and risk taking - it was fantastic to see the boarders extend themselves beyond their usual limits, to grow together and bond as a group. To reinforce this stretch learning, the Year 11 boarders will also participate in a series of leadership forums in 2021 to help shape how our new boarding leadership model will look. Involving the Year 11s in the process, will mean they will be more invested in making it work and achieving a positive outcome as they move into their Year 12 leadership positions next year. Moving forward, leadership opportunities will be extended to the boarders in all year groups and the initiative will naturally evolve, as the Year 12 boarder prefect team takes ownership of their positions and find ways to get others involved. There is great potential and enthusiasm, so 2022 is looking like a year of positive change for our boarders.
