BREAKING: A transformative leadership workshop took place today, October 17, 2023, at Griffith High School, uniting students from multiple schools to explore the essence of leadership and teamwork. With a focus on empowerment, students from Wade High, Marian Catholic College, and Verity Christian College engaged in activities designed to enhance their communication and resilience skills.
URGENT UPDATE: This workshop, now in its second year, coincides with the International Day of the Girl Child, emphasizing the importance of young voices in leadership. Participants reported immediate benefits, with many expressing newfound confidence. “Having not known each other, it’s been a good exercise that has generated confidence throughout the day,” said Emma Cunial from Marian Catholic College.
The event gathered students like Lily Carruthers, Nouyah Tengku, and Drizella Miranda, who highlighted the critical skills learned during the day. “We’ve been looking at how to communicate better with people, including those we haven’t met before,” Nouyah stated, reflecting the workshop’s aim of fostering collaboration.
Participants also mentioned the importance of cross-school interactions. “It’s been encouraging to see all schools get involved because there isn’t much crossover, and seeing what’s going on at other places is beneficial,” noted Sophie Alderson from Marian Catholic College.
The workshop empowered students to establish ongoing groups within their schools. Griffith High now boasts the Empowering Wade Women group, while Marian has created the Wellbeing Team for Year 11 and a Peer Support Group for Year 10. These initiatives aim to encourage all students, regardless of gender, to become leaders. “Leaders aren’t just girls and they aren’t just boys; anybody can be a leader,” asserted Lily.
The impact of these workshops extends beyond the classroom. Participants believe that the lessons learned will influence their everyday interactions with teachers, parents, and peers. “Some of the things we are learning we can use in everyday life right now, including interactions with teachers, parents, friends, and the broader community,” Lily added.
WHAT’S NEXT: The students expressed enthusiasm for attending future workshops, emphasizing the need for everyone to participate. “It’s something everyone needs to know because it’s such a good thing,” said Lily. “Everyone should have the opportunity to do something like this because everybody has an influence, whether they realize it or not,” Sophie concluded.
The event was supported by Griffith SI, with President Libby Trembath praising the workshop’s success in promoting systematic change within schools. “It is actually resulting in systematic change in the schools, allowing young people to have a voice and the confidence to share it,” Trembath stated.
This workshop not only fostered leadership skills but also ignited a movement among young leaders ready to make their voices heard. Stay tuned for future developments as these empowered students continue to shape their communities.
