Rotary Coordinator – Daryl Brown
Project duration – February to April 2025
Over Term 1, 263 student leaders from East Doncaster Secondary College undertook Learning Leadership training at selected Melbourne Schools and at the Melbourne Exhibition and Events Centre (MCEC).
In February 2025, the school provided a leadership training day for Student Leaders where over 90 students attended the day at NewHope Baptist Church which enabled students to learn the essential skills of planning a year of leadership, how to be a leader and start thinking about what initiatives and student might have for the College.
On Wednesday, March 5th, EDSC’s leadership team had the opportunity to attend the GRIP Leadership Conference at the Melbourne Convention Centre, where several student leaders from other schools across Victoria joined to build their leadership skills.
GRIP is a leadership training organisation for students and the education sector. Their core values are:
- GENEROSITY - Willingness to use what you have been given (time and resources) on behalf of those you seek to influence.
- RESPONSIBILITY We all have a responsibility to develop what we have and help others to live well.
- INTEGRITY A commitment to truth and honesty in dealings.
- PEOPLE Every human being is of great significance, and has a purpose to fulfill.
The conference focused on the use of personal strengths to become better leaders and make a meaningful impact within the school community. Through engaging talks and interactive activities, they learned the importance of teamwork, communication, and taking initiative. The speakers encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones and provided unique strategies to help them grow as leaders. One of the key lessons I learnt was that leadership isn’t just about having a title or planning events, it’s about taking action every day to support and help others at school.
Malak, Year 10
During the sessions, we got the opportunity to meet and collaborate with student leaders from other schools and exchanged ideas, experiences and motivating words of advice. Attending GRIP Leadership Day challenged us to think about the kind of leaders we want to be and how we can contribute to building a stronger, more supportive school environment. It was an amazing experience, and we’re excited to put what we’ve learned into practice!
Daya, Year 8
On 5th March 2025, several student leaders were given the golden opportunity to attend the annual GRIP conference. Enthusiastic and passionate hosts engaged us throughout the day, teaching us leadership skills through amusing activities. Their presentations made us think of new ideas and help our school. We learned how as leaders we can be supportive of others. The conference educated how even one person can positively impact communities. We were taught in a unique entertaining way, through humorous interactive games like 'Would you rather?' and '20-second makeover'. My favourite part was when they taught, "If you don't know them, still offer help," through a 20-second-makeover game, in which we helped a volunteered high school student have a "makeover" with what we had. This opportunity was extremely valuable and beneficial, and I would love to go again.
Baran, Year 10
Attending the GRIP Student Leadership Conference was an invaluable and enriching experience. The event was both engaging and informative, offering a perfect balance of enjoyment and personal growth. This exceptional conference provided participants with two different electives, each designed to help student leaders develop critical skills for effective leadership.
These sessions proved to be insightful, as they helped us with strategies for managing time efficiently, especially when faced with multiple tasks, and emphasized the importance of listening to others' ideas which are essential components of leadership.
Throughout the conference, we were provided with a booklet containing various thought-provoking quotes and phrases that highlighted key aspects of leadership and its role in creating a positive school environment.
One quote, was really significant and meaningful to me: "One who wants the best might not match the rest." This resonated deeply, as it underscored the idea that effective leadership is not about achieving personal success but about promoting the well-being and growth of the school and its community. It reminded me that leadership is, above all, about service, empathy, and creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
What a fabulous opportunity for the students from EDSC and all the students who attended!!
