YEAR 12 school captains from Melville High School, Kempsey High School and Macksville High School gathered at Brindabella last week for a leadership training seminar.
Developed by Lesley Langer, deputy principal of Melville High School and Lee Bourke, the school’s transition co-ordinator for years 6 and 7 students, this is the sixth year the course has been held.
Initially the training focussed on the traditional individual role of the school captain.
But over time it has evolved into developing a leadership group within the schools and equipping this group of young leaders with some of the skills they will need to fulfil their leadership potential.
The students, selected by their peers and school communities, are given a range of training in subjects from public speaking and stress management, to cultural and social diversity and awareness of mental health issues and depression.
Some of the guest speakers included Macksville High year 12 adviser Philip Argue, Melville High year 12 adviser Lisa Neilson and regional Aboriginal education consultant Scott Fatnowna.
This training is designed to give them the skills needed to make good decisions and take the best action on behalf of their fellow students.
Macksville High vice-captain Tulsa Daley says previous leaders had left a legacy which is important to live up to
“Some of them have made a big difference, I still remember my school captain from year 7,” she said.
As well as receiving training the students get to meet other captains from the three schools.
Melville High School captain Ellie Fuller believes this is one of the strengths of the course.
“It is a great networking opportunity and we are learning all sorts of skills that we can take into our lives after High School,” she said.
Held in the leafy riverside surrounds of Brindabella Reception Centre, the hospitality and atmosphere provided by owners Robbie and Spencer Treacy is credited with some of the continued success of the program.
“It feels like home, the have made us feel so welcome, it has really helped us get the most out of the two days” said Kempsey High School captain Emma Richards.
- Please email your school news to Jarrod Lipscombe at editorial.macleayargus
@ruralpr ess.com