Strength of the Week – Leadership
Leadership. At the moment we are all looking towards the inspiring leadership of the Matildas, with our fingers and everything crossed! The journey to the World Cup would have to be filled with many obstacles and challenges. Despite this, Sam Kerr is considered one of the world’s great footballers and amongst the most prolific goal-scorers of all time. As the captain of the Matildas, Kerr is one of the game’s most important leaders. In a recent online article, Kerr indicates her no nonsense advice for leadership “embrace pressure, build community, learn from other great inspirations, know when others should lead the charge and maintain a competitive edge.”
For some people the idea of leading others can create feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. And yet we all lead at some time or another, whether we hold a position of leadership and title or not, sometimes without knowing. We lead by example every day, and often we are unaware of the influence we may have. From the moment our children are born they are watching us and drinking in the examples they see; every word and action they hear.
Leadership in a Lasallian school is based on commitment, trust, positive influence, and most importantly, service. Those who have previously served as College Leaders have left a strong legacy, and a foundation that can be built upon; developed in each person’s own way. College Leadership is a prestigious honour that must be carried out with distinction and pride.
Students are afforded many opportunities to explore leadership in a myriad of roles, in and out of the classroom. Class Leaders have just been appointed for Semester 2, College and Lasallian Leaders and House Leaders have now been working in their roles for a semester, and Eco Leaders never stop (have you seen the garden lately?)… just to name a few. There are many similar examples of fine leadership all around us for all of us to see and notice in our classrooms, and on the playing field – it’s likely you’ll find them reported on each page of The Star.
If we think about it, on our faith journey we have the blessing of many leaders, both present and past. This week we celebrate the feast day of St Mary MacKillop and we have to wonder where our schools would be today without her decisive and courageous leadership. Of course, the leadership of St John Baptist de La Salle is incredibly important to all teachers, in particular for those who journey in Lasallian schools. His words often inform our actions on a day-to-day basis. Overarching all of our amazing role models in this regard, the bravery and enduring leadership of Jesus, in what must have been such extraordinarily challenging circumstances over many years, is so very clear.
As people we have opportunities to lead in both the real world and virtual worlds, all the time, whether we hold a title and a badge or not. We can stand for what is right, in line with the personal values we hold dear, and those the College seeks to inspire. We can take care with our words and actions in person and online and hope to always leave those around us feeling better and more supported after they have interacted with us. Making a difference.
Leadership is not an easy course at times, but it can have far reaching consequences in the change it can bring for the better. Together with humility and kindness, the influence we can have on our world, really can be sensational.
At St Michael’s College, we hope that through a quality Lasallian education, inspired by the Gospel and a concern for social justice, students are empowered to better choose who they become as people, learners and leaders in the world. Leadership, as a strength, strongly supports this vision.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead and go the Matildas!
Tonia Carfora, Year 7-9 Wellbeing Initiatives Leader
