Mr Richard Dobrenov | Deputy Principal & Head of Senior School

Last week our Year 11’s embarked upon the Year 11 Leadership Camp at Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast. One of the main objectives of the camp was to provide the students with important opportunities to lead with confidence, empathy, and resilience, all essential aspects for individuals aiming to make a positive impact on their school, communities, and the wider society. Camps like this offer unique opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and improving connections with other students not often socialised with.

Leadership camps provide a supportive environment that encourages participants to explore their strengths, weaknesses, and values. Self-awareness is a fundamental aspect of leadership because it allows individuals to recognise their potential, understand their emotions, and develop a clear vision for the future. This self-awareness was repeatedly challenged throughout the week, as students learned to push themselves beyond their comfort zones, and with the support of their peers, many overcame obstacles that they initially thought they were incapable of achieving. Whether it was rock climbing, abseiling down the 10m tower, surfing or the quick jump leap of faith from the 10m tower; each student grew in self-confidence and self-belief.

Other important elements in the context of leadership are effective communication and teamwork. The camp included workshops on leadership, group activities, and simulations that focussed on honing these crucial skills. The students learned how to articulate their ideas confidently, actively listen to others, and foster an inclusive and collaborative environment. These experiences not only enhanced their communication abilities but also emphasised the value of cooperation and collective problem-solving.

Another important element of leadership is emotional intelligence which is increasingly recognised as a key factor in successful leadership. Understanding and managing emotions in oneself and others can greatly influence decision-making and interpersonal relationships. The camp provided opportunities to teach emotional intelligence, by encouraging participants to empathise with others, navigate conflicts peacefully, and inspire positive change through emotional awareness. This became increasingly evident as the week wore on and students were both physically and emotionally tired. It was during these moments that students found that emotions can sometimes get the better of us, and recognising this and adjusting our response is key to an effective outcome. Leaders often encounter challenges and setbacks, making resilience and adaptability vital traits. The four days were filled with outdoor activities, team-building exercises, and problem-solving challenges that pushed students out of their comfort zones. By navigating these challenges and learning from shortcomings, the students developed a resilient mindset and the ability to adapt to various situations, preparing them for the busyness of being a Year 12 student and school leader.

If the intention of the camp was to serve as a transformative experience to equip students with the necessary skills to excel as leaders of the school, then the brief was met. But the week was so much more than this. It fostered self-awareness, communication, emotional intelligence, resilience, and social responsibility. For many of our students, the beach is a place they rarely visit, and some are even afraid of it. To see them working together, caring for one another and moving further out of their comfort zones than they ever thought possible is what this week was about. Remember, leadership is not just about guiding others; it is about leading oneself towards personal growth and making a difference in the lives of others. Thank you to Mr Kuhn, Mrs Krause, Mrs Grayson, Mr Mascadri and Mr Sullivan for giving up their personal and family time to mentor the students, so willingly.  We all look forward to working with our Year 12s throughout next year.

Please check out our camp photos in the From the Senior School section!