Our cohort of 40 QAHS Student Leaders for 2024 punctuated the end of Term 1 with the exciting experience of the yearly Student Leadership Retreat. This 24-hour retreat at the Numinbah Valley Environmental Education Centre was an immersion into gaining clarity and insight into leadership styles, our strengths as a group and the importance of leading with empathy.
The theme of the retreat was 'cultivating connections to self, others, and place'. By nurturing profound connections within themselves, with their peers, and with the surrounding world, our student leaders were encouraged to lead with authenticity, integrity, and a dedication to effecting meaningful change in society.
Through activities that integrated elements of self-awareness, interpersonal dynamics, and ecological mindfulness, the retreat adopted a comprehensive approach to leadership development. On the first evening, students participated in the Leading from the Front workshop, conducted in collaboration with Unleashing Personal Potential (UPP). This session, filled with interactive challenges and a focus on effective communication, culminated in explicit teaching of the process of translating ideas into tangible actions. Undeterred by drizzly weather the following day, our students participated in activities, ranging from canoeing expeditions to reflective nature walks and up-close encounters with turtles and lizards.
A standout feature of the retreat was the STEM Lego Serious Play workshop, facilitated by Environmental Engineer, Environmental Scientist and Lego Master, Dr. Jennifer-Leigh Campbell from Griffith University. This innovative workshop provided students with a unique platform to dissect problems from different perspectives using Lego constructs. Dr. Campbell elucidated that through Lego, ideas could be manifested into reality akin to 3D-printing, with each brick serving as a catalyst for narrative exploration. Guided by this framework, students embarked on a journey of self-representation through Lego models, subsequently expanding their connections to encompass broader societal and environmental contexts. The workshop culminated with individual ideas coalescing to collectively envision and construct a sustainable urban landscape, intertwining social, environmental, economic, and governance considerations. We are so grateful to Dr. Campbell for sharing her passion and wisdom with us and reigniting our love for Lego!
QAHS maintains a long-standing and valued relationship with the Numinbah Valley EEC, fostering opportunities for students to partake in Leadership Retreats, the Numinbah Holding Tight Project, and the Duke of Edinburgh adventurous journeys over the years. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Principal Kalindi Brennan for her steadfast commitment to providing our students with invaluable skills and experiences.
A sincere note of appreciation is also extended to Mrs Frances McGovern, Mr Wade Chalker, and Mr Paul Carr for their unwavering support and active participation throughout the retreat.
Mrs Chetter
Student Leadership Co-ordinator
Below, we present a glimpse into some memorable moments noted by our students during this experience:
This year, I've noticed significant growth in my confidence as a leader. I found it remarkably easier to engage in conversations and contribute ideas during group activities. The reflective forest walk stands out as a highlight for me. It had been quite some time since I had the opportunity to immerse myself in nature to such an extent, and I thoroughly enjoyed taking in the serene and picturesque surroundings of Numinbah Valley. – Arisa Furutani, Year 11 GL representative
The UPP session offered an insightful exploration into various facets of leadership, particularly the power of influence. Engaging with a partner from Year 10 was enlightening, as it allowed me to forge a new friendship while gaining valuable insights. The interactive elements, including the captivating video on positive influence, added depth to the learning experience and made it easier to remain focused. – Georgina Crowther, Year 12 GL representative
During the retreat, I engaged in both the reflective forest walk and the creature feature activities, both of which left a profound impact on me. The reflective forest walk allowed me to reconnect with the tranquillity and beauty of nature, deepening my appreciation for the world around me. Additionally, the reflective group card activity provided a creative avenue for getting to know my peers better. The creature feature was equally enjoyable as it facilitated peer connections while exploring and observing the diverse animal life. – Siqi Cao, Year 10 GL representative
Participating in the canoeing activity was an enriching experience for me. Beyond the enjoyment of the activity itself, the session provided valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and social significance of Numinbah Valley and the dam. Engaging in competitive canoe races fostered teamwork and strategic thinking, enhancing the overall experience. – Tully Vine, Year 11 Ignis Vice House Leader
The LEGO Serious Play workshop resonated with me as it provided a unique blend of creativity, problem-solving, and introspection. Connecting with my inner child while approaching LEGO from a fresh perspective was truly refreshing. As someone who appreciates creative endeavours, I found the experience very rewarding. – Crystal Chen, Year 11 GL representative