To conclude Term 1, our cohort of 40 QAHS Student Leaders for 2025 took part in an experience that was equal parts reflection, challenge, and inspiration - the annual Student Leadership Retreat. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Numinbah Valley Environmental Education Centre, this 24-hour retreat offered far more than a change of scenery; it provided a space for clarity, connection, and genuine growth.
The retreat invited students to examine their leadership styles, recognise their collective strengths, and explore the enduring value of empathy in leadership. It was an opportunity to step back from the busyness of school life and look inward - with honesty, curiosity, and courage.
Through workshops and activities that wove together self-awareness, group dynamics, and First Nations perspectives, students engaged in a holistic approach to leadership development. The experience reminded them that strong leadership is not about volume or visibility - it is about authenticity, intention, and the quiet resolve to make a difference.
QAHS is proud to share a long-standing partnership with the Numinbah Valley EEC, which continues to support student growth through initiatives like the Leadership Retreat, the Numinbah Holding Tight Project, and Duke of Edinburgh adventurous journeys.
Our deepest thanks go to Principal Kalindi Brennan, whose vision and dedication ensure our students have access to these transformative experiences. We also acknowledge with heartfelt appreciation the contributions of Mrs Frances McGovern and Mrs Jade Psychoulas, whose presence and encouragement made the retreat even more impactful.
What follows is a glimpse into the moments that stayed with us - reflections from students and staff, capturing the spirit of a retreat that was not just about becoming better leaders, but better people.
We always enjoy working with student leaders from Queensland Academy for Health Sciences each year and this cohort was no exception. They arrived with big smiles, keen to engage with new experiences, opportunities for growth and collaborative learning.
A facilitator from 'Unleashing Personal Potential (UPP) ran a series of workshops in the afternoon and evening, interspersed with some NVEEC pearls of wisdom and leadership links. On Day 2, students had indicated they were interested in strengthening First Nations Connections, so we wove these fluidly into Canoeing on water Country, First Nations Seasons activities and Environmental Mandalas. Our leadership focus was on building connections to self, others and Country. Kerstein wowed the cohort with a smorgasbord of bush flavours creations for them to sample for morning tea, including Wattleseed damper, Bunya nut butter, Bush fruits jams, candied Lemon aspen and Lemon Myrtle/River Mint tea.
We loved supporting this cohort of student leaders and teachers, plus, having the opportunity to re-connect with a number of students we have engaged with previously. Their energy, camaraderie and enthusiasm for learning and making connections was inspiring. They are incredible leaders now and into the future.
Kalindi Brennan, Principal – Numinbah Valley Environmental Education Centre
Over two unforgettable days, the Leadership Retreat gave us the chance to grow not only as leaders, but as a team. Through interactive leadership workshops and team bonding activities like karaoke night and canoeing, we learnt the value of collaboration, communication, and trust.
One of the highlights was simply being surrounded by fellow members of the Student Executive - sharing stories, laughter, and late-night chats that helped us truly understand one another. Genuine friendships were formed, and the sense of unity that emerged has already strengthened how we work together.
Beyond the fun, the retreat played a pivotal role in planning major school events. It sparked creativity, encouraged open dialogue, and laid the groundwork for what we hope will be an incredible year ahead.
The memories made at camp were unforgettable, leaving a lasting imprint on our school lives. I am so grateful for the opportunity that school leadership has provided for us as students and am excited for the upcoming terms!
Johanna Lee, Year 11 Vice House Leader
My favourite part of the retreat was the second leadership workshop, where I collaborated with the other Gold Coast Junior Council representatives and both school council student representatives. In this session, we were asked to group according to our leadership roles and come up with an initiative to implement at our school.
As representatives of the Gold Coast Junior Council and the school council, we were the only groups that regularly held organised meetings outside of the Student Executive Committee. Because of this, we felt it made sense to collaborate on an initiative that would improve communication about our roles, the work we do, and the issues we're aiming to address.
Our idea was to create a fortnightly vlog series, showcasing different aspects of the Student Executive Committee. These vlogs would include interviews with various student leaders, giving them a platform to share the issues they've identified within the school and the solutions they're working on. We also wanted to use the vlog to build excitement around school events - like cross-country or Battle of the Bands- and to engage more students in what's happening across the campus.
Overall, the retreat was an amazing experience, and I'm looking forward to more opportunities like this in the future.
Timothy Wissa, Year 10 Gold Coast Junior Council Representative
Leadership Retreat left us with irreplaceable memories and unforgettable life lessons - ones that will shape us not just as leaders, but as people. From engaging leadership workshops to canoeing and even late-night karaoke, there was never a dull moment during our stay at the Numinbah Valley Environmental Education Centre.
For me, the biggest takeaway was the friendships I formed and the connections I made with students of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It showed me that friendship knows no boundaries - and that building these relationships can make experiences richer and opportunities more meaningful, especially when we're united by a shared goal like student leadership.
I truly cherish the time I had during the retreat. It's made me even more motivated to become a student leader next year so I can continue growing and learning in future retreats.
Justine Vu- Year 10 Global Learners Representative
If I'm being completely honest, when I first heard about the camp, I was absolutely terrified of canoeing - I couldn't stop worrying about capsizing. But once I was on the water, it turned out to be surprisingly therapeutic and a lot of fun. It also pushed us to develop our teamwork and leadership skills in ways I hadn't expected.
My biggest takeaway from the retreat came during the leadership workshops. I realised that leadership isn't just about standing at the front - it's about the quiet work behind the scenes that uplifts and supports others. I now understand more than ever that we rise by lifting others.
All in all, I can confidently say - on behalf of everyone - that the retreat was not only a powerful learning experience, but also one of the best ways to bring our Student Leadership team together so that we can work as one to make QAHS the best it can be.
Angelina Lin, Year 10 Global Learners Representative
One of my biggest takeaways from the leadership retreat was how important communication and teamwork are in leadership. During canoeing, we had to work in perfect sync, or else we'd literally start going in a zigzag... it was so difficult! However, it really showed how crucial it is to listen and adjust to each other. That same lesson came up again, during a problem-solving challenge, where we had to coordinate our movements and communicate clearly to sit in the correct order while following some rules. It really pushed us to think ahead, listen carefully, and cooperate with others to solve a problem. I think that both activities reminded me that strong leaders know how to collaborate, not just take charge!
Sahara Gower, Year 11 Vice House Leader
Marnie Chetter
Teacher of English & Student Leadership Coordinator