With the appointment of our 2024 student leaders, QAHS representatives have been embracing all opportunities presented to them to network, learn and grow in their appointed roles. Our student leaders attended two events hosted by the Gold Coast Secondary Principal's Alliance, recently, and found immense value in these experiences.
GCSPA School Leaders Celebration
Hosted at Griffith University, the GCSPA School Leaders Celebration brought together student leaders from 17 Gold Coast State Secondary Schools, highlighting the collective strength of the region's senior student leaders. Our House Leaders and School Council Student Representatives immersed themselves in an atmosphere of inspiration, recognition, and meaningful connections throughout the evening. One particularly valuable moment of input was when the keynote speaker, Cr Shelley Curtis, cited a mantra she followed when competing in an ironman triathlon: “You can think you can or think you can't. Either way, you will be right". Through this assertion, the importance of choosing to think positively in challenging and uncomfortable moments is highlighted, a sentiment we hope our students can adopt in times of discomfort and uncertainty.
The GCSPA School Leaders Celebration not only reflected the calibre of leadership within our community, but also fostered a sense of pride in being a QAHS Student Leader.
GCSPA Future Leaders Workshop
The GCSPA Future Leaders Program in partnership with Bond University inspired and equipped our students with leadership skills that will undoubtedly shape their futures.
Students explored the foundations of leadership, delving into the core concept of personal values and their influence on leadership styles. The sessions on servant leadership and community leadership fostered self-discovery, allowing students to understand themselves better and recognize how their values contribute to their emerging leadership skills. Student leaders Michaela and Joshua reflect on this experience below:
The GCSPA Future Leaders workshop was an insightful and productive event that helped me clarify and narrow down the type of leader I wish to be. There, we met with an expanse variety of leaders, all with different values and outlooks, in order to open our minds to different perspectives on what 'leadership' truly meant. We were inspired by a range of speakers, all leaders in their own fields, who addressed the different but equally valid range of leaders we could aspire to be. This greatly helped me understand that being a 'leader' is a multi-faceted title that requires a flexible, open-minded, and strong person who is willing to put others first. The ability to be a lead is in everyone, it only takes cultivation and focus to bring it out in people. Overall, it was an amazing experience that helped me make connections and grow as a leader.
Michaela D'Sliva, Ignis House Leader - Year 12
Attending the Future Leaders workshop at Bond University was such a worthwhile experience for me. The presentations at the workshop were extremely informative and reiterated how, as leaders, we should prioritise serving our community. The session that intrigued me the most was actually presented by another Year 12 student and entrepreneur, named Bryce from St Andrews Lutheran College, who started the charity "Super Max & Bryce". Seeing someone who is my age making an impact in the world through servant leadership showed me what an important skill it is. Additionally, having the chance to connect with other school leaders and Bond University staff opened up networking opportunities that I never considered a possibility. In essence, this workshop not only expanded my perspective on leadership and how it can change the world, but also allowed me to make new friends and connections.
Joshua Thomas, Ventus House Leader - Year 12
As we continue to nurture the leadership potential within our students, we look forward to more enriching opportunities and collaborations in the future.
Marnie Chetter
Student Leadership Coordinator