The PLC Leadership Journey

Leader: ‘An articulate, capable and responsible person of integrity who works collaboratively, has a heart for service and uses her education to make the world a better place.’

Graduate Outcomes, PLC’s Strategic Plan: Towards 2023 and Beyond

‘I help!’ Bonnie – infant group ‘I get tissue for my friends when they’re sad. I help them feel better.’ Ada – toddler

In our Strategic Plan we look towards the future, to the graduate outcomes to which we want every girl to aspire: Scholar, Thinker, Advocate, Citizen, Leader. In this issue of PLC in Print, we focus on leadership and listen to the voices of our students as they develop leadership competencies through the opportunities afforded them at PLC.

EARLY LEARNING CENTTRE

‘Sometimes I help my friends make paper fans and butterflies. I show them what to do.’ Lauren - 3-year-old Kindergarten

Leadership in the Early Learning Centre

Leading ourselves and then leading others takes time, patience and an environment that fosters and supports independence and shared responsibility. In the Early Learning Centre, leadership is developed through playful learning experiences, allowing children to recognise and develop a sense of themselves, their community and their place in the world. Everyday responsibilities embed leadership in routines and rituals which set patterns and traditions for life. Children share their skills with each other in their work, take responsibility for setting up their learning spaces, mealtimes and rest times and contribute to shared decision-making. Collaboration and belonging to a community of learners sets the foundation for strong leadership capabilities.

Helping

‘We have jobs and at lunchtime we ask who wants to serve food and we put drinks out on the tables and we tidy up where we play.’ Bella – 4-year-old Pre-Prep

‘I love to hear other people’s ideas. As a leader I need to be caring, I have to listen and I have to take responsibility. Layla – Year 4

‘Showing leadership is making sure everybody feels part of the team and being kind and loving. Leaders have to be humble, not boastful.’ Eva – Year 1

JUNIOR SCHOOL

‘My leadership experience showed me that I am capable of talking to many people and not to be afraid of new experiences.’ Kiyara – Year 3

SENIOR SCHOOL

‘A leader knows that everyone makes mistakes and isn’t afraid to make them. Lead with compassion and kindness and be open to feedback from your class.’ Clairesse – Year 7

‘Being able to work cooperatively with others is an important leadership trait because to improve a community, you have to be able to work together.’ Tahlia – Year 8

‘The ups and downs of this semester have taught me that a good leader should be flexible and lead by example. Communication and compromise are key.’ Jennifer – Year 9

‘Being a camp leader meant supporting the Year 7s on their first Senior School camp and helping them with anything they were struggling with, from homesickness to the camp activities. I found new capabilities as well as strength within myself that I can incorporate into my life.’ Ebony – Year 10

‘Pipes and Drums leadership means guiding each girl through their musical journey. It’s cheering when someone nails their paradiddles. It’s fostering an environment that’s fit for learning and fun. And it’s not only my responsibility to do this, but the whole band’s. All the girls are leaders.’ Madeleine – Year 11

‘In my leadership role I help people. I am honest, even when it is hard sometimes.’ Sanayah – Year 6

Leadership in Junior School and Senior School

From Prep to Year 12, we cultivate leadership skills in every student through a strong focus on working together as a community, building self-confidence and self-awareness and recognising role models who inspire others with humility and grace. We know that to lead others, our girls will need to be courageous, resilient, collaborative and willing to take responsibility; it is these competencies that we focus on developing throughout their time in the Junior and Senior Schools.

There are numerous opportunities to practise leadership skills. Responsibilities increase and significant output is expected as girls move up through the school. The girls need support from peers and staff to learn to apply the skills they are developing and to identify their strategic goals in leading others. Students lead in collaboration with their peers; shared leadership holds significant challenges and growth opportunities, and teamwork is critical to a successful outcome.

‘The most important thing that we do as leaders is communicate. It is important that all voices are heard to ensure we deliver a product everyone is proud of and which encapsulates the whole school’s experience.’ Jody, Tiffany and Margot – Year 11

Guiding Collaborating

‘We have realised that sometimes we don’t have a pattern to follow in a position of leadership. Often, we have to make our own pattern, adapting and changing in response to new challenges. Leadership is about striving to serve the needs of our school community.’ Ruyi and Ria – Year 12

‘Leadership is about having courage to take action. The main goal of leadership for me is to encourage girls that to succeed we have to first step out of our comfort zones and try something new without fear of failure.’ Christy – Year 12