Leadership and service

Developing a sense of responsibility – for herself and others – is one of our priorities for each girl.

Right from the start, students are given guidelines within which they are trusted to act responsibly and to recognise the consequences of their actions. The child in the Early Learning Centre who must remember to put on her hat before going outside to play; the Junior School Class Captains and monitors; the Year 6 House Captains and those with responsibility in music, sport, social work and pet care, are all developing the confidence to take the lead.

This approach continues throughout Senior School. Students increasingly accept responsibility, and enjoy privileges, as they move from Year 7 to Year 12. At each year level, many assume leadership positions, further extending their capacity to exercise initiative, to take others with them and to contribute to the PLC Community. They are supported in these roles by formal programs for all girls at Year 9 and Year 11. That the school leaders at Year 12, who are elected by their peers, lead so effectively, reflects their qualities as much as the mature judgment of those who elect them.

Service is an integral part of school life and even the youngest is encouraged to help. Throughout the school, girls take the initiative to raise funds to support the work and needs of others. Guest speakers and student visits to outside organisations help girls to see beyond their own world and become aware of their ability to help others. Year 9 students participate in community service; girls who undertake the International Baccalaureate or the Duke of Edinburgh Award also make a commitment to service. Other groups work on improving the environment by tree-planting and cleaning-up in country Victoria and participating in programs such as ‘Clean Up Australia’.

‘Leading by example’ underpins our philosophy and practice and, in this, the work of our parents and Old Collegians is crucial. They model service to our school community in many ways, reminding us that we all have the capacity to make a difference.