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Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools
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YEAR 5 STUDENTS PREPARE FOR THEIR ROLES AS SCHOOL LEADERS IN 2020

This year, for the first time, Toowoomba Catholic Schools are planning a Year 5 combined schools leadership retreat.  The event will be held at Assumption College, Warwick on Monday, 18 November.  Schools attending are

  • St Mary’s School, Warwick
  • St Patrick’s School, Allora
  • St Stephen’s School, Pittsworth,
  • St Maria Goretti School, Inglewood
  • St Joseph’s School, Stanthorpe
  • St Francis de Sales School, Clifton
  • St Joseph’s School, Millmerran.

The purpose of the camp is to prepare Year 5 students from these schools for their role as school leaders in 2020.  A secondary goal is to bring students together so that they have a chance to interact with other Year 5 students, particularly those from small schools where they have worked with the same small group of students throughout their schooling to date. 

The day will begin with an activity focused on helping students to get to know each other.  Students will then break into groups made up of students from each school to participate in 6 rotational activities before breaking for lunch.   Examples of the activities include

  • examining leadership traits and considering who they know that demonstrates these traits in their local community, Australia, the Church, the world
  • using the Assumption College labyrinth for a prayer experience
  • learning how to give a thank you speech with practical application
  • collaborative games and activities.

The final activity brings students back together with their school group to reflect on the day.  Assumption College are providing the food for everyone and the College leaders will speak with the Year 5s about the responsibility of school leadership.

“Our aim is for students to return to school with a new focus on leadership ready to transition into school leaders in 2020.  Classroom teachers are also involved and will continue the conversation back at their school to show the breadth of skills required to be an effective leader. As leaders, people expect them to act as role models, become stronger and more responsible people and reflect the beliefs and values of their school,” said Dr Pat Coughlan, Executive Director: Catholic Schools.

Toowoomba Catholic Schools aims to review this first retreat, repeat it in other areas in the diocese and build on it each year in the future.