This week, Year 10 and 11 students aspiring to become College leaders in 2027 took part in an Intensive Leadership Program at Kolbe Catholic College, focused on developing the skills, mindset and values of authentic Catholic leadership. In 2027, the College’s student leadership structure will evolve, with the Peer Support Program aligning with the Year 11 group, providing more students with opportunities to lead and creating a stronger leadership journey from Year 10 through to Year 12.
Grounded in the Kolbe Way and our values of Faith, Courage and Excellence, the program challenged students to see leadership as a journey of growth rather than a position of status. Year 10 student Kyla shared, “One challenge I faced was putting myself out there in taking the lead, even when I wasn’t completely confident. It taught me that being a good leader isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about giving things a go and learning along the way”. Through team building experiences, strengths based reflection, problem solving challenges and collaborative activities, students discovered that authentic leadership is shaped by self awareness and the small, repeated choices that build a positive culture.
Students reflected that leadership can be found in the everyday moments, in the classroom, on the sporting field and throughout the wider College community, where simple acts of service and kindness can have a lasting impact. The program culminated in an exciting Leadership Sprint: From Ideas to Action, where students worked in teams to develop and pitch innovative ideas to strengthen our College community. It was a powerful reminder that leadership is defined by one courageous choice, one small step and one person willing to make a difference.
