I can't believe that we are almost at the end of our year long leadership program for young adults within SCARF here in the Illawarra (Strategic Community Assistance for Refugee Families). What a ride it's been, and such a privilege to spend time with incredibly inspiring difference makers each month. We've had the opportunity to pull apart what leadership is, and then over the months develop transferable skills, attitudes and behaviours that will assist us all along our journeys. Saturday's session was definitely no different, but with an added bonus thrown in. "Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flow charts. It is about one life influencing another." John C. Maxwell We were deli
It's such a privilege to be a piece of the puzzle within so many educational journeys. As I've written before, we understand the amazing commitment schools and educators have for the welfare and educational opportunities offered to their students as they progress through their school years. Education is a complex and interdependent journey, with many important pieces of a puzzle supporting students, staff and school communities to achieve the best outcomes for each individual. It's so humbling to be reminded of the positive impact we are apart of creating as we explore the possibilities, discover potential and act authentically, together. "An extremely important and beneficial program for al
I never grow tired of listening to the responses of the participants within our programs. Each individuals articulation is an opportunity to add layers to my own understanding, growth and perspectives. One such response recently has really gotten under my skin and stayed with me over the past month. I find it keeps popping up as a reminder of the choice I have in front of me in any given situation. “Leadership is action, not position.” - Donald H. McGannon To lead or not to lead, that is the question. In any given moment that choice is available to us. A Year 5 girl summed it up beautifully the month or so ago when she said, to her leadership is like an Opal Card (transport payment card), av
Recently during a program experience, as a Year 4 girl was sharing a reflection, suddenly five other kids hands started shaking in the air (thumb and pinky up, other three fingers down). At first I was a little distracted as I tried to listen into her learning, curiosity was kicking in. I just couldn't work out what was happening. And then I got it. "When one teaches, two learn." - Robert Heinlein These kids weren't trying to get my attention because they wanted to speak. It was the complete opposite. They were enthusiastically indicating that this peer's reflection was resonating so deeply with them as they were listening. I immediately loved this empowering 'me too' signal within their lea
