The Assembled School Leaders

On February 11^th  2021, the Student Leadership Network of the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast regions was welcomed at St. Joseph’s Cathedral by Bishop Michael for their Induction Ceremony of 2021.  

Each year the elected student leaders of these regions come together, at the collective invitation of their Principals and Headmasters to be recognised, inducted and called upon to make a commitment to work together.  Although this ceremony takes place each year, this was the the first year in which all Principals and Headmasters were able to attend.

Leaders making their Committment    The Induction Committment

The ceremony creates a strong sense of collaboration, responsibility, and companionship amongst the participants and is unique in the State of Queensland.

Claire Stitt, Deputy Principal: Mission, The Cathedral College, and one of the ceremony organisers said that we recognised the need to gather all the student leaders together in a way that underscores “the valuable role they will play within their own school or college”. 

The acknowledgement of country was given by Principal of The Cathedral College, Mr Rob Alexander; and then Principals and Headmasters were invited by Mrs Claire Stitt and Mrs Aine Toman, Assistant Principal: Mission - Emmaus College, to introduce their Student leaders to the community.

Before each principal introduced their leaders by name, they read out their school motto and explained how this could be used to encourage all those present as leaders in 2021.

Mount Morgan State High School

    Glenmore State High School           Yeppoon State High School

Mrs. Stitt said, ‘one of the best guides to being good leaders can be found in the school mottos and mission statements. We hope that in light of this ceremony the students will have a better appreciation of this’.

The Principal of St Ursula’s College, Mrs Ryan, inspired all those present with their motto, “Perfect our Steps”. She went on to say, “As leaders, we are conscious that our example to others is often our greatest influence. We are called to do our best and support each other to walk and learn together in a spirit of faith, hope and love”. 

Glenmore State High School’s motto encouraged all to be “Inspiring growth, positive well-being and quality outcomes for all”, which their Principal, Mr Shannon said, “Good leaders understand that success is not a destination. Nor is failure. How we work together is as important as what we will achieve. The quality of our relationships with staff and students will be a mark of our success for the year”. 

Learning to lead by example, striving for excellence, responding to others' needs, and knowing when to ask for help were some of the key themes of the ceremony. After which, all the students proceeded to stand and read out an induction statement where they recognised and accepted the responsibilities of their positions.

The concluding words of the service was made by Mrs. Stitt quoting the words of Nelson Mandela:

“Student leaders of 2021 go forth and let your spirit light shine because in doing so you will unconsciously give other people permission to do the same”. 

To the student leaders of the Student Leadership Network, we say well done on your appointment. We recognise you and commend you to your mottos and mission statements as you serve your communities and our region in 2021.

Isabella Pilcher