THE next generation of Gannawarra leaders are raising the standards and learning integral leadership skills by taking part in the the 2022 GRIP Leadership Conference.
More than 50 Year 6 students from Cohuna Consolidated School, Kerang Christian College, Kerang Primary School, Kerang South Primary School, Koondrook Primary School, St Mary’s Primary School Cohuna and Murrabit Group School travelled to Bendigo in early May to attend the conference.
This year’s conference was centred around the theme of ‘raising the standards’, with students participating in workshops, discussions and fun activities in learning how to demonstrate integrity when stepping into student leadership positions.
Cohuna Consolidated School acting principal Valerie Lobry said that when speaking with her students that attended the conference, they said they really enjoyed the experience, and already felt more confident in their leadership capabilities.
“By attending the conference they got multiple ideas on how to step up and be a leader,” Ms Lobry said.
“They have already starting implementing those leadership ideas.”
Koondrook Primary School principal Amanda Bradford her students were also excited to be able to participate in the conference.
“I think it’s great that we get to go down as a whole network of schools and that the kids can interact with students from other schools and get to see and hear what schools from outside our area are doing as well in regards to their leadership,” Ms Bradford said.
The entire Year 6 cohort from Koondrook Primary was able to attend the conference this year, which Ms Bradford said was a great opportunity, particularly for students who might not be in leadership roles but want to develop their leadership skills.
“It gives the students confidence,” Ms Bradford said.
“It shows them that their ideas are valued, and that of they really want to they can be achieved.”
Gannawarra Shire Council has been supporting this program for many years, and councillors will visit with schools later in the year to continue to work with students that participated in the conference.
