On Wednesday, 19 March our Head Girls and Heads of Special Character attended the Head Prefect conference held at Takapuna Grammar with the focus on networking with other student leaders.  This event offered us the opportunity to share ideas, brainstorm different tactics we face in school life, and utilise our leadership roles to maintain unity throughout our schools.  It was a day of learning, collaboration and motivation—one that will influence the way we lead in our schools moving forward.

Throughout the conference, groups were created at random for a variety of activities, including speed network dating and bus stop activities, as well as time to connect with other prefects.  It was important for us to have different perspectives and discussions on topics ranging from fostering school spirit to effective communication and conflict resolution.

A standout moment of the day was the speech delivered by guest speaker, Joshua Cesan, a dancer, choreographer and director of IDentity Dance Company.  He shared the challenges and successes he faced while working towards being a leader, as he spoke about the importance of finding your own identity while taking inspiration from those around you but making your work unique and original to yourself.

Overall, this day enabled us to reflect on how our energy and identity have the chance to empower the people around us and make a positive impact.  His words reminded us that leadership is not about titles but about the positive impact we make on those around us.  This event has enabled us to come together to consider how we can adapt as leaders within our own schools and consider the true positive impact we can make on this journey.

“He waka eke noa”—We are all in this together.

Chelsea Brown & Lily Dwyer (Head Girls) and Kriya D’Sa & Auriel Straka (Heads of Special Character)