Leaders of Tomorrow at Joeys

Year 11 leaders at St Joseph’s College began 2010 with a comprehensive Leadership Camp at the College’s Outdoor Education Centre, Colo.

St Joseph’s is renowned for providing boys with a well rounded, broad education that goes well beyond the everyday curriculum. Naturally, there is a strong focus on academic achievement and excellence, but the College is also committed to helping students reach their potential as leaders and advocates for social justice.

Students are given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills in a myriad of ways, including taking charge of classroom activities, peer to peer teaching, captaining a sports team, planning a Mass or coordinating a fundraising initiative. One important opportunity offered to Year 11 students is the chance to become a Colo Leader. These leaders help run outdoor education camps for Years 7 and 8 and are vital role models for younger students at the College.

The 2010 leadership camp saw 23 Year 11 students come together to prepare for their role as Colo Leaders. Headmaster of St Joseph’s College, Mr Ross Tarlinton, said the camp was an opportunity for the students to learn about leadership and develop skills that will help them become strong, visionary and fair leaders of the future.

“Not only does the camp prepare the Year 11 boys for their work with the younger students at the College, it also prepares them for leadership roles in their lives beyond the College,” Mr Tarlinton said. “We want our boys to be able to go out into the world and make a positive difference – and to want to make that difference. “

The aim of the leadership camp was to allow the students to explore the qualities of good leaders in the world, and identify which of these qualities they would need in order to be successful in their role as Colo Leaders. Students engaged in a range of problem solving activities, information sessions and group discussions.

Year 11 student, Declan Carroll from Balmoral, said the camp was attended by an excellent mix of boys, each having different strengths and interests. “It was a good choice. Each of the boys added their own particular qualities and style of leadership in a positive way,” he said.

Declan described the camp as a fantastic learning opportunity, but said there was still some time for a little light hearted fun. “Even though the camp was all about leadership, we also were able to indulge ourselves in the newly made mountain bike course, rock climbing courses and the high and low rope courses,” he said.

“I have been to Colo in my junior years at the College, but I believe this year’s Year 11 Leadership camp was one of the most stimulating and enjoyable Colo trips I have ever had. All the boys, including myself, took on board a lot of information we will be able to use in everyday life. Hopefully it will help us to become the better leaders for tomorrow.”