Session with Leader of Pedagogy Classroom Practice, Lara Porczak
The three-week program ran at the end of Term 2 for Years 10 to 11 and concluded for Years 7 to 9 in Week 2 of Term 3. Sessions covered topics such as being a Dominican leader and using the four Pillars, Prayer, Study, Service and Community, in order to guide one's leadership journey at Siena. Additional topics included speech writing, public speaking, organisation and teamwork.
We also partnered with St Kilda Football Club to have members from their Education Department speak about their leadership experiences in the AFLW. This session focused on character strengths, asking students to recall times when they felt empowered as leaders and to set goals and a vision under the title, Leadership: How I Want to Be.
The students completed weekly reflection questions, and it was encouraging to see the level of engagement across the sessions and the contributions by participants to the discussions that evolved from the content. I am always uplifted by the number of students who participate in this cocurricular activity and navigate the afterschool sessions alongside their studies and commitments outside of school.
Please enjoy reading some of the responses to the reflection questions:
"Out of the four Pillars, Service speaks to me as I believe it embodies my core leadership values. This stems from my commitment to prioritising others and striving for the greater good of the community at large, rather than just a small group or cohort."
"Out of the four Pillars, I feel most connected to Community. As a Siena student, I believe we have an amazing community within the whole school, our Houses and our cohorts. This connection to community helps me advocate for my peers and form connections with others at Siena, enabling me to be a more effective and accessible leader for everyone."
"One way I can be of Service to others is by simply showing them that I care. All too often, we go through life trying to manage our own wants and needs without paying attention to others and their problems. The idea of 'Listen to understand, not to hear' is significant, as it highlights the importance of understanding more about other people’s lives, our possible effect on them and the ways we can help to improve their quality of life."
"In order to stay on topic, I will use anchor points in my upcoming lectures. I'll ensure to maintain eye contact, write with interest, and use inclusive language in my presentations to give my audience the impression that I am speaking to each and every one of them."
"The primary strategies I have implemented from the Pillars include using backwards planning, experimenting with new organisational techniques early on, and assigning duties based on people's talents to ensure everything is accomplished on time and to a high standard."
"In my future speech writing and presenting, I will humanise myself as well as my statistics to truly connect with my audience. I will also structure my speeches in a chiastic manner to embed the purpose throughout the speech."
"In Term 2, Kurrajong highlighted the Opening the Doors Foundation (OTDF), the organisation we have partnered with to support throughout the year.
The OTDF is an Aboriginal led community organisation supporting educational opportunities for Aboriginal children in Australia. The Foundation enables First Nations students to participate fully and equally in education, and supports families in making their own choices about their children’s future. The Foundation believes that consistent support for self determination is key to raising the dreams and aspirations of the next generation. Achieving a successful and culturally appropriate academic experience has the potential to radically alter the systemic and generational disadvantage, currently experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
In conjunction with Reconciliation Week last term, we championed the OTDF whose work is vital in creating equal opportunities, closing the gap and providing families with the agency to make decisions for themselves.
Over the course of Term 2, Kurrajong ran a number of awareness and fundraising initiatives to promote conversation, education and action! Some of these included a school wide Kahoot; hosting our annual bake sale where we sold many delicious goodies; and a movie screening of Top End Wedding with popcorn and lollies for sale.
We would also like to give special thanks and congratulations to Ciara W, who emerged as a runner up in the Rotary Club’s public speaking competition. Ciara was awarded $1,000 to donate to a charity of her choice, and she graciously chose the OTDF. With the proceeds from our fundraisers and Ciara’s generous donation, we successfully raised $1,990 for the OTDF in Term 2. We are excited to continue our work with them throughout the year.
We are so thankful to all the students and staff who supported us in making these initiatives happen and to all who joined us in supporting a cause that is so important, particularly in the current national context. Equal access to educational opportunities is the first step towards an equal Australia!"
Year 12 Kurrajong House Captains, Shreya K and Sienna M
"In Week 3 of Term 2, Siena College celebrated a successful SRC Week with a range of activities, including the lolly jar fundraiser. This competition raised over $180 for our Dominican family in the Solomon Islands. Thank you to everyone who contributed during SRC Week; your efforts were greatly appreciated."
Amelia D
"On 29 April during lunchtime, the Year 8 Voice Leaders hosted a Choc Toss as their SRC Week initiative which was supported by the new Year 7 Voice Leaders. This event was a fantastic opportunity to welcome the new leaders into their roles. A total of thirty-four blocks of chocolate were donated, either won or sold on the day, making it a highly profitable event! All proceeds will go to the Solomon Islands, hopefully making a positive impact."
Year 8 Student Voice Leaders: Annabelle R, Polly P, Claire R and Chloe H
"During SRC Week, the Year 10 House Captains organised a donut stall at recess to raise funds for our Dominican family in the Solomon Islands. The stall featured three types of donuts: Krispy Kreme original glazed, iced and cinnamon. The glazed donuts were especially popular and all one hundred and fifty donuts were sold! Overall, this initiative was a great success, raising approximately $400 for this important cause."
Victoria C
