Secondary Captains attend the Compass Student Leadership Conference

Over their days in Canberra, our captains learned about what leadership looks like, how it is important to read and understand the Bible in context, and what the Biblical story is. The sessions were taught by Graham Stanton, Jeff Nagle, Mark Ryan, Matt Stackhouse and Erica Jones.

Besides listening to talks, the group visited the Australian War Memorial, the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, and Parliament House. At Parliament House, they met independent Senator David Pocock, who shared his passion to make a difference in the world as a leader, encouraging our school captains to remember that as young people, we have a voice on issues that matter to us.

Rachel, Nick and Lani also had fun at the Bush Dance on their last night in Canberra, with the Macarena and Nut Bush among the highlights.

Our captains shared what they took away from the conference, and reflected on what they might like to implement into their leadership at Calderwood. Here's what they had to say:

What did you learn?

Rachel

I found that the Compass Conference was an amazing time of bonding, not only with Nick, Lani, Mr Hutton and Mrs Meek, but also with the other student leaders from schools all around the country. I was so encouraged by the friendliness of those students, and I found their passion for their roles infectious.

The conference helped expand my perspective of the culture I am a part of, and encouraged me to seek God as I grow into my leadership position in our school. I am thankful for the privilege of being able to attend, explore, and actively engage in each session, and I can’t wait to begin implementing what I learnt throughout the Compass Conference.  

Nick

At the Compass Conference I learned new ideas, values, and methods on how to be an effective leader for the Calderwood school community, and for other service roles within school.

The 5-day conference provided insight as well as skills into areas of faith I had only ever scratched the surface of, such as:

• – What is lament?
• – Lament in the church
• – Lament in faith
• – How to be a Christian leader in today’s culture
• – Current social and political trends 

Overall, the Compass Camp was a spectacular time for meeting like-minded brothers and sisters in Christ from all over Australia, as well as having the opportunity to join in fellowship with other student leaders in Canberra!

Lani

Over the 4-day Compass Conference, I developed an appreciation for other perspectives from fellow students, teachers and leaders.

I was grateful for my discussion group leader who created a comfortable space to share and collaborate thoughts and ideas. From learning new approaches to reading the Bible to exploring practices such as lament, I was able to step outside my comfort zone.

I met some incredible people and loved getting to know my fellow captains Rachel and Nick, and Mr Hutton and Mrs Meek better. A couple of highlights for me were eating mochi, gelato, extra-MSG flavoured noodles, getting extremely competitive in games of uno, and best of all learning to bush dance for the first time!

What would you like to implement at Calderwood?

Rachel

From individuals focused upon the advancement of self, to a community that values humility, uplifting others and placing them first.  

Nick

From a culture of egotistical self-improvement to a culture of the improvement of others in faith, and education.  

Lani

From friends in school, to family in Christ.