On the last day of Term 1, 11 April 2025, the Year 12 retreat was held in the school auditorium. This year, our retreat focused on a key Gospel message: “We are by Christ called to serve others as leaders of our school.” As we embark on our journey as the 2026 leaders of the school, this retreat was an eye-opener in viewing leadership through the lens of service, just as Jesus demonstrated. It allowed us to reflect on the importance of servant leadership and how we can apply this practice to our world, our peers, and our self-development.
At the start of the retreat, the Year 12 students were divided into their corresponding houses and reflected on how to unpack the concept of servant leadership. The day was divided into four unique sessions, led by Mr. Piggin, Ms. Al-Rubaie, Mr. O’Connor, and Mr. Bali, with Mr. Tamayo overseeing the event.
One example of how we explored servant leadership was through Mr. Piggin’s session, providing valuable insights into servant leadership. To achieve this, Mr. Piggin organised us into small groups focused on mini-Bible studies led by the Year 12 youth ministers. These discussions allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a servant leader. “I need God to lead successfully,” was the key takeaway from the session, which emphasised leading with humility and selflessness, while embodying qualities such as courage, integrity, and responsibility—qualities exemplified by Jesus. This session helped us to see how servant leadership acts as a gateway for followers of Christ to practice their faith by embodying His values.
Another session that enhanced our understanding of servant leadership was Mr. Bali’s. Here, we were split into groups and tasked with forming a dragon as part of a collaborative activity. In this exercise, each team had a “head,” symbolising the leader, and a “tail,” representing the most vulnerable members who needed protection. Although the task was challenging at first, it became an enjoyable activity that highlighted the importance of communication, teamwork, and trust in leadership. The “head,” or leader, carried the responsibility of guiding the team and ensuring the “tail” was protected from other teams to secure victory. This session showed that true victory lies in prioritising the team’s needs, making everyone feel valued and included—the essence of servant leadership.
To end the retreat, we had the privilege of hearing from some familiar faces, as alumni returned to share their experiences of servant leadership. They discussed how they practiced servant leadership during and after their time at school. Many had served as Year 13 prefects, providing a shining example of servant leadership in action. The alumni explained how servant leadership shaped who they are today, influencing their personal growth and their paths in the workplace, university, and other endeavours. They emphasised that staying authentic and embodying Jesus’ values is central to being a true servant leader.
Overall, the Year 12 retreat was an incredibly rewarding experience, providing each student with valuable insights into the importance of servant leadership and its impact beyond school. As the retreat marked the start of the school holidays, it inspired us to practice what we learned with our loved ones, in our communities, and in other aspects of our lives.
From the sessions to the guest speakers, thank you to Mr. Tamayo for organising our Year 12 retreat and to the rest of the teachers who facilitated the sessions.
