Leadership
Academy
"Empowering leaders of faith, service and purpose"
Applications open: Wednesday 15 July 2026
Applications open: August/September 2026
The Student Leadership & Formation Academy is designed to reflect the journey of a young leader moving from self-awareness to community impact across their years at our College.
The program aims to develop young leaders of strength, kindliness and purpose through multi-pathway leadership opportunities.
Through the program, students will develop:
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Courageous Leadership
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Social Awareness
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Cultural Understanding
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Environmental Responsibility
Across their leadership journey, students will take part in a range of projects, events, retreats and immersions, learning through awareness, action, advocacy and legacy. They will be guided by mentors including College staff, guest speakers and community partners.
The Leadership Pathway
Kildare Campus
Discovering My Leadership - Year 7-9
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These formative years focus on personal growth, contribution to community and discovering leadership style.
Key Themes:
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Self-leadership and values exploration
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Teamwork, respect and community identity
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Stepping forward through service and initiative​​
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Brigidine Campus
Influencing My World - Year 10-12
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Leadership becomes more strategic, intentional and outward-facing. Students are expected to shape school culture and contribute to the wider community.
Key Themes:
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Mentoring and modelling for younger peers
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Strategic leadership and voice in decision-making
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Advocacy, planning and public engagement
Year 7 - Leading Myself
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Introduction to ​College values and Gospel-based leadership
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Participation in House spirit events and liturgical life
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Peer support connections with Year 10 mentors
Year 8 - Leading with Others
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Team-based projects (e.g. House events, sustainability clubs)
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Public speaking opportunities and LM, Assembly and Mass readings
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Reflection on Brigidine service (serving with strength and kindliness)
Year 9 - Leading in Action
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Application to Emerging Leaders Program
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Justice Action Projects (e.g. Vinnies Winter Appeal, Reconciliation Week)
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Voice in campus decision-making through year level forums​
Year 10 - Emerging Leadership
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Serve as peer support leaders for Year 7
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Lead in liturgy, sport, justice or cultural programs
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Participate in leadership workshop series
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Application to formal roles (e.g. House leader)
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Year 11 - Leading in Community
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Captains and Ambassadors lead projects, events and assemblies
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Community-based service leadership
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Host leadership panels at Kildare Campus
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Begin mentoring junior students or acting as co-leaders in School of Excellence Academies
Year 12 - Legacy Leadership
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College Captains/Vice Captains lead across the College
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Brigidine Leadership Council coordinates legacy projects
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Provide leadership formation support for staff and young leaders
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Student speeches, graduation representation and public forums
Student Leadership Journey at SJC
Year | Campus | Focus | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
7 | Kildare | My Leadership Identity | Retreat;
Reflection;
Discovery;
House Spirit |
8 | Kildare | Stepping Out | Public Speaking;
Supporting Projects |
9 | Kildare/Brigidine | Community | Peer Support;
Formal Roles;
Embedding Voice in House |
10 | Brigidine/Kildare | Team Voice | Workshop Presentation;
Mentoring;
Presenting |
11 | Brigidine/Kildare | Action and Impact | Project Leader;
Cross Campus Influence |
12 | Brigidine/Kildare | Senior Leader | Culture Shaper;
Mentor;
Legacy Creator |
Leadership Academy Recognition
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To ensure clarity and purpose, we introduce a recognition structure:​​​
Leadership Structure | Requirements for Recognition |
|---|---|
Emerging Leader | Participation in two campus-based initiatives; Journal Reflection |
Service Leader | Lead two campus-based initiatives; 10 public speaking opportunities; New Metrics portfolio entries |
College Leader | Mentor to junior and emerging leaders; Present at leadership workshop; Lead College initiative |
Senior College Leader | Formal position; Lead a student group; Mentor to service leaders; New Metrics portfolio complete |
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All graduates receive formal certificates. College Leaders are recognised at Awards Night, Leadership Assembly, and in College publications.
Staff Involvement & Campus Coordination
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Each campus has a dedicated Leadership Academy Coordinator (or team) to ensure:
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Age-appropriate delivery of content
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Cross-campus continuity and mentoring
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Integration and liturgy, justice, sport and the arts
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Ongoing student tracking and recognition
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Bridging the Campuses
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Each year, selected Year 10s are paired with Year 8 leaders to form Leadership partnerships, fostering mentoring and visibility across sites.​
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Student Voice at the Heart
Through the Leadership Academy, students participate in:
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Campus Voice Committees (Kildare + Brigidine)
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Student Leadership Summits (each semester)
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Whole-school feedback sessions tied to real College decisions
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Integrating Melbourne New Metrics Competencies
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The competencies of Communication and Collaboration will be demonstrated through:
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Digital Leadership Portfolios: Students will showcase:
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- Leadership narratives
- Evidence of team projects and public speaking engagements
- Reflections on collaborative efforts with partner schools
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Collaborative Leadership Projects: Each year level will contribute to a cross-campus initiative, documented and presented in their portfolio.
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​Regional Focus and Connection to Country
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Local Initiatives:
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Reconciliation Week and Indigenous Leadership: Collaborations with local Elders and Indigenous leaders to embed understanding of cultural heritage and leadership in connection to the land.
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Rural Sustainability Projects: Programs addressing issues such as water use, farming innovation, and rural community health.
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Global Perspective:​
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​Leadership excursions to international partner schools emphasising global citizenship and understanding of Indigenous cultures worldwide.
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Case studies linking local and international rural challenges.
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Enriching the Program
Year-Specific Leadership Pathways
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Year 8: Collaboration with local councils to run community engagement projects
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Year 10: Peer mentorship with metropolitan schools to bridge urban-rural leadership perspectives.
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Year 12: Develop and lead 'Leadership for the Future' workshop, involving partner schools and local community leaders.
Capstone Project for Senior Leaders:
A culminating task for Tier 4 leaders, focusing on a significant regional issue or partnership project.
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