Leadership Learnings in Year 12.

Each year I am invited to say a few words about leadership learnings at the Year 12 Induction Assembly. There are always lessons to learn and share on leadership, so I enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on a topic so dear to me.

In previous years I have spoken about what we can learn about leadership from the all-mighty Matilda's, the legendary All Blacks, and from impressive world leaders. But, this year, I reflected on leadership through the lens of a Year 11 student at the start of?their senior leadership year, and how their leadership skills might evolve in the next 12 months as they lead our students at St Hilda’s.

In preparation, I reflected on what leadership looked like at 17. To be honest, I don’t think I knew much about leadership at all at this age.

I don’t remember being taught about leadership or even engaging in conversations about leadership at school. Perhaps I did, but I honestly don’t remember any conversations on this topic until I was well into my career. A more experienced colleague said to me, “I think you would be a great Head of Department”. And I thought, OK. If you think so. I’II give that a try, and the rest is history.

At the age of 17, I remember always wanted to do my best, but I don’t remember having huge leadership ambitions. I definitely didn’t think that I would one day be leading the top girls' school in Perth. That was, and still is my lucky star moment!

I always thought leadership roles were for really smart women who were way more successful than I would ever be. Looking back, I’m really surprised and disappointed in my 17 years old self. I don’t know why I allowed myself to think like that. I now know better. I had so much to learn about what leadership WAS, and what leadership WASN’T. But I was only 17, so I had?plenty of time to learn.

I now know that we all learn how to lead every day through the decisions we make, the conversations we have, and the conflicts we work to resolve. ?

I now know that everyone has the potential to be a leader through their choices and their behaviour. ?

And I now know that Year 12 is a time when leadership learning really kicks in.

As I shared some somewhat embarrassing photos of my senior year of school throughout the assembly, it became clear that between Term 4 (Year 11) and Term 4 (Year 12), students mature significantly.

They grow in confidence, they grow in character and they grow as people.

Learning 1 - Leadership isn't about titles or badges; it's about influence and impact. ?

I didn’t realise this at first. I was really excited about getting my senior badges, and it’s OK to be excited. Your senior badge is a symbol of accomplishment and service to St Hilda’s. It highlights your role in the school and openly communicates your position of responsibility, but it doesn’t guarantee you success in inspiring and motivating others.

I have seen amazing girls effectively lead with no position or title.

By the end of Year 12 I had learned that leadership is a mindset and a practice, not just a label and a badge. It’s about the relationships you build, the values you uphold, and the positive change you create.

Learning 2 - Leadership is about leading by example.

Your actions inspire younger students and peers. I went to a school that was very strong in swimming. I was a very average swimmer, so never competed, but I wouldn’t have missed cheering my peers on for anything. I understood the positive impact that my support, and support from others, had on the swimmers in the pool. I learned that I couldn’t expect younger students to step up and cheer if I wasn’t leading by example.

Learning 3 - Leadership is about Teamwork

I learned that effective leadership often involves bringing together the right people, with the right skills, to achieve a common goal.

I shared a photo taken from an Inter-School sporting competition of the girls that ran with me in the A Division 4 x 100m Senior Athletics Relay. What did we have in common? We could run fast, really fast. Breaking the school record in this race is a moment and connection that we will always have. We had the right people, with the right skills and achieved our goal.

Learning 4 - Leadership is about influence, not authority.

Effective leaders build trust and influence rather than relying solely on their position. In my Year 12 cohort 15 girls had positions of responsibility, 85 didn’t. But together, we all led. We had a culture where everyone felt valued and motivated to contribute.

Learning 5 - Leadership is memorable

I encouraged our senior leaders to enjoy their senior year – it goes so fast. Laugh together, learn together and lift each other. The journey is a shared one.

They will create great memories in the coming 12 months.

I know that our 2025 seniors will lead St Hilda's with spirit, kindness, and care for each other.

I wish them all a magical and memorable leadership journey ahead.