​​​© Brisbane Catholic Education, St Stephen's School, 2024​​

On 5 December 2024, our Year 6 students marked the culmination of their year of outstanding leadership with a day celebrating as a year level at Wet'n'Wild waterpark. This day was not only a reward for their efforts, but also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of collaboration and teamwork required for successful leadership.

The main purpose of our day was to honour the leadership responsibilities and achievements of our students throughout the year. By bringing everyone together in a fun and dynamic setting like Wet'n'Wild, we hoped to emphasise the connection between effective leadership, teamwork and the ability to navigate both challenges and celebrations with confidence.

The Importance of Leadership Activities at Our School

At St Stephen's we aim to foster a leadership culture that inspires every student to recognise their unique strengths, embrace responsibility and take initiative to positively impact their peers, school, and community.  Leadership activities play a pivotal role in developing essential citizenship skills and our students participate in a wide range of leadership activities over the course of the year with the purpose of;

• celebrating our Catholic culture
• fundraising and/or raising awareness
• supporting and welcoming our younger students
• building a positive school culture
  
• conservation initiatives

The day at Wet'n'Wild also provided students with an incredible opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and challenge themselves in ways they hadn't before. Some of the waterslides, particularly the high ones, were intimidating at first, and many students expressed their fear of the height and speed. However, these challenges were exactly what made the day so valuable for their personal growth. As the students faced their fears, whether by looking down from the top of a towering slide or waiting their turn at the edge, they were learning valuable lessons in bravery and resilience. It was inspiring to see how many of them pushed through their initial apprehension. With encouragement from their peers, teachers, and school leaders, they found the courage to try something new.

The experience highlighted an essential aspect of leadership—being able to confront challenges head-on, even when they seem overwhelming. As they stepped out of their comfort zones, students gained a new perspective on their abilities. They learned that growth often happens when we take risks and embrace moments of discomfort. Whether it was conquering a big waterslide or cheering on classmates who were also facing their fears, the day was a testament to the power of confidence, teamwork, and the determination to rise above challenges.

Support from Bendigo Bank Acacia Ridge
The success of our day at Wet'n'Wild would not have been possible without the generous support of Bendigo Bank, whose financial contributions play a crucial role in making our leadership initiatives a reality each year. Their ongoing commitment to our school and our leadership program has provided invaluable resources, enabling us to offer students experiences that help them grow, develop, and celebrate their leadership achievements.

This partnership also highlights the importance of community involvement in education, showing students the power of collaboration and how businesses, like Bendigo Bank, can make a tangible impact on their lives.

We are deeply grateful to Bendigo Bank for their continued support. Their generosity not only helps to bring our leadership initiatives to life but also reinforces the idea that leadership is about giving back and working together for the common good. The success of our day at Wet'n'Wild is a testament to the positive difference that community partnerships can make, and we look forward to continuing this valuable collaboration for years to come.​