A hallmark of an education at Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Armidale, has been the leadership skills which have been fostered in students over the past 131 years, and the leaders who have graduated to do greater things in communities around the globe in that time. Graduates such as the current National Farmers’ Federation President, Mrs Fiona Simson; Chloe Chick, CEO of internationally recognised business, We Are Sisu, and former Armidale Regional Council Councillor, Mrs Jenny Bailey, are among many names who have refined their formative leadership skills at PLC Armidale.
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Earlier this week, a new generation of leaders was officially inducted at the College for 2019.
The Student Leadership team for 2018/2019 includes nine girls from Armidale, Ella Atkin from Guyra (Deputy Wentworth Guild Captain) , Jessica Mabbott from Uralla (Gregory Guild Captain) , Kathleen MacDougall from Scone (Deputy Gregory Guild Captain) , Ria Kealey from Walcha ( Forrest Guild Captain) and Larris Cleal from Warialda (Boarding House Captain).
The Armidale team members are: Head Prefect -Lucy Martin; Deputy Head Prefect -Sarah Miron; Sports Prefect – Mia Emanuel; Creative Arts Prefect – Isla Biffin; Spiritual Leader – Sarah Miron; Macquarie Guild Captain – Mia Tindale; Wentworth Guild Captain – Aisha Kleindienst, Deputy Forrest Guild Captain– Eleanor Harrell; and Deputy Macquarie Guild Captain– Isobel Harris.
“Each member of the incoming Student Leadership team brings with them a unique style of leadership, which will be enhanced over the next 12 months as the girls take on greater responsibilities and opportunities at the College and beyond,” said PLC Armidale Principal, Mrs Nicola Taylor.
“Most of these girls are participants in the international Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, a co-curricular offering at the College and have honed their leadership skills through the many opportunities and experiences they have been provided as students of PLC Armidale.”
Following their special induction at the College’s Term 4 Commencement service, the girls undertook a Leadership Training Day, with the co-ordination of the annual Guild Drama performances now at the forefront of their Term 4 school activities.
Serving others prepares you to lead others
- Mrs Nicola Taylor - PLC Armidale principal
In her address, PLC Armidale Principal, Mrs Nicola Taylor, spoke specifically about servant leadership style; a style being promoted more in University courses of study and in business practice, as ‘a model of leadership which will enable any organisation where people are involved to go from good to great, or better to best’.
“It’s not just something for schools and student leaders to know about,” Mrs Taylor said.
Mrs Taylor encouraged the new leaders to think about the attributes of servant leadership:
“Servant-leaders turn conversations toward others,” she said.
“They encourage other people to use their strengths, aspirations, and capabilities to achieve common goals. It’s never about the leader, it’s always about the team.
“Servant-leaders are concerned with how others see themselves, not what others think about of them as the leader.
“They stand behind others, take responsible risks and revel in the success of others. The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority.
“Serving others prepares you to lead others.”