Over the last few weeks, our Year 5 and Year 6 students participated in engaging and interactive leadership and wellbeing workshops, facilitated by Unleashing Personal Potential (UPP). These incursions are designed to build leadership capacity, strengthen peer relationships, and support the development of confident, compassionate students who contribute positively to our school community.

These experiences directly align with the St Catherine’s Wellbeing approach, which places a strong emphasis on personal development, healthy relationships, and student voice. Both programs provided powerful, practical tools that our students can carry forward into their daily lives.

Year 5 – ASPIRE to Lead

The Year 5 Leadership Incursion focused on inspiring students to lead by example, show initiative, and support one another. The day was divided into three sessions:

• Leading with or without the badge – exploring leadership as influence, not position, through kindness and example.
• The EPIC Race – a high-energy team challenge based on the ASPIRE framework: Action, Serve, Persist, Influence, Respect, and Encourage.
• Knowing Me, Growing Me – encouraging students to understand their strengths and how they contribute to group success.

The girls reflected thoughtfully on their learning:

“I like how he used games to show how we can be better leaders.” – Era S (5J)
“I really like how we learnt what type of leaders there are: prophet, planner and people, and how we can apply it to our lives.” – Annabelle L (5W)
“I really love how he got us to step outside of our comfort zone and really have a go at the activities and put yourself out there.” – Ayra H (5A)

These leadership principles are now being woven into classroom activities, student discussions, and our Year 5 Ambassador Program. This will also serve as a valuable foundation, equipping Year 5 students with the confidence and skills needed to take on more formal leadership roles in Year 6.

Year 6 – Strengthening Positive Peer Relationships

While Year 5 focused on leadership, Year 6 participated in UPP’s Positive Peer Relationships Incursion, aimed at developing empathy, communication skills, and stronger social connections. The workshop encouraged students to reflect on the kind of peer they want to be and the impact they have on others.

Through team-based games, group discussions, and reflective activities, students explored:

• Strategies for managing conflict and navigating friendship challenges
• The importance of active listening and positive communication
• How to create a safe, supportive peer environment through kindness, empathy, and respect

The program gave Year 6 students time and space to reflect on the strength of their friendships and how to build even more positive, respectful relationships as they continue their leadership journey in the Junior School.

At St Catherine’s, we believe that wellbeing and leadership go hand in hand. Programs like these provide our students with the tools to not only grow personally but also to support and uplift others.