On Monday, four of our student captains (Ahmed, Prathana, Duncan and Raesha) attended the National Young Leaders Day (NYLD) at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organized by Halogen Australia, the event aims to inspire and empower young people by exposing them to real-life stories from prominent leaders across various fields.
The day’s program included multiple sessions featuring distinguished speakers, interactive activities, and opportunities for student involvement. Our students had the privilege of hearing from:
- Emma McKeon: Australia’s most successful Olympian, sharing insights from her swimming career.
- Catherine Laga’aia: Renowned actor known for her role in the live-action adaptation of “Moana,” discussing her journey in the arts.
- Majak Daw: The first Sudanese AFL player, who spoke about his experiences in professional sports.
- Thomas Duncan-Watt: An accomplished author and animator, providing perspectives on creativity and storytelling.
One of the highlights was a unique spelling bee activity, where our students engaged with peers from other schools, learning to spell the names of their institutions. This exercise not only tested their spelling skills but also fostered networking and collaboration. The four even got a photo with Catherine’s father Jay, known for his role in Star Wars and Water Rats!
Reflecting on the experience, our student captains expressed enthusiasm, noting that the event was both enjoyable and inspiring. They are ready to lead our school in 2025 and are full of anticipation for future opportunities.