For many Australians, developing well-rounded leadership skills comes later in life.

At Lesmurdie Primary School, students are discovering what it means to lead well from a young age.  

Through Lead, a year-long program developed and facilitated by YouthCARE Chaplain Abby Phipps, Year 6 students are growing into thoughtful, caring leaders who serve their school community with confidence and compassion.

“Mrs Phipps puts us in a special program to help us become great leaders, so hopefully we will help the school be a better school,” one student leader shares.

As Year 6 students step into roles such up as Sport or Faction Captains, Lead offers a holistic framework that helps them understand both themselves and others. The program equips students to lead through service, empathy and teamwork. 

At the heart of Lead are Abby’s four Cs of leadership: communication, character, cooperation, and culture. 

“In Term 1 they all have their ideas, and they’re all speaking over the top of each other,” Abby says with a smile. 

That’s why communication is the program’s starting point. Early sessions focus on active listening, understanding intent versus impact, and recognising that leadership sometimes means stepping back so others can be heard. 

 “You need to listen in order to understand what someone is saying,” Abby explains. 

“If someone is feeling upset, you can talk to them and just let them speak,” a student leader adds. “Then you can help them with their problems.”

The Lead program draws on Abby’s own leadership journey through church and youth camps, where she learnt the power of mentoring young people by meeting them where they are. ‍

“I really looked up to those people myself, growing up, that were in primary school and in high school. Just those people who were a few steps ahead. Those leaders who would just come alongside. I know how that felt for me, and I love being that person. To be able to share that with primary school aged kids is a real blessing,” says Abby.

Through Lead, Abby is nurturing, servant-hearted leaders who listen deeply, gain perspective, and build others up. 

“I’ve learnt lots of things,” one student reflects. “Encouragement can be the path to success.” 

“Abby has taught us to work more as a team, and not just by yourself,” says another.

 If you feel inspired to guide and grow young leaders like Abby does, consider becoming a YouthCARE Chaplain. Find out more here.