More than 100 students and staff from 21 schools gathered at the Catholic Leadership Centre recently for the second Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) student formation event. The CLC buzzed with energy as students arrived, enjoying lawn games and snacks that set the tone for a day of connection, reflection, and leadership.
The first session, Leading in Presence, opened with prayer and icebreakers. Students explored the qualities of influential leaders past and present and reflected on inspirational leaders in their own lives. They shared thoughtful insights, describing leaders as people who… lead by example, guide; inspire and empower others and are strong, charismatic, open-minded and empathetic.
The second session, Leading in Service, featured a clip from the movie Inside Out. Students reflected on their own leadership experiences and contributed to small group discussions. A lively game of Roaming Pictionary led into lunch.
The final session, Leading in Witness, took on a more reflective tone with group leaders sharing personal stories of inspiration, prompting deeper conversations about leadership as a lived experience.
Students and staff described the day as:
- ‘An unforgettable encounter with faith, friends and God’s love.’
- ‘A fun day making new friends and learning that leadership isn’t just a badge but an action.’
- ‘An engaging and fun exploration into leadership and faith.’
Students went back to school with a renewed confidence in their abilities as leaders and great excitement and enthusiasm for the ACYF experience ahead.
