Year 9 Leaders Build Skills at Youth Leadership Conference
Hearing from leaders in sport, government and community service gave our Year 9 Leaders plenty to think about at the Perth Secondary Youth Leadership Conference. Held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, the day invited students to listen closely, participate in workshops and activities, and build practical leadership skills.
Through a range of sessions and speakers, students were encouraged to reflect on what leadership looks like in real life and how they can use their own strengths to lead within the Santa Maria community.
Leadership that looks different
One of the strengths of the day was the range of voices our students heard from.
Guest speakers included Ashleigh Nelson, former Hockeyroos player and former Santa Maria College Head Girl (2004), Hannah Beazley, Minister for Local Government, Disability Services, Volunteering, Youth and Gascoyne, and Craig Hollywood from Short Back and Sidewalks.
Each speaker brought a different perspective, but the thread running through the day was clear. Leadership is not one thing. It can look like service, courage, advocacy, resilience, or simply choosing to step forward when something needs to change.
Our Year 9 Leaders were able to see that leadership is not reserved for a title or a stage. It starts in everyday decisions, in how you treat others, and in whether you are willing to use your voice well.
Skills that grow through practice
Alongside the guest speakers, students participated in activities and workshops that helped build their leadership skills in practical ways.
The day gave them space to develop confidence, collaboration, initiative, curiosity, emotional intelligence and respect. These are not abstract qualities for girls this age. They are the skills that help them speak up, work with others, respond thoughtfully and lead with purpose.
That is what made the experience so worthwhile. It was not only inspiring. It was useful. Students came away with ideas they can bring back to the College and apply within their own year group and the wider school community.
Learning from people who lead with purpose
There was something powerful in hearing from people whose leadership is grounded in service to others.
From public service to community work to elite sport, students saw that leadership can take many paths. What matters is the willingness to act, to stay connected to your values, and to keep learning as you go.
That message speaks strongly to Year 9. This is an age where girls are finding their voice, testing their confidence and beginning to understand the influence they can have. Days like this help make that growth visible.
The moments that stayed with them
For Emily, one thing that stood out on the day was how engaging and interactive the conference was.
“Being able to work with students from other schools, listen to inspiring guest speakers, and gain new knowledge made the day both enjoyable and valuable.”
Isla said her favourite session was hearing from past Santa Maria student, Ashleigh Nelson. “She taught us valuable skills such as using our strengths to the best of our abilities and being our true selves.”
By the end of the conference, our Year 9 Leaders had not only benefited from hearing from leaders in the wider community. They had also been reminded that leadership is something they can keep practising now, in their own way, with growing confidence and care for others.
- Girls Leadership, Leadership Developement, Mercy Values, Perth Secondary Youth Leadership Conference, Santa Maria College, Student Leadership, Student Voice, Year 9 Leaders, Year 9 Students, Youth Leadership Perth
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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