Casey Student Leaders Reception

On Tuesday 26 March, I had the privilege of attending the Casey Student Leaders Reception with our School Captains from St Margaret’s and Berwick Grammar School. The evening was both entertaining and inspiring! There were activities, photos taken with the Mayor of Casey, a student panel and an inspiring presentation by Elka Whalan a dual Olympian swimmer who is now a successful media personality and presenter. Elka is also the founder of Queenhood “an empowering and uplifting organisation which encourages all women to unite and support one another”.

The highlight of the evening was Emma Booth, a past SMS Student, who courageously shared her story of tragedy and success. Emma was left a paraplegic after an horrific car accident in 2013. This did not deter her, instead Emma showed her true strength and resilience by deciding to return to riding as a Para-equestrian and was selected for the 2016 Australian Paralympic Team in Rio. Now, Emma has her sights set on Tokyo in 2020. An amazing and humble young woman!

There were many inspirational messages and words of advice for leadership, but it was also heartening to hear the conversation about kindness, empathy, strength and resilience. The student leaders were also encouraged to ask for support from those around them as well as being a support for others. Our student leaders represented us proudly.

Ms Gada Chazbek
Learning Leader of English