Forty-six primary school leaders from 14 state schools across the Gladstone Region gathered at the Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre this week to learn how to become MODEL leaders at the Santos GLNG Leaders Lead Program.
The annual program is focused on building the capabilities of our region’s young leaders by giving them the opportunity to collaborate and engage with likeminded students from other schools, build essential leadership skills, and plan and implement innovative projects or realistic change in their schools.
Santos GLNG Acting Onshore Installation Manager Rob Graham said the program was a wonderful opportunity for local primary school captains and leaders to be a part of an authentic program right here in the Gladstone Region.
“Santos GLNG has been a part of the Gladstone Region since 2009,” he said.
“We employ over 120 skilled workers, and 94 per cent of them reside locally and are active members of the community, so it’s important to us to invest in the future of our region which starts with our young people.
“By investing in their education, their skills development and their well-being, we can equip them with the tools they need to become the leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers of tomorrow.”
The 2024 program launched this week with a two-day Leadership Summit at the BIEEC, during which the students took part in collaborative team building activities, practiced leadership skills, engaged in self-reflection and journaling, learned about environmental stewardship, and finally engaged in public speaking by presenting their Legacy Project and action plan at a Think Tank pitch event.
Throughout the school year the participating students will be supported through regular check-ins with BIEEC teaching staff and Little Leader Yearly Wellness Journals purchased by Santos GLNG.
“These journals are a combination of a gratitude journal, mood journal and a daily planner,” Rob said.
“They are a great tool for our young leaders to utilise to practice mindfulness, and we’re really excited to have been able to purchase one for every student participating in this year’s program.”
The leadership program will culminate in an end-of-year celebration event with school representatives and parents, where students will present the outcome of their Legacy Project or change initiatives and share in a farewell lunch.
BIEEC Principal Michael Gabriel said for students to grow as individuals and as Motivated, Open-minded, Devoted and Empowering Learners or MODEL leaders, they need to feel supported and empowered, which is what the Santos GLNG Leaders Lead Program was all about.
“This is an innovative and enriching program, facilitated by our passionate and highly skilled staff, that is designed to empower extraordinary minds through an authentic, stimulating and real-world learning experience beyond the capacity of the classroom,” he said.
“We’re proud to be partnering with Santos GLNG for a second year, and appreciate their hands-on approach to supporting, investing in, and empowering the leaders of tomorrow.”
Santos GLNG’s community investment program has a large focus on our region’s youth, supporting Gidarjil Development Corporation’s Gulya Academy, the Coordinated Community Response to Domestic & Family Violence’s Love Bites Program, the delivery of The Resilience Project’s School Wellbeing Program at Gladstone Central State School in 2024, PCYC Queensland’s Deep Blue Line Program, and a long-term partnership with the Gladstone Eisteddfod.
BIEEC is a residential and day visit education facility operated by the Queensland’s Department of Education, providing programs for students in Prep to Year 12.
For more information visit boyneislandeec.eq.edu.au