News

SCAS Student Leadership Committee Leadership Forum

By Sam Stewart, Secondary School Vice Captain

Leadership, politics, solutions.

On the 2nd of May 2022, St Columba Anglican School’s Student Leadership Committee (SLC) met with Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) Mayor Peta Pinson and PMHC Representative, Lucilla Marshall, to discuss local concerns and issues highlighted by the SLC team. Our Student representative speakers put forward their concerns on a diverse range of issues and presented strong and clear arguments which engaged and challenged our local leaders. 

Our first student presenter, Hayley McDermott, focused on the recent floods experienced in our local area and touched on issues relating to insurance for the victims, and proposed a stand on affordable insurance advocated by our local members. Hayley challenged and moved our local members by connecting personally to these issues and making strong arguments about better flood management.

Part of this insightful day involved hearing from our Mayor, Peta Pinson, and PMHC representative, Lucilla Marshall, on their personal stories on how they got into their roles and the challenges and experiences they have experienced throughout their time in their respective roles. Students had the opportunity to hear what actions are currently being taken and future plans taking place. 

Jasmine King and Jazmin Worthing presented about the creation of a youth committee and advocating for increased youth and sporting events in the community. Empowering youth individuals not only engage our audience but push for a right on behalf of our whole school community. This successful collaboration between the students and local members has planted a seed to bring more social events to our community.  

Culture, history and memories – Chelsea was our third presenter and spoke about our monuments and the Indigenous culture within our communities. Preserving and respecting our indigenous heritage of this land is an ongoing process that Chelsea was able to effectively bring attention to, and create stepping stones for future direction. 

Laura Reynolds, Alice McIntyre and Luke Aguilar highlighted issues regarding transport and infrastructure within Port Macquarie. Their main focus was looking at bike tracks and how to better implement safer bike lanes and riding options for cyclists within our area and included the Googik Track, which is used frequently by the SCAS school community.

Congratulations to our SCAS leaders for their amazing presentations. On behalf of your school leaders, we invite you to stand and make a change.

Having a concern or problem is one step in improving our communities. Standing up for and fighting for your beliefs is the next and most powerful step in bringing change.

What do you believe in?

How can you help?

Darkness can not drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate can not drive out hate; only love can do that.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

This is your challenge, we are the light that changes the darkness, be the love that takes away hate, be the person to change a life. 

Related posts
NewsSecondary

Welcome to 2025: An Exciting Start to the School Year

NewsPrimary

Mathematics Mindset Week: Cultivating Confident, Capable Mathematicians

From the PrincipalNews

Welcome to 2025: A Message from the School Principal, Mr Allan Guihot

News

Term 1 2025 Sports Information