Being a leader can be both rewarding and challenging. The leaders of St. George's School were fortunate to experience the Annual Leadership Training of 2023 with the theme: 'SGS Leaders: Rising to the Challenge'.
The Leadership Training was carried out in two parts. The first part took place at the parish hall. It was officially opened with a dynamic speech from our Principal, Mr. Janidi Jingan, where he highlighted the importance of self-awareness. Knowing who you are is crucial when it comes to being a leader in school, he stated. Mr. Janidi also emphasised the need to be conscious of our strengths and weaknesses, which can help us make better decisions and work more effectively with our peers.
In continuation, three of our fellow leaders, Jed Ng, Ayan Zakai and Daffaa Dany, had the opportunity to share with other leaders their experience in Singapore, where they represented SGS and Brunei in Asian Youth Leaders Travel and Learning Camp. We were delighted to hear what they have learnt from that prestigious camp. It was like we, ourselves attended the camp when they presented it to us.
Managing stress was always an aspect that we could not fully comprehend or practice. But, thanks to Mr. Alister Tieng, we had our light bulb moment when we learnt a few tips on how to manage stress. We realised that loving ourselves before loving others is highly essential, owing to the fact that “we cannot give someone something which we do not have.”
After lunch, the participants, for a change, traveled to Mangrove Paradise Resort for the rest of the training. After billeting, a session was conducted by Mr. Eugene where we had a moment to get to know one another on a deeper level. We were given the time as well to introspect, and self-analyse, to help us get to know ourselves better. Just as the great philosopher Socrates once said, “An unreflected life is not worth living”.
We were also challenged physically, so teambuilding activities followed next. The activities were conducted by Mr. Zulfadhli and Ms. Evelyn. We had fun in the pool, where we had water polo as one of the most challenging activities.
We concluded the first day of our training by listening to the interesting session by Mr. Freddy Ho, where he talked about the essential qualities of SGS leaders in facing the challenges of time.
The following day saw a morning exercise, followed by a hearty breakfast much needed for the activities that were lined up. Who would have thought that by playing Tic-Tac-Toe, a great lesson could be learnt? Students were taught the value of collaborating with other teams to reach a common goal — "a win-win solution", that in every decision we make, we have to bear in mind that in the end, everyone is benefited.
Then came the highlight of the training, the most important part where the groups discussed the challenges the school is currently facing, and possible solutions. Mr. Anthony Liew, the chairman of the school's board, provided an enlightening discourse about self-love and self-care as important ingredients to be effective leaders.
We were reminded by Mr. Eugene that when we formulate solutions to the challenges, we should be guided the following acronyms S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time Framed), hence when the leaders presented their proposals, the chairman, the Principal as well as the Deputy Principal were amazed at the solutions presented. All the suggestions to the five challenges were approved and will be taken into consideration.
The two-day seminar was concluded with an expression of commitment by the leaders. All leaders brought home with us the realisation that each person is like a puzzle piece that makes up SGS.
As leaders and collaborators of St. George’s School, we are so grateful for we were provided an opportunity to pause, reflect and plan for the benefits of our fellow St. Georgians.
Contributed by: Phoebe Chong and Jed Ng
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