Education

Year 9s leave as learners, come back as leaders

Dec 23, 2025

Year 9 students Conna Richter, Jack Fleming, Temperance Thu and Emilia Grieve successfully completed a nine-week leadership program in Term 3.

Four new leaders are emerging at Greater Shepparton Secondary College after a group of Year 9 students successfully completed the School of Student Leadership program during Term 3.

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The SSL is a Victorian Department of Education school, which specialises in leadership development for Year 9 students.

The program provides immersive learning experiences focused on teamwork, personal growth, leadership capability and community engagement.

GSSC Year 9 students Conna Richter, Emilia Grieve, Jack Fleming and Temperance Thu lived and learned for nine weeks at the SSL’s Gnurad-Gundidj campus near Camperdown for the duration of the program.

They participated in leadership rotations, team-building activities, community learning projects, reflection sessions and outdoor activities, including hiking, surfing, caving and extended expeditions along the Great Ocean Walk.

Senior Sub School leader Tom Robinson, who oversaw GSSC’s participation in the program and led the student selection process through applications and interviews, said he had seen firsthand the benefits for those involved.

“The SSL program provides students with a strong advantage when applying for future leadership roles, as it builds self-awareness and a clearer understanding of their leadership abilities,” Mr Robinson said.

The students reported personal growth throughout the program.

Conna said the experience had a meaningful impact on his confidence.

“The program helped strengthen my confidence and enhance my public speaking skills,” he said.

Temperance said the program was challenging but “incredibly rewarding” and encouraged future Year 9 students to take the opportunity if it was presented to them.

“SSL provides opportunities to learn about yourself, step into leadership roles and grow in ways you don’t expect,” she said.

She has already put her new leadership skills into action, having been appointed a GSSC values leader for 2026.

GSSC will again offer the SSL experience to next year’s Year 9 cohort, with the 2026 program scheduled to take place at the Alpine School campus at Dinner Plain.