Developing Our Leaders: Communication and Challenging Conversations

By Nicole Bennett | Posted: Thursday October 23, 2025

The final leadership session for this term was a resounding success, focusing on the vital skills of effective communication and navigating challenging conversations.

Our students actively engaged in a deep dive into how to communicate clearly and constructively — a crucial skill for any leader. A key tool introduced and practised was the “Start, Stop, Continue” framework. This simple yet powerful model helps in giving and receiving feedback by identifying:

• Start: What new action or behaviour should be implemented?

• Stop: What current action or behaviour should cease?

• Continue: What current positive action or behaviour should be maintained?

Students worked through a range of real-world scenarios, applying the framework to situations they might face in school life next year. Their thoughtful and mature application of the framework demonstrated a clear grasp of how to approach difficult discussions with both empathy and clarity.

The session wrapped up with a highly anticipated team-building exercise — the Cup Challenge. This activity requires groups to work together to stack cups using only string and rubber bands, testing their collaborative problem-solving skills. We are delighted to report that the teams achieved impressive success! The air was filled with focus and effective communication, proving just how well our emerging leaders can work together under pressure.

We are incredibly proud of the dedication and enthusiasm shown by all students in the leadership program this term. They are now equipped with valuable skills they can use not only in leadership roles but in all their interactions.

We extend our special thanks to Mrs Rabbidge and Mr Sullivan for their support and expertise across all three sessions.

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