The Student Leaders Summit in Brisbane brought students from Marist school communities together to explore how they could serve their schools with confidence, compassion and purpose. Through sessions on student voice, Marist characteristics, visioning and leading with heart, the gathering connected the responsibilities of student leadership with the faith and values that give Marist education its distinctive character.
Across the gathering, students had opportunities to build relationships beyond their own schools and reflect on the influence they already have within their communities. Students recognised shared hopes and uncertainties, discovered the value of exchanging ideas and expressed a growing appreciation for leadership as a collective responsibility.
Learning to Contribute and Listening Skills
The “You’re the Voice” session formed part of this exploration. Finding the confidence to contribute is an important step for young leaders, alongside learning to listen and create opportunities for others to participate. Reflections from the Summit pointed to courage, openness and listening as significant learnings. These qualities help students use their influence thoughtfully and ensure that leadership includes perspectives beyond their immediate leadership groups.
Marist Characteristics in Practice
The focus on Marist characteristics connected leadership with everyday practice. Presence, simplicity, family spirit, love of work and following in the way of Mary offer students a foundation for their responsibilities. In school life, these characteristics take shape through noticing someone who feels excluded, remaining approachable, honouring commitments and responding to others with care. Participants identified the practical application of Marist values as something they wanted to carry back to their communities.
Confidence in Leadership
The Visioning session provided a further opportunity to connect reflection with the needs of each school. Considering their communities together helped students identify possibilities for improvement and recognise that their leadership could contribute to a stronger sense of belonging.
Prayer and Ritual
Prayer and ritual supported the gathering’s spiritual dimension. The opening and closing rituals, Mass and Sunday morning Dadirri prayer provided opportunities for reflection alongside the sessions and shared activities. Participants valued times of silence, personal reflection and connection. These experiences situated student leadership within a broader invitation to listen deeply and serve generously.
Leading with the Heart
The emphasis on leading with heart brought the gathering’s themes into focus. Students’ reflections highlighted teamwork, inclusion and the reassurance that they did not need to face leadership alone.
The Summit’s continuing value lies in how students translate these experiences into daily school life.
Welcoming younger students, listening to concerns and working together on shared priorities are practical expressions of the formation they explored. The gathering affirmed the importance of accompanying young people as they grow into their responsibilities. Through continued support from their schools, student leaders can deepen their capacity to serve with a Marist heart, helping others experience communities where they are known, valued and encouraged to contribute their own gifts with confidence.
Justin Golding
MSA Senior Leader | National Youth Ministry & Formation
