Student Leaders Gather in Whyalla

On Friday 1st June, one hundred student leaders attended the GRIP Student Leadership Conference, an event organised in partnership between GRIP Leadership and the University of South Australia.

The ten secondary schools who participated included those located in Whyalla, as well as schools who travelled from as far as Streaky Bay, Port Lincoln and Orroroo.

The interactive conference sessions covered a range of practical topics, all focused on the theme of helping student leaders to bring positive ‘transformation’ to their school.

Tanya Williams, a teacher at Cowell Area School, brought a group of students to Whyalla for the event. “What an amazing insight to leadership you provided for the students today” said Ms Williams. “They all thoroughly enjoyed it, as did the staff. We look forward to further opportunities for our country students to be able to access this.”

“We hold this conference annually in over 70 towns and cities throughout Australia and New Zealand” said GRIP Leadership Managing Director, Ronan McGinniss. “Like the University of South Australia, we are committed to providing world class training experiences in regional areas, so partnering with the university to make the event possible in Whyalla has been the perfect fit.”

The University of South Australia plays a central part within the education sector in South Australia, and is known for making a significant contribution to the Whyalla region.

When asked about whether the conference will continue to be held annually in Whyalla, Mr McGinniss said “the facilities at the university are perfect for this event, so we will certainly be looking to continue our partnership and serve the needs of this region as best we can.”

PHOTO: A student is awarded a prize as part of the GRIP Student Leadership Conference. Presented by Paul Havelberg, Regional Manager at the University of South Australia Whyalla campus.