Leadership is not only about holding a position. It is also about knowing yourself, making wise choices, managing relationships and taking responsibility for your decisions.
This was the heart of the Year 5 and Year 6 Leadership Retreat at Dawn Michaels School, where our pupils stepped away from their usual classroom routine for a day of meaningful conversations, practical lessons and honest reflections about growing up.
The retreat brought together our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils for engaging sessions designed to equip them with knowledge and life skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
From understanding the difference between needs and wants to learning the importance of financial responsibility, the pupils were encouraged to think carefully about the choices they make and how those choices can shape their future.
Friendship was another important part of the conversation. The pupils explored what makes a healthy friendship, how to recognise positive influences and how to navigate the challenges that can come with relationships among peers.
The discussions also addressed peer pressure, giving the pupils the opportunity to reflect on how external influences can affect their decisions and the importance of having the confidence to stand by what is right.
The sessions were led by Coach Ifunanya Ebadan, Barrister Jegede, the Director, Mrs Uchenna C. Ndulue, and the Head of School, Mr Ekeno Isaac, who each shared valuable insights and guidance with the pupils.
What made the retreat particularly special was the opportunity for our pupils to engage openly, ask questions, share their thoughts and learn from real-life experiences. It was not simply a day of listening; it was a day of thinking, talking, reflecting and growing.
At Dawn Michaels School, we believe that preparing children for the future means equipping them not only with academic knowledge but also with the confidence, character and practical skills to navigate life.
The Year 5 and Year 6 Leadership Retreat was another step in that journey, reminding our pupils that every choice matters, every relationship can teach us something, and true leadership begins with the ability to lead yourself.
