I remember the first day of the conference. As a group, we sat together in the Chapel, waiting, trying to figure out what we were getting into. But we left this conference scattered among the other students after bonding with people from other schools. The friendships made along this trip are everlasting. From the CAIS race to the final dinner, there was always something to talk about with our peers.

 

This conference centered around the topic of leadership. We listened to keynote speakers and participated in activities and workshops. The takeaway from this conference for me was authenticity and gratitude. As a community, we are a diverse group. To be authentic is to be yourself. Sometimes we want to be the better person or be like someone else. The reality is, there is no good outcome out of it. I am someone who went through that phase, and it has taught me a lot about myself, as well as why we should have gratitude. Being yourself is the best you there is.

 

As student leaders we aim high; we aim to be the best we can. But the truth is, being yourself is good enough. You are important, as well as everyone else in this community. Being authentic immediately bleeds into perseverance and passion. Your authenticity drives your passion and perseverance. Do what you love and believe in yourself. But be thankful for what you have, the people around you, and for you. Student leaders are not bosses – they are role models. Shawnigan is a place where students can practise their own passions, a place where their passions become opportunities. I am thankful for the opportunity to represent Shawnigan Lake School at this conference and the amazing experiences put in place by Bishop’s College School.

 

 

The CAIS conference was an amazing opportunity that I am glad I was offered. My commitment to myself going into this conference was to branch out and talk to everyone. My theory was that the more people I talked to, the more perspectives I could gain, and the better equipped I would walk away from this conference.

 

From the first few hours of the conference, I had already met several student representatives from completely unique schools. I learned much more about the strengths of our boarding community and the support we have available. The consistent takeaway for me was two-fold: the first part was gratitude for all that we have on our campus, and the second was a new perspective on how to keep our campus amazing.

 

Each and every student I talked to gave me new ideas and new things to be grateful for. I forged friendships with other leaders who approached leadership in a variety of ways. Some people were quiet leaders, some were loud leaders, some were listeners, others were taking charge. Combining all the different styles of leadership led to an interesting mix which perfectly highlighted the benefits of each style of leadership and the importance of maintaining a group of leaders with diverse styles.

 

I have learned that every kind of leader is an important type of leader when the styles are combined correctly. Leaders are stronger together. It is important for leaders to share ideas with each other to improve our unique styles of leadership and to improve the places in which we lead. Everyone can be a leader if they choose to be, it is only a matter of figuring out which kind of leader they are well suited to be. May we all continue to uplift our unique styles of leadership throughout our communities.

 

 

An experience of a lifetime, one could say: attending a conference in Montreal for student leaders in private schools across the country. I walked into this experience with nothing but excitement, nerves and anticipation. The first day of the conference, I came to the realization that the diverse people that I was surrounded by were dedicated, ambitious leaders, as I consider myself.

 

I got to know all kinds of leaders from schools across the country, each with different priorities, values and cultures. We experienced a variety of bonding activities that allowed me to get comfortable with new people and branch out, as well as engaging in exciting leadership workshops that were focused on different aspects of leadership. I learned to appreciate my own voice and opinions and not focus on the mistakes that I might make but the progress that I could build. Leadership is a skill that comes with much responsibility.

 

The conference allowed me to reflect on the school that I call home: Shawnigan Lake School. I came back to the School with a greater appreciation for what we have at Shawnigan. From the maintenance staff and the stunning scenery they take care of to the teachers that stay up to 10 p.m. to help you with prep. I have learned how to trust my leadership style and use my voice to make positive change. I am grateful for the friends I made that will last a lifetime that I talk to often and continue to share our ideas. I am proud to represent Shawnigan Lake School at the leadership CAIS conference and the memories and lessons I have learned. 

 

 

The CAIS conference in Quebec had to be one of my most favourite school experiences. CAIS provided me with many connections that I will value for years to come. Meeting up and conversing with other leaders spread across Canada was huge for my confidence as a leader as well as being able to support Shawnigan and bring back my ideas that I learned from the other students at the conference. Although Saint George’s School is one of our bigger rivals, I had the opportunity to hang out with some of their students and learn about what Saint George’s does differently from us. They had unlimited ideas, and it was great to learn from their view as an all-boys school.

 

I would like to truly thank CAIS for holding such a prestigious event for young leaders around Canada. The keynote speakers inspired me to look forward towards a leadership role in the future at Shawnigan and I am truly thankful for the experience led by Ms. Robertson.