A dedicated time for our boys to reflect on what it means to put others first, to help develop the values of empathy, respect, integrity and excellence, and to gain a better understanding of Medbury’s leadership ethos.
The week began with a special assembly where the inaugural Medbury Medal was presented to Richard Ballantyne, a Medbury old boy, for his outstanding service to the wider community, his leadership, and his ongoing connection to Medbury.
On Wednesday, Medbury welcomed Year 5 children from a number of other Christchurch schools to join us in our second Year 5 Leadership Day. The girls and boys were engaged in a series of workshops led by, mostly, external presenters. Supported by Year 8 prefects and leaders, Year 5 enjoyed workshops presented by, Christ College, the International Antarctic Centre Matua Tekaka, Mr Warren Grieve, Environment Canterbury, the Halberg Foundation, Fire and Emergency NZ, and the New Zealand Defence Force, whose 9-ton HX58 truck attracted a great deal of attention during the day!
Thursday featured an inspiring MedX Talk by Matt Cortesi from Christ’s College, who challenged our Year 6 to 8 boys not to take things at face value and to think deeply about respect, humility and excellence.
The week culminated in a Whole School Community Service Morning, where every boy from New Entrants to Year 8 contributed to a variety of local projects - from environmental work (stream clean-up, seedling re-potting and winter garden maintenance) to supporting the SPCA and Cancer Society. This whole day was made possible, and even more special, by the enthusiastic support of our parent volunteers, and included an MPA sausage sizzle at lunchtime.
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Harrison Joseph from Harcourts Gold for sponsoring Leadership Week and for joining our Year 6 team on Friday, rolling up his sleeves and setting a fantastic example of leadership in action.
In a bid to improve Leadership Week and the wider Leadership and Service Programme, feedback from the parent community would be welcome. Everything we do is for the boys, so should you have any expertise or resources that could be brought to bear to enhance the experience and learning for the boys, it would be most welcome.
