On March 3rd, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, I had the privilege of attending a leadership workshop with my fellow student council members for the academic year 2025-26 in the Solagran Auditorium. The workshop, conducted by Mr. Savio D'Mello, proved to be an invaluable experience, offering us key insights into leadership and personal growth.

The session began with a focus on self-introspection. We started with an activity involving 10 beads. In this challenging exercise, we had to employ strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and teamwork to collect as many beads as possible from others. This activity not only promoted collaboration and critical thinking but also encouraged us to reflect on our leadership qualities by comparing our individual results with the group’s outcome.

After this exercise, we moved on to a leadership worksheet that helped us reflect on our strengths and areas for improvement. Mr. D'Mello elaborated on each statement, encouraging us to think critically about both our strengths and areas for improvement. This self-reflection set the tone for the rest of the workshop, laying a foundation for our personal growth and leadership development.

We then participated in a dynamic activity that fostered team spirit. We were tasked with building a stable, weight-bearing tower using only newspapers, a pair of scissors, and cello tape. This activity encouraged us to evaluate our teamwork and leadership skills.

Following this, Mr. D'Mello provided us with worksheets to reflect on the activity, encouraging us to think about how we could have improved as a group—whether by taking suggestions from others, offering our own ideas, or providing encouragement. During the follow-up discussion, he guided us in exploring these aspects, helping us recognize the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability. We also analysed our group dynamics by identifying our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges as leaders. This critical reflection not only helped us assess how we functioned as a team but also provided valuable insights into how we could work better together.

To apply our reflections, we worked on drafting a Mission Statement. This exercise allowed us to create a clear, actionable framework for our roles as leaders, helping us envision our collective goals moving forward.

The workshop also included a refreshing snack break, which gave us the opportunity to relax, recharge, and bond as a group.

The final worksheet encouraged us to recognize and reflect on our personalities, emphasizing that self-awareness is key to lifelong learning. Our answers may evolve over time as we grow and develop as individuals and leaders.

Mr. D'Mello concluded the session by explaining the purpose and lessons behind each activity. He emphasized the importance of effective communication, empathy, and responsible decision-making in leadership, encouraging us to apply these skills to make a positive impact in our school.

The Principal summarized the session and offered final words of encouragement, motivating us to apply our newfound skills and knowledge.

The workshop was coordinated by Ms. Heena Pereira, the staff in charge of the student council.

Overall, the workshop was both enriching and motivating. I look forward to using the lessons I have learned to enhance my role as a student council member and continue building strong connections within our school.

Suhaan Kheradia
School Vice Captain