The Sydney leg of the National Leadership Development Course 2024, organised by the ASA Leadership Institute, was a success, leaving participants inspired and deeply connected. Over three enriching days, senior and middle leaders from Adventist schools across Australia gathered to engage in thought-provoking sessions, network with peers, and visit key locations within the Adventist education and organisational landscape.
The Sydney leg kicked off with a tour of Wahroonga Adventist School, followed by an enlightening visit to the South Pacific Division Offices and Media Centre. This visit provided valuable insights into the operations of these significant institutions, offering participants the unique opportunity to witness the work being done in the broader Adventist community. The first day concluded with a delicious catered dinner, fostering early connections among participants.
One attendee remarked, “Absolutely enjoyed visiting the Wahroonga school and the South Pacific Division. The Media Centre was very informative, and it was such a great opportunity to see how everything is done.”
The course itself began each day in worship and prayer—a grounding and spiritually enriching start that set the tone for the rest of the sessions. As one participant reflected, “Starting each day with God in worship and prayer was such a meaningful experience.”
Throughout the course, participants engaged in activities designed to stretch their leadership thinking and provide practical, evidence-based strategies for school leadership. Sessions like “Leading with your Strengths” and “Brain-based Coaching” were among the highlights, described as thought-provoking and highly relevant to the educational leadership landscape. One participant shared, “By far, this is the best professional development I have done. The content was relevant, and the learning activities were engaging.”
The event wasn’t only about learning but also about connecting. Leaders had the opportunity to bond over meals, especially during team dinner and an impromptu walk to get ice cream in the heart of Sydney. One leader shared, “The team bonding at dinner and walking to get ice cream was such a fun and valuable experience.”
Additionally, spending time with colleagues away from their usual school environments was a highlight. Many appreciated the chance to connect more deeply with Early Learning Centre (ELC) managers and other educational leaders from across Australia. “It was so nice to get to know our ELC centre managers better. I really enjoyed the time to connect,” one leader mentioned.
In summary, the Sydney leg of the NLDC 2024 was not only professionally enriching but also personally rewarding. It was an ideal blend of worship, learning, networking, and bonding.
The event concluded with participants leaving not just with new skills and knowledge but with a renewed sense of mission, ready to lead their schools with greater purpose and effectiveness.