Now at its conclusion, I believe it has highlighted for me the necessary areas of growth which I need to further develop. It has equipped me with a greater understanding of many unpinning key concepts involved in becoming an effective leader.

Now that we’ve finished, I see leadership in a completely different light. I see it to be more about building relationships, supporting others, and creating a positive environment for both students and staff. I’ve gained confidence in my ability to lead with purpose, mindfulness and empathy, and I am gradually feeling more prepared to take on leadership roles in the future.

At the outset of the course I just wanted to see what would be involved and required of me. I can't say that I had any major expectations.

However, during the course I enjoyed the in-class discussions with my colleagues and the manner in which Mr. Birch guided the sessions. I saw him utilizing some of what was being taught.

Mr. Birch was not boring and that was a plus for me and helped me get through the sessions.

Overall, I enjoyed the last six weeks. I learnt that I must put into practice and model the type of leadership I would like.

Andrea W.

CGibson

Tracia Best.

I can say I did enjoy the course!

Six weeks ago, when I began this course, i thought I had a firm grasp and understanding of leadership; a position of authority and responsibility. I believed effective leaders in education were good at manage tasks, enforce rules, and maintain order within a school setting.

Now, at the end of the course, my perspective has changed, significantly. I have come to appreciate that positive educational leadership is steeped in one's ability to be empathatic, collaborative, and supportive. Having the ability to inspire growth in others. I've learned that effective leaders are not just managers, they are thrusted into being mentors, agents of change, and hopefully lifelong learners capable of modeling integrity and inclusivity.

This course has improved my understanding of the strategic skills required to lead in an educational setting, and I feel somewhat motivated to apply these principles to my own professional journey.

However, that feeling quickly faded as each session was engaging, informative and relatable. I have been able to recognise aspects of myself where growth is necessary to be an effective leader.

Having reached the end of this course, I am inspired to continue on to the next phase.

Looking back, I can see how much my understanding of educational leadership has grown. I now realise that leadership isn’t about position or authority, but about people; listening, collaborating, and leading with empathy. One key lesson that has stayed with me is that no leader can do it alone. Leadership is less about giving directions and more about building relationships and creating a shared vision.

I’m leaving this course not only more knowledgeable, but also more self-aware and inspired. I’m genuinely excited to keep applying the ideas I’ve learnt (and rediscovered) to my own practice, and to continue growing as a reflective, collaborative leader.

-Faith Brooks

I entered the course with an open mind and a spirit of curiosity.

As the sun sets on this pivotal part of my leadership journey, my eyes have been opened to the state of leadership within the educational landscape.

I asked myself, "Should I run from leadership like Jonah and be swallowed by dysfunction and chaos, or should I hear the voice like Samuel, rise like David, and face the Goliath that is poor leadership?"

Moreover, the plague of bad leadership has spread across the land and infiltrated every sphere of this humble profession.

This course has provided the tools that have shaped my educational leadership philosophy, which is closely linked to my values.

Also, it is refreshing to meet persons who are passionate and willing to take up the challenge to make leadership great again.

On completion of this course, I feel as though I have gained the knowledge, skills and qualities to become an effective leader. I have learned valuable skills vital to lead such as emotional intelligence, reflective practices, mindfulness and positive behaviour. I must truly say that Mr. Birch has done an amazing job in teaching us prospective leaders and we all look forward to doing our final course with him. Thank you sir for a job well done!

However, the course was engaging and the discussions very informative and interesting. I have learnt a bit and have been reflecting on my own practices and how I can improve by implementing some of the skills learnt.

Yes, the work load was a lot but the nature of the content was such that it helped me apply my knowledge and experiences. This is what made this course significant to me, as an aspiring leader.

Cherie Thornhill