Leadership is in our DNA

At St. George’s School of Montreal, leadership isn’t reserved for a select few, it’s nurtured in every student from the moment they begin to find their own voice. Across the Elementary and High School campuses, leadership is treated as both a practice and a mindset: learning to step forward, collaborate with others, and take responsibility for creating positive change.

The Grade 6 Leadership Journey

Each September, Grade 6 students begin a year-long journey that invites them to define what leadership means, explore their strengths, and name the qualities they hope to grow. Through class discussions and reflective activities, they examine traits such as empathy, communication, and perseverance, discovering that leadership is as much about listening as it is about leading.

“The Leadership Program continues throughout the year with opportunities like Community Learning, Student Leadership Team, and Morning Greeters. The retreat is a wonderful way for them to develop and deepen the concepts further and to set them up for a successful year.”

— Jill Dejean, Grade 6 English & Math Teacher

The Leadership Retreat: Learning by Doing

Held each fall at Parkside Ranch in Orford, the Grade 6 Leadership Retreat brings theory to life. Over three days, students step out of the classroom and experience challenges designed to stretch their creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

They navigate orienteering courses, design engineering prototypes, craft nature sculptures inspired by artist Andy Goldsworthy, and even play blindfolded mini-golf. Each task reinforces communication, trust, and shared purpose.

“This trip is a signature programme because it gives students the chance to truly live their learning. They take on real challenges, discover new strengths, and learn what leadership looks like in action; supporting one another, communicating with confidence, and stepping outside their comfort zones.”

— Emily Flaherty, Elementary Physical Education Teacher | Leadership and Outdoor Education Instructional Lead

The experience also acts as a launch pad for the year ahead. Students leave with a clearer sense of the kind of leader they want to be, understanding that leadership is built through practice, reflection, and risk-taking.

10-Week Recess Leadership Program

Grade 6 leaders take on real responsibilities within the school community once a week for 10-weeks, during recess. They organize games for younger students, assisting in the library, refereeing soccer, or helping with intramurals. Each student chooses a role aligned with their strengths and goals, discovering that leadership is about action.

“At St. George’s, Leadership isn’t a title or a position; it’s about positive influence and supportive action.”

— Michael O’Connor, Head of School

The Recess Leadership experience is a defining element of St. George’s experiential learning model, showing students that their ideas and efforts matter now, not someday in the future.

Elementary School Senior Leadership Team

The Student Leadership Team (SLT), is a group of students who take their learning further by helping the wider school community. They organize events, welcome guests, and serve as role models for younger grades, demonstrating initiative, service, and school spirit.

“SLT members are the ones that want to take their voices further by helping the entire Elementary School community as student leaders throughout the year.”

— Aidan De Jean, Elementary School Principal

Turning Ideas into Action at the High School

At the High School, leadership is woven into daily life, from the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to the Dragon Wings Mentorship Program, Breakfast Club, and Green Team. These initiatives build on the same principles introduced in Grade 6: collaboration, accountability, and community connection.

Dragon Wings puts peer mentorship into practice. Mentors are selected for empathy, integrity, and a commitment to supporting others; each week, senior students guide Grade 7 and 8 peers academically and socially, reinforcing a culture where care and initiative go hand in hand.

Members of the High School Senior Leadership Team were recently featured on our student podcast, Dragon Talk. They described leadership as a process of trust and follow-through.

“Leadership means making good on your promises. People trust you when you actually do what you say you’ll do.”

— Ryan D., Co-Chair, Student Leadership Team

In collaboration with Ms. Neeff, High School Principal, the SLT is deep into planning for this upcoming year, moving student-requested events forward and organizing the upcoming Halloween festivities.

Developing Skills for Life

Leadership at St. George’s is a continuum. Each experience reinforces the school’s vision of learning through doing. When students are given space to lead, they build lifelong competencies in critical thinking, compassion, and contribution. At every stage, St. George’s students learn that leadership isn’t a role, it’s a way of being.