During the holidays 2 of our Year 13 students, Flynn Harrington and Mikayla Turley, completed the Future Leaders Academy in the Cook Islands. They were elected as a part of the 40 students from around Australia, New Zealand, and various islands in the pacific. As part of a week long visit to the Cook Islands, they undertook a course designed to test and grow the future leaders of Australasia, while also forging bonds between different cultures and pacific neighbours.

Together they gained valuable knowledge and practical leadership skills, putting them to use tackling dynamic and challenging opportunities in a collaborative space. They also made the most of the chance to make new connections throughout the pacific and find new friends.

The trip involved learning different ways to handle complex tasks - blending powerful leadership skills with a newfound appreciation for the culture of Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. Some of the opportunities they were able to experience through the filter of team leadership include a traditional Umu experience, survival challenges and hiking to the needle of Rarotonga’s Te Rua Manga. They also undertook research projects into the issues facing Rarotonga and our other pacific neighbours, ensuring that they made the most of their time in this fantastic environment.

We are looking forward to seeing Mikayla and Flynn putting these skills into practice!