C134/08
Sixteen gifted Year 12 students from around Western Australia participated in a leadership and personal development program, the Cranlana Colloquium, designed to nurture WA’s future leaders at Curtin University of Technology recently.
Program Coordinator Ms Sheila Flanagan said the students have travelled from public and private schools throughout the metropolitan area and from as far away as Mt Barker, Australind and Geraldton to participate in the Program.
“The fundamental objective is to promote non-partisan dialogue on the philosophical, ethical and social issues central to creating a just, prosperous and sustainable society in Australia,” Ms Flanagan said.
“A carefully selected set of readings by great classic and contemporary thinkers from Western and Eastern traditions is used as a starting point for intensive roundtable discussions on the values and constitution of a good society, the origin and nature of justice, and the practice of ethical leadership, decision-making and judgment.”
“By developing relationships between students of widely differing socio-economic backgrounds – who might otherwise have no contact with each other – the program is contributing to a broad, constructive collaboration for sustainable society in Australia.”
Gary Rego who lives in Murdoch and attends Corpus Christi College was one of those chosen to participate in this four day program and now feels that he will be ready to tackle any leadership challenge that comes his way.
“The Colloquium was a fantastic academic and practical learning experience. To be in an environment with such a dynamic, passionate and diverse group of future leaders was a great opportunity,” Gary said.
“It was a wonderful chance for me to learn, share ideas and experiences, and gain a more culturally sensitive international perspective on ethical issues and leadership.
“I have maintained contact with many of the participants. We bonded really well during the four day program and I hope this will lead to lasting friendships.”
The program is based on the original Cranlana Colloquium – an initiative of the Myer Foundation that has been running for adults in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors in Melbourne for more than 10 years.
Curtin has been involved in the running of three Colloquia held in Perth since 2003, and Curtin and Christ Church Grammar School have collaborated on this modified Cranlana program for year 12 students.
Students are nominated by their respective schools for their outstanding leadership qualities and strong academic abilities.
Further information on the Cranlana Colloquium is available on www.cranlana.org.au
