Game Changers LaValla Leadership Camp: 14 Marist Students Gather in Mittagong; Br Lawrie McCane Joins as Guest Speaker

maristbrothers
Sep 1
2 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

From 14 to 16 August, 14 students gathered in Mittagong for the Game Changers LaValla Leadership Camp. Jenifer Miller, NSW/ACT Regional Coordinator for Marist Youth Ministry, reflects on the camp and the memorable experience it was for the young people who attended.

Fourteen enthusiastic Year 10 Game Changers students from Marist Canberra, Red Bend Catholic College Forbes, St Patrick's Marist College Dundas, and Parramatta Marist High School travelled to Mittagong from 14 to 16 August for a memorable leadership formation experience.

Over the weekend, students explored what it means to be a Christian leader in the way of St Marcellin Champagnat. Through a variety of interactive workshops, small group discussions, reflective activities, and fun team challenges, participants deepened their understanding of leadership and the Marist charism.

A key focus of the retreat was servant leadership, with students learning that true leadership is centred on serving others, acting with humility, and building strong, supportive communities. Through shared experiences and meaningful conversations, students discovered how they can lead with compassion and make a positive difference in their schools and local communities.

Beyond the learning opportunities, the retreat fostered new friendships across the four schools. Working together in small groups and participating in a range of challenges helped students build connections, strengthen their confidence, and develop a sense of belonging within the wider Marist family.

A special thank you to our guest speaker, Br Lawrie McCane who truly exemplifies humble, servant leadership in the Marist tradition. He generously shared his life story, insights, and wisdom with the students, offering a powerful example of what it means to lead through service, faith, and compassion. His message resonated strongly with our Game Changers students, inspiring them to reflect on their own leadership journeys.

We also extend a huge thank you to Sienna Lissio, a Year 12 student from St Patrick's College, Dundas, who gave up her time to volunteer with the team. As Vice-Captain of her school and a respected student leader, Sienna shared her experiences and practical leadership advice with the group.

Our students greatly appreciated her authenticity and wisdom particularly as she prepares to

complete her final year of schooling. Her reflections provided valuable insights into student leadership and demonstrated how young people can make a meaningful difference within their school communities.

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