2011 Leadership Experience

May Update: Accolades Tea - Grade 7

The first Headmaster's Accolades Tea was held on 11 May. This forms part of the Leadership programme and recognizes those boys who have gone 'above and beyond' with regards their leadership duties.

All Grade 7 boys are given duties and responsibilities and they are assessed by the staff in the carrying out of these duties. WHPS believes that true leadership is developed and is an ongoing process.

Boys need to be given many opportunities to learn the vital skills necessary for successful leadership.

'If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more - you are a leader.'
John Quincy Adams

The Michigan State Police have a maxim that states: "The crux of leadership is that you must constantly stop to consider how your decisions will influence people."

The Grade 7 boys attended the Leadership Experience as the first event of their Grade 7 year. They enjoyed a day filled with exciting activities including raft building, kayaking and swimming. The weather was truly on our side as the much publicized rain stayed away throughout the day. On return to School, the boys braaied delicious steaks and wors.

Mr Whitelaw involved the boys in an exciting game where teams had to invest or sell shares. It was here where many boys began to realize that by a little back-handed scheming they could possibly make more money for their company! Trust became the key word to their dealings and the ever present need to make money ruled many decisions. At the end of the game some important reflections took place - the overall moral to come out was that 'the team is greater than the individual.'

Many more games and activities took place. During these, the following Leadership principals were emphasized: