By Amanda Murthy
The annual 2019 Catholic School Youth Summit brought together 131 primary student leader representatives from 32 Catholic schools across Perth to share in a day of reflection, interactive learning and network opportunities, with the aim to foster Catholic leadership in line with the Gospel teachings of Christ.
The Catholic Education Western Australia event – themed “Be the One” – held at Chisholm Catholic College on 22 November, began with a reflection and prayer session with the help of Salvado Catholic College students and teachers – then emcee Ryan Shelton, Director of Faith at Holy Cross College, posed several questions to those present, prompting group discussions.
“Why do you think your teacher select you to come here? What does Jesus see in you?” Mr Shelton asked the attentive pupils.
Chisholm Catholic College Deputy Principal Nicole Huggins welcomed all to the college, reminding the young leaders of their vital role within their school and parish communities.
“You are all Catholic leaders or have traits of one, and we need that ever more so in our world today,” she said.
First speaker of the day, the energetic Caritas Australia Justice Educator Dr Nathan Leber – inspired by Pope Francis’ exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate – spoke on embracing the faith with joy, holiness, trusting in God’s plan, and why children should talk to God through prayer.
“While human contact is really important, it is great to know that we can also have a personal relationship with God, through prayer (talking to God) and reading of Scriptures,” he stated.
“Remember you are holy and worthy – God has set you aside for a special purpose and although sometimes your prayers are not answered immediately, or sometimes He has another plan for you – you just have to trust in that God knows what is best for you
“We need to be warriors and not worriers – Sometimes it is easy to be too stuck on the image of the passion of Christ, that we forget the joyful part of His resurrection!,” Dr Leber added.
Dr Leber encouraged the attendees present, to practice perseverance, patience and meekness, and to always be proud of their Catholic faith.
Throughout the breaks, Chisholm senior student representatives organised interactive activities at the school oval, to encourage active participations and community building among the students.
The Standing Strong Foundation, led by Kim Marie Smith, encouraged the children to empower, motivate, connect and support their peers with a session on how to build a strong body, mind and heart.
“Leadership is being the best you, so that you can help others grow with you,” Ms Smith expressed.
“Having an awareness of your attitude, gaining confidence through life experiences and by taking yourself out of your comfort zone, taking good opportunities that arise, being kind to others and creating your own tribe by surrounding yourself with people who love and support you are some of the ways we can be strong leaders.”
Shark attack survivor Sean Pollard, 23, rounded up the events of the day with his inspiring story of resilience, optimism and courage.
Mr Pollard recounted the unfortunate events that took place on his surfing trip to Esperance, which led to a shark attack, leaving him with a lost left arm, right hand and suffered deep lacerations to both his left and right legs.
Despite this, Sean shared on how he has since learned how to live life using a split hook prosthetic and gone on to represent Australia in the sport of para-snowboard at the 2018 Winter Paralympics – challenging those present to never give up.