Learning to Lead: Grade 5 Students Share What Leadership Means to Them

The Grade 5 Leadership Assembly at the Junior School is one of those hallmark moments that signals both growth and possibility. This week, the gym filled with students, teachers, and family members to highlight the importance of leadership — not as a title reserved for a few, but as a quality within everyone.

Building Confidence and Courage

As the classes entered to the familiar sound of music teacher Christopher Smith’s guitar, anticipation and pride filled the room. Becky Anderson, Director of the Junior School, opened the assembly by sharing how good leadership is a process of engagement that develops at each stage, moving from understanding to action in an environment built on trust. She emphasized that feeling safe to take risks and push yourself in all ways is key to developing leadership skills.

Following a violin performance by Grade 4 student Mia, each Grade 5 student took to the microphone to share a brief reflection on what leadership means to them. For many, it was a first opportunity to speak in front of a large audience — a practice in confidence and courage that is essential in leadership.

What Makes a Good Leader

Common themes emerged throughout the speeches. A good leader is kind. A good leader is inclusive. A good leader does the right thing even when no one is watching. 

Many students highlighted how they can be a positive role model by helping others, showing confidence, and making a difference in big and small ways. Examples included giving an encouraging word, noticing and helping when someone needs support, or simply keeping promises and being honest.

As students become more aware of what makes a great leader, the impact reaches far beyond themselves. When kindness, inclusivity, and integrity are modelled every day, one good act inspires another — creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to lead. In that way, leadership becomes not just an individual quality, but a collective force that lifts the whole community.

Parents, teachers, and even famous changemakers inspired their reflections. Several students cited their parents as role models for their encouragement and humour — a proud moment for those in attendance — while others referenced friends, siblings, and even The Lorax, who “speaks for the trees.” Teachers were also warmly acknowledged: their own Grade 5 teacher Matt Keil and physical education teacher Gary Barber for their fairness, respect, and encouragement, and one student highlighted Ms. Anderson “for juggling the whole school — because that must be super hard!”

Putting Leadership Into Practice

Students reflected on how they would like to put leadership into action this year, from serving as student ambassadors at school Open House events to supporting younger students as “big buddies,” modeling student leadership across the grades. As one student observed, “Even the kindergarteners can be leaders.”

To mark the occasion, each Grade 5 student received a leadership pin to wear proudly on their blazer — a visible symbol and reminder of their commitment to responsibility, kindness, and community spirit.

In the end, the assembly wasn’t about defining leadership so much as living it. Through their words, gratitude, and optimism, Grade 5 students showed that at SMUS, leadership begins with empathy, grows through action, and belongs to everyone.