At Olivet School, we believe leadership is something to be nurtured, practiced, and lived every day. Our older students are encouraged not only to set a positive example for younger classmates, but also to step into meaningful leadership roles within our school community.

What does leadership look like at Olivet? It means providing students with low-pressure, age-appropriate opportunities to guide, support, and help others. These moments allow leadership to grow naturally—through kindness, responsibility, and initiative.

One wonderful example took place during our Remembrance Day activities. We organized learning centres throughout the school, each led by a teacher. To ensure younger students could move confidently from one space to another, our older students stepped in as helpers—guiding them through the building and making sure everyone arrived where they needed to be. This simple act gave our older students a chance to practice responsibility while helping younger children feel safe and supported.

Another meaningful moment of leadership occurred during our Christmas Concert. Our Kindergarten students were working hard but found it challenging to remember both the song lyrics and the accompanying hand actions. Seeing this, our Grade 3–4 students sat at the front of the stage where they could be clearly seen, gently leading the Kindergarten students through the words and movements. Their calm presence and encouragement made a noticeable difference and helped the performance run smoothly.

Even in everyday moments, leadership is woven into school life. Our classrooms are intentionally arranged so that our oldest students are located next to the Kindergarten classroom. This thoughtful setup encourages natural opportunities for connection and support. It is not uncommon to see older students helping Kindergarteners put on mittens and hats, offering reassurance during a tough moment, or simply sharing a kind word.

These character-building leadership opportunities play an important role in preparing our students to be compassionate, confident, and capable individuals. The skills they develop—empathy, responsibility, cooperation, and initiative—extend far beyond the classroom. They follow our students into future grades, new schools, and eventually into adulthood.

At Olivet School, leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about caring for others and learning how to make a positive difference every day.