Character & Leadership Te whaiaro me te Hautu¯tanga
CANTERBURY CHRIST’S COLLEGE
Our character & leadership foundations
Biculturalism Māori leadership has been characterised by leaders who show strength for their people, a sense of mission and who have earned the respect, confidence and loyalty of their followers, both as a group and individually. Mana, often associated with Māori leadership, is achieved by a leader's actions of compassion, humility and showing strength for their people. The concept of whanaungatanga (relationships) is central to this. Relationships, putting others before self and being able to work together are considered important aspects of being a leader. The whakatauki Ki te kotahi te kakaho ka whati, Ki te kapuia e kore e whati brings together the values of respect, humility and togetherness by acknowledging that we are stronger together than as individuals and that by nurturing others, we ourselves can be uplifted. A true leader in terms of Māori ideals is someone who builds up those with whom they are working and who cares for those below them. Understanding that being in a position to enhance your own mana or status is not as important as the actions we take to show kindness and thoughtfulness for others, forms a key part of servant leadership. The idea of ngākau aroha, being one of generosity, giving for long-term or future benefit, and doing the right thing by others to ensure their wellbeing, connects clearly to our College virtues. Combined with the ideals of strength, courage, agility, tenacity and determination as represented by the mangapore motif, we can connect the different Māori leadership principles with our College virtues to build a strong platform for the development of character. We can create a synergy from which to build leaders of the future – leaders who will act as kaitiaki and stewards of tangata and the whenua.
Christianity Jesus said: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34) The great paradox at the heart of Christianity is strength through weakness. The more we consider ourselves to be weak, the more we lean on Christ for our strength and the more we let him change us. The character of Christ is benevolent, surrendering of ego, genuine and with a selfless love for others – expressed in service. Although often considered weak in an increasingly secular world, selfless love and serving of others, exists as the very glory of God. By embracing this, we then become fully alive ourselves. As Christ faced Pilate, so Christian leaders are called to be humble in the power they exercise, assured in the call they answer. As steadfast leaders, they rejoice with the community in times of triumph, and in times of adversity, set their face to Jerusalem for the sake of others. Christian leadership cultivates resilience, so leaders do not weary in well-doing and draw strength from doing not simply what needs to be done, but by doing what is right. The leadership programme seeks to instil virtues inspired by Christ himself, a role model of compassion and forgiveness, who stretches out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ's example teaches us to respect and value all people of whatever faith, or none. Although Christ’s leadership is humble, the influence of his teaching and example continues to impact on the acts of leadership we display. So let your light so shine before others, that they see your good works and glorify our Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Character Leadership is built on a foundation of trust, and you build trust by having good character. If leaders are honest, caring, fair, and respectful, and demonstrate a variety of good character strengths and attributes, others will work with them. This concept is an essential element in the leadership journey of boys at Christ’s College, as we look to build them into leaders of the future. Embedding character development into all aspects of school programmes lays a great foundation for nurturing leadership in all students. We need to learn to understand our character strengths, how they can have a positive effect on our wellbeing and how to use our strengths to grow and flourish. This is key to building a platform from which we lead and work with others. The bars in the design above represent one of our most well-known Old Boys, Charles Upham, VC & Bar. Through examples like his, we can see that moral courage, integrity, compassion and a disposition to serve are important attributes to instil in our young leaders. We encourage our boys to act. This empowers more student leadership around the ideals of social justice, fairness and having a moral compass to do what is right through action and example. This is balanced with knowing how to act with humility and selflessness and to see strengths in others. It is often said that your true character is revealed in what you do when no-one is watching. At Christ’s College, we take this a step further. We assert that true character is reflected in the good you do for others. Our belief in this model of servant leadership means that we will celebrate and work to amplify the good our boys can do at College and in the community. We will support and encourage their innovation, enthusiasm and inspiration to grant success to others and, through this, make the most of themselves.
The cornerstones of our approach
The cornerstones are the key elements that guide our approach towards leadership and character.
Humility Ngākau māhaki
Relationships Whanaungatanga
To show strength of leadership, balanced by having the humility to stand back, act selflessly, and see strengths in others. It is about putting our own self-interest aside to uplift and empower others.
To show the qualities of teamwork, collaboration, working with others in supportive and cooperative ways. Placing importance on respect, trust, loyalty and fellowship as we look to both lead, support and serve others. Recognising the good we have received from others and respecting that which they entrust to us.
Service Whaiaro āwhina tangata To lead for the enrichment of others rather than ourselves. To recognise the good we have received from others and pay it forward for others to benefit from in the future. To take action and show a willingness to make a difference through volunteering and taking the initiative. To answer the call for help when needed.
Compassion Ngākau aroha To show generosity and care for those less fortunate than ourselves and to show empathy toward the needs of others. It is embedded in acts such as forgiveness, helping a loved one, encouraging one another or even supporting a complete stranger. To seek outcomes for the greater good of others.
Courage Mātātoa
To not be afraid to act. To act because you feel you must act. Courageous leaders are willing to make difficult decisions and not back down when things get too hard. We want our boys to be brave enough to take the initiative, pursue new ideas and make a difference.
Our character & leadership programmes
Introduction We want our College graduates to go out into the world to reflect our strong traditional virtues – honesty, respect, stewardship, and compassion – that come from our faith-inspired foundation. These are virtues that we want embedded in each boy’s heart after their experience at this school. Giving the boys opportunities – through the breadth of the College programme – enables the graduate profile to emerge. Essential in this is a disposition to serve the needs of others, to show good character and develop a strong foundation for leadership. Throughout history, in times of tension and need, the world has cried out for leaders of integrity, courage, and commitment to the wellbeing of others and the greater good. We want our boys to be leaders with a strong sense of service and duty. Staff Christ’s College staff inherently exemplify the ideals of servant leadership through their roles both inside and outside the classroom, by focusing on the growth and wellbeing of our students. The development of character and the virtues acquired by students through experience are a core responsibility of College staff. Through reinforcing our ideals of leadership and character through the classroom, sports field, stages, corridors and interactions between staff and students, it becomes more than just a process of developing character and leadership. It is about living those ideals within our school community. As role models and moral exemplars, College staff carry the stewardship for developing our leaders of the future. Through professional development opportunities, staff are able to reflect on and continue to grow their own leadership capacity. Assisted by peer coaching and mentoring, staff are encouraged to be agents in their growth as educators and are supported to develop their understanding of educational leadership.
Programmes The opportunity for developing leadership and character is embedded at Christ’s College in all aspects of College life. The concept that we build our leadership capacity through growth in character is clearly reflected in the journey of boys at Christ’s College as we look to help them become leaders of the future. Years 9–11 We aim to raise awareness of Here are just some of the opportunities boys have to demonstrate character & leadership:
leadership in Years 9–11, but choose to focus on teamwork, collaboration, service and participation rather than individual leadership. We start with the understanding of character and how boys can use their character strengths to improve themselves and help others. By knowing their strengths, the boys can also look for strengths in others. By incorporating the element of service, which is not only a key part of leadership but at the core of our Anglican virtues, boys can get a sense of the importance of working for the enrichment of others. This includes practical activities, a residential programme and a dedicated Community Service Week in Year 10. The MINDfit programme at Years 9–11 complements leadership development through helping boys develop a sense of self-awareness and identity – two key components in developing leadership skills – and a compassionate understanding of others’ needs. Years 12–13 More emphasis is placed on developing different leadership skills at senior levels where we shift to leadership as action and example in more obvious ways. The explicit leadership opportunities through the senior years are the culmination of the boys’ leadership journey. Specific activities such as the annual Year 12 Emerging Leaders’ Conference, the MANifesto programme and leadership workshops expose the boys to different leadership styles, theories and ideas on how to lead. The Prefect group receives specific leadership training and coaching from the Director of Character & Leadership, with regular sessions on being an effective leader.
• Year 9 MINDfit • Year 10 MINDfit • Year 10 Community Service Week • Immerse & Inspire programme, which includes: • Lab5 entrepreneurial programme with the Ministry of Awesome • Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award Adventurous Journey • Three-day College-led programme featuring biculturalism, careers, wellbeing and leadership
• Year 11 Wellbeing Conference • Year 11 MINDfit programme
• Year 12 Emerging Leaders’ Conference • Years 12–13 MANifesto programmes • Round Square initiatives • Student committees
• College Prefects • Heads of House • Peer mentoring
The Christ’s College graduate
These are the character attributes developed through the boys' College experience. We believe they will enable our College graduates to flourish in an ever-changing world.
Compassion & empathy Ngakau Aroha, Ngakau Whakāro Nui ki te Tangata
The action of caring and concern for the suffering and misfortune of others, and the ability to understand, share and respond to the feelings of others.
Courage & resilience Te Hautoa me te Manawaroa o te tangata Having the mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, withstand danger and confront fear or difficulty, combined with the ability and capacity to respond positively to setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances.
Enterprise & curiosity Te Āhua Pauaua me te Whakamatemate
Confidence & humility Ngakau titikaha, ngakau māhaki Possessing an optimistic perspective and certainty of purpose, balanced by a modest sense of self-importance.
A readiness or daring to engage in a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky, and a strong desire to understand and learn something new.
Self-awareness Aroā Whaiaro
Personal excellence Te Hiranga ake
Interpersonal skills Nga Pūkenga Takahoahoa The ability to communicate or interact positively and meaningfully with others and to present oneself with appropriate manners and regard.
The ongoing desire of the individual to develop and empower their character, gifts, talents and relationships to the fullest, achieving a harmony in how they think, feel, believe and behave.
A conscious knowledge of personal character, strengths, weaknesses, abilities, beliefs and emotions.
A disposition to serve Whaiaro Āwhina Tangata
The capacity to lead and follow Te Āheitanga ki te Arataki me te Tautoko tangata
Global and bicultural competence He Matatautanga Āo Whanui, Āo Tikangarua The knowledge, skills and open-mindedness necessary to navigate and engage with today’s interconnected world – both in a global and a bicultural New Zealand context.
A willingness to selflessly help and do work for the benefit of others, the community and the environment.
The ability to influence and initiate by action or example, balanced by the understanding of when to be guided, to conform, to heed or to observe.
CANTERBURY CHRIST’S COLLEGE
E: info@christscollege.com T: +64 3 366 8705 www.christscollege.com
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