OSLC: Leaders in the KCI Community

Written by: Claire Cotie

Earlier this November, a select few staff and students from KCI attended the Ontario Student Leadership Conference (OSLC) in Niagara Falls. While it was fun and exciting, there were also workshops and opportunities for them to grow and learn more about how to be leaders in the KCI community.

Lily Churchill, one of the co-primes at KCI, said that her “confidence as a leader has definitely grown from this experience,” and that she “will use the leadership strategies developed to continue to improve the school community, and create an environment where everyone is included, just like the one at OSLC.” Lily added that she plans to take from her experience at OSLC and give back to the KCI community, creating a better space for staff and students.

From a staff perspective, Ms. Salmon, a Phys. Ed teacher at KCI, was asked what she learned at OSLC, and she replied by saying, “Advisor workshops focused on how to be the best version of myself, avoid burnout, and deal with stress. The entire experience left me feeling refreshed and energized as we approach the end of the semester.” She noted that she was able to connect with other teachers and explore “new and exciting things to bring back to KCI.”

Another student who attended the conference explained that she “learned a lot from the conference. From how to show school spirit to how to avoid burnout, this conference was one of the best experiences I have ever had.” As a grade nine, this was one of her “first major experiences with KCI spirit, and it was amazing!” She continued, “I have never met people more energetic than KCI students.” She hopes to use this experience to give back to the KCI community and inspire future students.

Ultimately, while the conference was filled with moments of excitement and joy for the staff and students who attended, they were also able to strengthen and improve their leadership skills. They learned new ideas and discovered better ways to be leaders in the KCI community. And, they did it all with Raider spirit!