ESHS recently hosted an exciting Leadership Afternoon for Year 5 and 6 student leaders from the Mallee Primary Schools. This event provided a wonderful opportunity for the young leaders of Condingup, Cascade, Salmon Gums, Scaddan, and Munglinup primary schools to experience high school life, develop leadership skills, and engage in hands-on team-building activities.

The afternoon began with a guided tour led by our current Year 7 students, some of whom hailed from the Mallee Schools. They shared their insights on high school life—what they enjoy, the differences from primary school, and tips for a smooth transition. The tour included visits to our specialist classrooms, including Textiles, Food Tech, Woodwork, Art, and the Gymnasium, giving students a taste of the diverse learning opportunities available.

Following the tour, students took part in a leadership and team-building activity known as the ‘Minefield Challenge.’ In pairs, one student was blindfolded while their partner provided verbal instructions to safely navigate an obstacle course. This engaging activity highlighted key leadership attributes, including teamwork, problem-solving, trust, communication, empathy, leadership, and resilience.

Students then enjoyed lunch in our well-equipped library, where they explored our extensive selection of books, reading materials, and board games. This provided a relaxing break before the next hands-on activity in our newly upgraded STEM lab.

The STEM lab tour was a highlight of the day, showcasing our cutting-edge technology, including a laser cutter, 3D printers, vinyl printer and cutter, and innovative workspaces. Students learned about the exciting projects undertaken in this space, such as:

  • Drone classes using DJI Neo goggles for immersive flight experiences.
  • CAD programs for designing and creating 3D-printed projects.
  • Solar car construction and development.
  • Large-scale printing and sticker production for creative signage.

The final activity of the day was the Spaghetti Tower Challenge, where students worked in teams to build the tallest possible structure capable of holding a giant marshmallow on top. This fun and competitive task reinforced the importance of teamwork, creativity, and perseverance.

Overall, the Leadership Afternoon was a fantastic success, providing student leaders with valuable experiences that will support them in leading their primary schools for 2025 as well as their transition to high school. We look forward to welcoming these future students and seeing them thrive in the future!


Sarah Pitchers
Transition Coordinator