As we reflect on the past year at King’s College, it is essential to recognise the achievements that have shaped the journey, understand what it means to be a King’s Collegian and contemplate how we can build on our successes in the coming year. Reflection, I have found, is a critical skill linked to the development of humans. It is essential for emotional and physical development, as it is to the development of our professional selves as we enter and develop within the workforce.  The practice of reflective leadership is also a crucial 21st-century skill that fosters continuous learning, self-awareness, and adaptability in an ever-evolving professional landscape.

2024 broadly has been a year packed with smiles, tears, success, disappointment, failure, loss, triumph and growth. Our students have excelled in various disciplines, securing prestigious scholarships and awards and the College has once again supported dozens of students through scholarships and bursaries so that their pursuit of educational growth has been as accessible as possible.

The future is certainly bright for King’s as it continues to curate an academic experience that not only allows high achievers to excel but also supports them to build on their knowledge in a supportive academic community.

Beyond academics, King’s has thrived with a calendar of activities and community engagement throughout the year. Many in the community are aware of the King’s wall planner. The planner, at a glance, shows an average of around 30 activities a month, proving that there is something for everyone here when it comes to leadership, sport, cultural, service, community, academic, career, and social activities. Our sports teams have achieved remarkable success, with several teams winning inter-college premierships. Additionally, our cultural and artistic endeavours have flourished, with students participating in and organising events that celebrate diversity and creativity.

Community service, particularly through our relationship with both Bushcare and Rotary, remains a significant part of the King’s experience. To serve others is one of the biggest privileges we have as humans, and I’m encouraged by the current and future applicants wishing to join King’s and further develop these programs - contributing to local and global communities. These initiatives not only enhance the lives of those we serve but also instil a sense of responsibility and empathy in our students.

2024 has seen King’s make significant strides in improving its infrastructure. Both through the planning of our Master Plan and through the current work in developing a new residential wing at the College, King’s continues to develop the notion that we are here to enhance the future, and we should not rest on our laurels when it comes to strategic facility development and the continuing need to respond to students around their environment and safety. The completion of new facilities and the renovation of existing ones have created a more conducive environment for learning and living. These developments reflect our commitment to providing a state-of-the-art experience for our students.

The voices of our students and faculty provide a vivid picture of life at King’s College. In a recent pulse survey delivered to the student cohort, one student remarked, “Being at King’s has been transformative. The support from peers and mentors has helped me grow academically and personally.” A faculty member added, “The sense of community here is unparalleled. It’s inspiring to see students thrive and support each other.”

At the heart of King’s College are the core values of championing integrity through developing Respect, Courage, Loyalty and Humility. These values are woven into the fabric of our community, guiding our actions and interactions. Traditions such as formal dinners, academic ceremonies, and community service projects reinforce these values and create a sense of belonging.

Coupled with this, King’s offers a unique environment for personal growth. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, take on leadership roles, and engage in reflective practices. This holistic approach to education ensures that students develop not only academically but also emotionally and socially – something I feel is critical to the residential college experience.

The experiences of our students and alumni highlight the transformative impact of being a King’s Collegian.

An Old Collegian recently shared, “My time at King’s was pivotal in shaping my career. The leadership opportunities and supportive community prepared me for the challenges of the professional world.” Current students echo this sentiment, emphasising the lifelong friendships and invaluable lessons learned during their time at the College.

Just this week when farewelling this year’s President and Vice-President of the Student Club, these words rang true in their sentiment of their time at the College over the past three years.

So how does reflective leadership relate to all of this? Reflective leadership is a practice that involves self-awareness, introspection, and continuous learning. It requires leaders to regularly assess their actions and decisions, learn from their experiences, and adapt to new challenges. This approach is particularly relevant in the 21st century, where the business landscape is constantly evolving.

At King’s, reflective leadership is embedded in our culture. Students are encouraged to engage in reflective practices weekly - through mentorship programs, leadership meetings, peer conversations, and community endeavours. For instance, our student leaders regularly reflect on their experiences to improve their leadership skills and better serve their peers.

An initiative in 2025 will be to see how we can scaffold reflective leadership within our critical service-learning opportunities. It is one thing to volunteer and serve and quite another to realise one's impact on self, others and the environment. The practice of reflective leadership can have a profound impact on us all. It enhances critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead with empathy and integrity. These qualities are essential for success in both personal and professional realms.

As one student mentioned recently at a leadership workshop, “Reflective leadership has taught me to be more self-aware and considerate of others. It’s a skill that will serve me well in any career.”

As we look to the future, there are several areas where we can build on our successes. Feedback from our community is invaluable in shaping our future goals. Surveys and focus groups have highlighted the need for more diverse activities and greater opportunities for student leadership, student voice and connection. We are committed to addressing these needs and creating a more inclusive and dynamic college experience.

Our strategic plan for the coming years includes several initiatives aimed at enhancing the King’s experience. These include expanding our mentorship programs, increasing opportunities for community engagement, and continuing to improve our facilities. By focusing on these areas, we can ensure that King’s College remains a leader in providing a holistic and enriching educational experience.

So, reflecting on the past year at King’s, we have much to be proud of and it all combines to be a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, and staff. Being a King’s Collegian means being part of a community that values integrity. As we look to the future, we are committed to building on our successes and addressing areas for improvement. We are committed to addressing gaps in student needs in the areas of mental health and wellbeing support, diversity and inclusion efforts, and enhancements around global perspectives. We seek to create and nurture reflective, resilient and community-driven leaders and affirm the role King’s College has as a place that prepares students for academic success and instils reflection. By fostering a culture of reflective leadership in our students and our broader collegiate community, we can continue to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century and ensure that King’s College remains a place where they can thrive, and stay connected long into the future, where we reinforce the importance of reflective leadership as a lifelong skill, integral to navigating personal and professional challenges in an interconnected world.

References

• Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly.
• Daudelin, M. W. (1996). “Learning from Experience through Reflection.” Organizational Dynamics, 24(3).
• Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence.
• Harvard Business School. (2023). The Importance of Reflective Leadership in Business.
• King’s College. (2023). King’s College Strategic Plan 2024-2028.
• Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development.
• Schon, D. A. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action.
• Tinto, V. (1993). Leaving College: Rethinking the Causes and Cures of Student Attrition.
• University of Queensland. (2024). UQ Alumni Awards 2024.