Leadership in Action: What We Learn from Our Student Leaders

Exploring the hallmarks of effective leadership through the lens of CCS students

At Canggu Community School, we believe leadership is not reserved for a select few — it’s a capacity within every learner, and it begins the moment a student chooses to speak up, step in, or stand out for what matters.

This week’s reflection turns the spotlight on student leadership: what it looks like, why it matters, and how we’re nurturing it through everyday experiences at CCS. From our Student Council to service clubs and classroom communities, we are proud of the many ways our learners are leading with purpose, courage, and care.

To learn more about how we cultivate leadership and learner agency, visit ccsbali.com.

What Makes a Leader?

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about listening, reflecting, collaborating, and taking action that benefits others. At CCS Bali, we see these hallmarks of effective leadership in our students every day:

• Self-awareness and empathy
   
• The ability to work across differences
   
• A commitment to service and improvement
   
• The confidence to try, fail, and try again
   

As author Brené Brown writes:

“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”

Whether organizing a Gotong Royong initiative, facilitating peer mediation, or representing student voice in decision-making, our students are showing up — and it’s making a difference.

Leadership as a Learning Journey

We don’t expect student leaders to be perfect. What we do expect — and support — is growth. That’s why our approach to student leadership is guided, reflective, and values-aligned.

Through our core value of learning, we help students develop their leadership by:

• Encouraging curiosity over certainty
   
• Embedding reflection into team meetings and project cycles
   
• Offering leadership coaching, feedback, and role models
   
• Providing real-world opportunities to lead with authenticity
   

These practices ensure that student leadership is not performative — it’s purposeful, rooted in integrity and action.

Respect, Balance, and Engagement in Leadership

We also teach our student leaders that how they lead is just as important as what they do. That’s why we emphasize:

• Respect – valuing all voices, building consensus, and leading inclusively
   
• Balance – managing time, wellbeing, and responsibilities mindfully
   
• Engagement – staying connected to peers, mentors, and the wider school community
   

This values-based foundation helps students make decisions that reflect not only their goals, but our shared mission as a school.

Why It Matters Now

In a world that needs more empathy, collaboration, and ethical thinking, student leadership isn’t a bonus — it’s essential. By cultivating these habits and mindsets now, we’re preparing CCS students to be not just future leaders, but thoughtful, compassionate changemakers in their communities and beyond.

And as we remind our students often: leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about making things better — for everyone.

Final Thoughts

At Canggu Community School, leadership begins with character and grows through community. We’re proud of the many students who lead every day — quietly or boldly, through action or listening, through service or advocacy.

Their voices are shaping our school culture in meaningful ways — and giving us all a glimpse of the kind of future we want to build.

Until next week — keep showing up, keep leading with heart, and keep believing in the power of your voice.

Warm regards,
Dr. Ben Voborsky
Head of School
Canggu Community School | www.ccsbali.com