Page 28 - Education Supplement August 2025

SERVIAM: LEADERSHIP THROUGH SERVICE AT

BRESCIA HOUSE SCHOOL

At Brescia House School,
FOSTERING LEADERSHIP
leadership is defined not by titles or
status, but by service. The school’s In the High School, Social Emotional
motto, Serviam ("I will serve"), is more Learning (SEL) groups create daily
than a guiding principle—it is a way of opportunities for connection and
life, deeply embedded in the Catholic mentorship across Grades 7 to 12. Senior
Ursuline ethos lived out by every students mentor younger girls, offering
student, teacher, and alumna. True guidance and modelling emotional
leadership is about integrity, empathy, resilience and positive relationships.
and uplifting others through collective These interactions strengthen bonds, Above: Sisterhood groups meet regularly to
strength. ensuring that each girl feels seen, heard, participate in joint, multi-grade activities.
and supported.
FROM SUCCESS TO SIGNIFICANCE Young women who build identity,
emotional intelligence, and social
Instead of a traditional prefect system, all
In today’s ever-changing world, responsibility are more likely to become
leadership requires more than Grade 12s serve on ten different confident, ethical leaders.
ambition—it calls for courage, leadership committees aligned with their
authenticity, and purpose. Brescia strengths—for example Sport, Cultural, The student wellness team sees the
House School teaches that real Eco, PR, Wellbeing, or Serviam. This impact of this daily. Students who lead
success lies not in accolades but in inclusive model gives every student a through service, empathy, and reflection
significance: leaving a meaningful voice and a role in shaping school life, build stronger peer connections, show
legacy. This begins in the Intermediate encouraging leadership that is authentic greater compassion in decision-making,
Phase (Grades 4 to 6), where students and collaborative. and adapt more easily to change. This
are placed into Sisterhood Groups— reflects Brescia’s commitment to whole-
multi-grade teams that meet regularly The Grade 6 Personal Leadership child development—empowering young
for joint activities. From crocheting Development Programme equips women to lead with both competence
scarves for Mandela Day to Intermediate Phase girls with key skills— and conscience in a world that needs
assembling care packages and resilience, empathy, integrity, compassion.
creating shared art, these experiences independence, and commitment.
foster empathy, initiative, and Students set personal goals while ONCE A BRESCIA GIRL,
belonging. Older girls take the lead, contributing to internal service, including ALWAYS A BRESCIA GIRL
modelling servant leadership by roles like PR support, Polycomps duties,
putting others first while growing in and Earthkeepers environmental The spirit of Serviam continues long after
confidence and purpose. initiatives. Through reflection and matriculation. Alumnae carry Brescia’s
mentorship, they learn that leadership is values into their careers, families, and
about growth, contribution, and the
Leadership at Brescia House School is communities. The annual alumna scarf
action-driven. Whether supporting courage to take on challenges. ceremony symbolises this enduring
peers, leading outreach, or upholding connection—the promise that Brescia’s
traditions, every girl is encouraged to BEYOND THE CLASSROOM values stay with them, wherever they go.
lead with humility and meaning. By blending tradition with innovative
Brescia House School encourages
Below: SEL groups comprising students from students to engage in outreach, 21st-century education, Brescia House
across the grades, work on building a environmental action, and social School nurtures young women who are
vertical garden in the school. responsibility projects that extend not only service-oriented but also tech-
savvy, globally aware, and ready for the
beyond the classroom. Whether future. At Brescia, Serviam is more than a
supporting charities, mentoring younger motto—it is a lifelong journey. Through
students, or leading wellness events, service, these young women don’t just
service is part of daily life.
learn leadership—they live it.
In a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Contributors:
Ambiguous) world, servant leadership is Dr Chaland van Zyl: Educational
more relevant than ever. Educational Psychologist; Mrs Helga Bishop: Head of
Psychologist Dr Chaland van Zyl explains: Marketing and Admissions; Mrs Anusha
“By nurturing resilient, empathetic, and Govender: Head of PS Serviam, Art and
values-driven leaders, we equip our girls Social Sciences Teacher; Mrs Rhoda
with the tools to thrive amidst Parbhoo: IP Mathematics HOD,
uncertainty.” Transformation & Diversity Coordinator
Co

Grade 000 - 12 admissions@brescia.co.za www.brescia.co.za