Carpark Heroes put servant leadership into action

It turns out some heroes really do wear capes.

Each morning, Middle School students participating in the Ginninderra Award Program are helping younger students make their way from the Forde Campus drop-off zone to their classrooms.

Carpark Heroes began with an idea from Head of Junior School Scott Moore to make morning arrival easier for families. By supporting children as they leave their cars, the students allow parents to remain in their vehicles, helping the drop-off zone move more efficiently.

The Middle School volunteers arrive early, collect their brightly coloured capes and head to the carpark. There, they open car doors, welcome younger students and accompany them safely to class.

The response from families has been overwhelmingly positive, with parents reporting that the process is quicker, easier and less stressful. Junior School students also receive a friendly welcome from an older peer at the beginning of their day.

The initiative forms part of Burgmann’s Ginninderra Award Program for students in Years 6 to 8. Ginninderra derives from the language of the Ngunnawal people and means ‘sparkling light’. Just as light helps us find the way, the program guides students to discover and develop their talents and strengths through servant leadership.

Students work towards three award levels by contributing to projects within the School and the wider community. Supporting activities involving Junior School students is one of the ways they can put this commitment into practice.

For the Carpark Heroes, that service begins with an early start, a welcoming face and the responsibility of helping younger students safely reach their classrooms.

It is hard to have a bad start to the school day when a superhero takes you to class.