"The best way to predict the future is to create it" and leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”

On July 23, 2025, at St. Joseph's School, Naini, an Orientation Programme for the newly elected student council for session 2025- 26 was scheduled by the Principal Rev. Fr. Melwin Wilson D'souza, before they were conferred with the badges and set responsibilities.

During the interaction, certain points were laid and were discussed such as; the core values and school ethics, the vision and mission of our school. The core values like Discipline, Selfless Services, Willingness and to be a positive team leader.

Later, the Principal also mentioned the role of a Head boy and Head girl and the various responsibilities that the respective House captains and other office bearers are enrolled in.

Furthermore, in order to connect more with the students, he also mentioned his own life experiences that made the new student cabinet realise, 'how a good listener is a winner always'.

While the orientation session rolled out ahead, a sincere discussion on how to handle conflicts and remain unbiased, how to manage time without hampering studies, always ready for positive approaches, celebrating  victories as well as failures, discipline management was cropped up. The newly elected council members were also advised to on how to properly plan, execute on time and to acknowledge all and oneself.

The Principal Rev. Fr. Melwin Wilson D'Souza, also suggested a SMART way of dealing school pressure.

S- be specific

M- be measurable

A - achievable

R - relevant

T - time-bound

He also emphasised on 'self reward' by letting negative feelings go and embracing the change.

He further took inspirational stories of three world leaders who are pioneer in their missions.

Dr. A.P.J. Kalam, for being an exemplary in constant hard work, despite failures.

Malala Yousafzai, a lady who became a synonym of women empowerment.

Mother Teresa, a name that needs no introduction to the world and has an amalgamation of motherhood and leadership.

As the program headed towards the wind-up, the significance of badges, sash and oath was reviewed.

Badges  - a significance of Trust and Leadership.

Sash  - a proud wrap of responsibilities, honour, a guide to others.

Oath - a pledge of services, discipline, integrity, excellence and self improvement.

The final reflection - How their leadership legacy should be !

The split- second acknowledgement was that 'what change you will leave after you have left?'

With this conundrum the interaction with tomorrow's leaders was concluded and the Principal greeted them with all luck and best wishes for their new journey as an authoritative heads.