The Association of Catholic Student Councils (TACSC) Leadership Day was recently planned by the Department of Catholic Schools for middle school level students who attend our diocesan Catholic elementary schools. TACSC is a Catholic leadership organization whose slogan is “We Grow Leaders” based out of Pasadena, California.
This year, over 600 students participated in this two-day event that took place on Feb. 5 at Servite High School and on March 11 at Rosary Academy. The elementary schools were divided into two groups and they either attended the February or March event. The event teaches middle school students to develop skills in servant leadership and how to use their God-given gifts to create change in their communities.
ROSARY ACADEMY SCHOOL HOSTED A TACSC LEADERSHIP DAY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ON MARCH 11. THE EVENT WAS COORDINATED BY THE DIOCESE’S ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.
The schedule for the student leadership days was the same format at both sites. It involved meeting as a whole group to start the day in the high school gym and starting the day with prayer and a message from Dr. Erin Barisano, Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Orange, about the importance of developing leadership skills before the students broke out into rotations.
THE ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC STUDENT COUNCILS (TACSC) IS A CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATION WHOSE SLOGAN IS “WE GROW LEADERS.” PHOTOS BY BELINDA ESPINOZA
The students were separated into three groups which gives them the opportunity to network with other students who don’t attend their school. One group stays in the gym and the other two groups utilize the classrooms, and they rotate three times throughout the day.
Aria Z. from St. Joseph Catholic School in School Placentia, said, “being able to make new friends” was one of her favorite parts of the leadership day. She said learning to make new friends made her think about her future because “when I move to high school, I’m going to have to step outside my comfort zone and introduce myself first.”
The students attended workshops on topics that include time management and public speaking. The leadership challenge portion includes learning how to work in a group, conflict management techniques, learning about teamwork and working with different personality types.
When learning about servant leadership, students are taught to put their faith in action and learn how to become change makers.
The students also participated in icebreakers to get to know each other better, snack time and lunch breaks and a closing prayer to end the day.
One of the goals of TACSC Leadership Days is for students to learn many different leadership skills while having fun.
Students at St. Cecilia Catholic School attended the first day at Servite High School.
“During the TACSC leadership day, I learned leadership skills and how to be more confident in my public speaking,” said Adam L., a student at St. Cecilia Catholic School.
Students also had the opportunity to complete a service project as part of their day.
“My favorite part about attending TACSC was making cards for the seniors because I love bringing smiles to peoples’ faces,” said Alexis E., who also attends St. Cecilia Catholic School.
Not only do middle school students learn to become leaders, but high school students from Rosary Academy and Servite High School lead the workshops and small group activities for the day.
“I liked the idea of kids close to our age teaching us because we all relate and know what’s boring and what’s fun so we kind of saw eye to eye,” said Aria Z.
The TACSC staff is there to facilitate and make sure everything runs smoothly. We are grateful for this partnership with TACSC and our hope is that our students are well equipped to be faithful leaders as they reach adulthood and share their God given gifts and talents with others.
To learn more about Orange County Catholic Schools, visitoccatholicschools.org