At General Byng, the strong student leadership program has resulted in the successful implementation of a QDPE program. When students take leadership responsibility and ownership in their program, overall participation in physical activity increases and the school atmosphere is more positive. Daren credits the student leaders for the prosperity of the QDPE program. He feels it is important for every student to have some kind of leadership role no matter how small it may be. He is convinced that student leadership helps to increase self-confidence and physical activity levels of students.
Students can be good role models for other students.
Daren offers great advice to schools interested in starting a leadership program. The first step is to set up a committee or council made up of interested and energetic students, such as an athletic council. Once the council has succeeded in a variety of events, share the success and benefits to the school administration and propose that the leadership program become an option course at the school. No doubt there will be plenty of benefits and successes to choose from. Leadership programs like this one would not exist without dedicated, caring teachers like Daren to help make them happen.