Blyth Academy Students Join Global Leaders at the 2025 Globeducate Leadership Summit in Europe

This fall, five Grade 11 and 12 students from Blyth Academy’s Mississauga and Ottawa campuses embarked on an unforgettable journey to Europe to participate in the 2025 Globeducate Leadership Summit, joining peers from across the globe to explore leadership, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Hosted in Nicosia, Cyprus, the summit brought together students from Globeducate schools worldwide for a week of seminars, workshops, and hands-on activities designed to inspire the next generation of leaders. 

A Week of Growth and Global Connections 

From the moment they arrived, Blyth Academy students immersed themselves in a schedule that blended academic learning with cultural experiences. Blyth Academy Mississauga Principal Nicholas Catania, who chaperoned the trip, shared in their travel journal: 

“Yesterday was yet another go-go-go day with morning preparations at the hotel for their walking tours and leadership presentations. Students started the morning with another seminar led by Mrs. Bennet followed by focus groups at the hotel to plan and prepare. The afternoon then brought us into their own personalized walking tours of Nicosia having just completed research that morning. I was very impressed!” 

These walking tours were a highlight for many, including student Sachin K., who reflected on the experience: 

“The moment that stood out most to me was the day we spent in the old town giving the tours. It was such a great mix of learning, exploring, and connecting. I enjoyed getting to share the experience with students from around the world, hearing their perspectives, talking about their experiences, and realizing how different our backgrounds are while still finding so much in common.” 

Redefining Leadership 

The summit wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about challenging assumptions and building new skills. Through seminars and workshops, students explored leadership theories, including the concept of quiet leadership and the Belbin team roles. For Sachin, these lessons were transformative: 

“The summit changed how I see leadership. I always thought leaders had to be loud or constantly in charge but learning about quiet leadership showed me that you can lead in different ways. The activities we did at the school made me realize how much leadership depends on working together and actually listening to people.” 

By the end of the week, students had not only learned about leadership but practiced it, culminating in formal presentations on leaders of their choice at Pascal Secondary School. Dressed in their “smartest” outfits, Blyth Academy students impressed with their confidence and professionalism. 

Building Friendships Across Borders 

One of the most meaningful aspects of the summit was the opportunity to connect with peers from other Globeducate schools. As Sachin shared: 

“Meeting students from other Globeducate schools was one of the best parts of the whole trip. It was easy to connect with everyone, even though we all came from different places and backgrounds. Talking to them gave me a new perspective on school, leadership, and life in general.” 

These connections extended beyond the classroom, with group dinners, cultural excursions, and even a farewell evening along the beach strip of Larnaca. Principal Catania summed up the experience perfectly: 

“Tonight we will head out for our final farewell dinners back to where we started our journey here in Cyprus, the beach strip of Larnaca. Students will have the option of going out for dinner with friends along the many seaside restaurants before returning home on our final voyage to Canada.” 

A Lasting Impact 

Our Blyth Academy students returned home not only with memories of Cyprus but with a deeper understanding of what it means to lead in a global community. 

As part of the Globeducate group of schools, Blyth Academy students have unique opportunities to travel to Europe and other destinations for events like this, connecting with peers worldwide and developing leadership skills that last a lifetime.