Blyth Academy Students Shine at the 2024 Globeducate Student Leadership Summit

Earlier this month, four exceptional students from Blyth Academy—Lara Z., Lara A., Swathi A., and Charlie A.—had the incredible opportunity to attend the Globeducate Student Leadership Summit in the United Kingdom, accompanied by Nicholas Catania, Principal of Blyth Academy Mississauga. This prestigious event brought together young leaders from Canada and across Europe to hone their leadership skills, engage in meaningful discussions, and build lasting connections. 

Developing Public Speaking and Collaboration Skills  

Swathi A. thoroughly enjoyed her time at the summit, which helped shape her leadership skills. “The first step consisted of identifying what leadership style we carry based on the outcomes of the Belbin test,” she explained. As a “plant,” Swathi discovered her strengths as an innovator and creative personality, which guided her development as a balanced leader. 

She also improved her public speaking skills through Ms. Bennett’s seminar, which provided strategies for effective communication. “This was put to the test when we guided tours of Bath,” she shared. The significance of collaboration and harmony in a group was another key takeaway for Swathi, learned through team-building activities and problem-solving exercises.  

A Unique Learning Experience  

For Lara Z., the summit was a transformative experience. “It was a great honour to be involved this year, and I’m extremely grateful for this unique experience,” she shared. She emphasized how understanding the distinction between a manager and a leader transformed her approach to teamwork and collaboration. Additionally, the insights from the Belbin test helped her recognize her leadership style, prompting a significant shift in her perspective. 

Beyond the professional growth, Lara Z. cherished the personal connections formed during the summit. “From engaging in team-building activities to exploring the city and sharing group dinners, each experience deepened our bonds and made the journey enjoyable,” she reflected.

Embracing Cultural Heritage and Leadership Styles 

Lara A. found the summit to be an incredible honour and responsibility, representing Canada and the Middle East. “It allowed me to showcase my cultural heritage and the values I stand for,” she said. The summit provided her with a deeper understanding of various leadership styles, from authoritarian to democratic to servant leadership, taught by an inspiring public speaker, Ms. Bennett, who coordinated the event. 

She also learned the importance of balancing leadership with management skills. “While striving for excellence, I realized the value of allowing others to flourish and contribute their ideas,” she noted. Her Belbin leadership style as a “shaper” helped her recognize when to lead and when to step back, a skill she applied during team-building exercises. The final project on Malala Yousafzai reinforced her commitment to using her platform to uplift and empower others.  

A Transformative Experience  

The Globeducate Student Leadership Conference was a transformative experience for all  students. It pushed them out of their comfort zones, helped them identify and develop their leadership styles, and provided them with essential skills for their future roles. The summit not only equipped them with professional skills but also fostered personal growth and lasting relationships. 

As Lara Z. aptly summarized, “Reflecting on the summit, I feel inspired to embrace new challenges and adopt a more empathetic leadership style. I am eager to seek opportunities that allow me to make a positive impact in my community and beyond.” 

The Blyth Academy community is incredibly proud of the students for their achievements and the leadership qualities they have developed. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make in their communities and beyond. 

For a detailed look at their time at the summit, read the daily travel journals written by Principal Catania: 

Journal #1

Greetings fellow travel readers!  

This morning, we arrived at London Heathrow after a smooth overnight flight from Toronto Pearson. Students were eager to get this journey started which makes it hard to believe we are here after much anticipated excitement. After clearing customs, we were greeted by our private driver who then took us to the city centre of Bath, just two hours out of London. The drive was picturesque, with the English countryside unfolding—rolling hills, quaint villages, and lush greenery. As we approached Bath, the city's Georgian architecture welcomed us, promising a mix of history and charm for the week ahead. 

After dropping our luggage at the hotel, we took a moment to settle in and relax after a long flight and transfer. Three of the students, eager to start exploring, quickly headed to a nearby café just around the corner. They found a cozy spot nestled among the many restaurants and bistros among the soft hum of conversation. As we prepared for arrival, they excitedly discussed their first impressions of the city and plans for the afternoon and week. It was clear they were already captivated by Bath’s inviting atmosphere. 

We regrouped with the rest of the students at the hotel and soon met up with our local tour guide. With an infectious energy about him, he began walking us through the layers of Bath’s rich history in front of the Abbey and Roman Baths. He painted a vivid picture of the city’s Roman origins, pointing out remnants of ancient baths and explaining how Bath became a center for relaxation and healing in Roman Britain.  

As we wandered through the cobbled streets, he shifted to the medieval era, describing how Bath evolved as a religious hub with its towering Abbey at its heart. Finally, we learned about the city’s Victorian transformation into a fashionable destination for the upper class, with grand crescents and regal townhouses becoming iconic features.  

With each era unfolding before us, it felt as if we were walking through time, experiencing Bath’s story firsthand. We also enjoyed seeing all of the popular filming locations within the city. I was so impressed with our students' genuine curiosity for not only travel but their ongoing inquiry into understanding how we got to the present moment of today. This is truly a phenomenal group of leaders representing Blyth Academy this year, and it has only just begun.  

"We loved our walking tour! We learned so many fascinating facts about the city which made it all the more intriguing about this historically significant town. The Roman Baths were very entertaining to learn about in addition to the valuable meanings that followed. We learned that the baths were not just for bathing but also for socialization and relaxation. The history behind the rituals and the significance of the waters really adds to the depth of this experience." 

- Lara & Lara 

We ended the day with a few evening walks and picked up some last-minute items after a hearty first meal together. Tomorrow our students join their fellow Globeducate peers in what will be the official kick-off to the summit.  

Yours across the pond,  

Nicholas

Journal #2

Greetings fellow travelers, 

After a much-needed rest to shake off the jet lag, we woke up feeling ready to explore more of Bath. Once everyone was ready, we ventured down to a quaint little café tucked away down the street. It was raining, but we made it down in good time.  

The café had a cozy, eclectic charm with wooden hutches and tables as the scent of freshly baked pastries and coffee filled the rain-washed air. We ordered an assortment of treats—flaky croissants, warm scones with clotted cream, and perfectly brewed coffee. The students enjoyed several variations of different coffees, lates and smoothies which were foreign to this staunch black coffee drinker.  

Students checked out of our first-night's accommodation and stored their luggage prior to our afternoon transfer with some free time to discuss the itinerary of what is to come. With energy restored, we felt ready to dive into another day of adventure at the Roman Baths just before lunch. 

Armed with audio guides, we wandered through the ancient site at our own pace, stopping to admire the steaming Great Bath and the intricate Roman architecture around us. The mix of old stone pathways and the sacred springs bubbling below made it easy to imagine what life was like here centuries ago. 

The site is expensive, with multiple rooms and levels to explore below ground. We started by walking around the Great Bath, and from there we descended into the lower levels, where we found a maze of rooms. There were hot rooms, cold rooms, and even a steam room, each one designed for bathing, socializing, or relaxation. 

Towards the end of the tour, we had the chance to try some of the famous spa water. The taste? Let’s just say it was a bit… mineral-rich! 

After our visit to the Roman Baths, the students decided on Bosco Pizzeria for lunch, a spot they’d found online with great reviews. The cozy, casual vibe was perfect after our morning of exploring. I let them pick the appetizers this time. We indulged in wood-fired pizzas topped with fresh ingredients—everything from classic Margherita to more adventurous combinations. 

By late afternoon, we gathered back as a group, excited and ready for the next big event: our leadership summit. Students checked into their new accommodation, met their new colleagues and peers, enjoyed a first meal together, and it all starts... tomorrow.  

Yours in Bath,  

Nicholas 

Journal #3

Greetings to our readers,  

After another productive and enticing day, I am pleased to share that our students are not only enjoying their experience but thriving in this environment.  

In true Canadian kindness, we extend a warm thanks to Mrs. Charlotte Bennett for hosting this event for our students, worldwide. It has been yet another fabulous program, and we thank her for all that she has done to coordinate and lead this summit. 

Students had the chance to take on a new role as guides this morning in their task, leading small groups through the city of Bath. After learning about the city’s rich history over the past few days, they were eager to showcase their knowledge and put their leadership skills into practice. By the end of the morning, everyone had learned something new, both from Bath and from their fellow students. 

After a busy morning, they enjoyed a relaxed lunch with fellow peers, followed by some downtime. Students had the chance to explore the city further or rest before making their way to the Stonar School, where the next stage of the leadership summit was set to continue. 

 

Upon direction, students jumped straight into an afternoon of team building. The main activity of the afternoon was the PLANKS team-building exercise, where students worked together using 15 planks to create a structure within a time limit. The coordinators were enlightened with their resilience to keep up with the task.  

The exercises highlighted the importance of both leadership and cooperation, offering valuable insights into improving performance through collective effort. It provided students the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, learning to rely on one another's strengths while also developing and harnessing their own leadership skills and qualities. 

Here's an inside scoop from one of our student leaders abroad: 

"We started the day with a lovely tour of major monuments in Bath, Including the Roman Baths, the Circus, the Abbey, and much more. We loved the multiple team games we played as they encouraged communication and collaboration. The group was very engaged, and we had lots of fun discovering new qualities about each other.  

After the many challenges/games, going down to the local pub was a great way to wind down and relax. We played games like skittles, darts, and billiards, and had such fun conversations with each other!" 

- Lara Z. 

Tomorrow brings the ultimate leadership task in bringing forth the presentation and necessary skills expected to demonstrate their true leadership potential. I cannot wait to see our leaders in action.  

Yours across the pond, 

Nicholas 

Journal #4

Greetings fellow readers,  

Today marked the official start of the Globeducate Leadership Summit. Students boarded their shuttles to the Stonar School with pleasant punctuality. We have all settled in so well that many of our students are considering applications to universities in the UK! 

The first session of the day was a leadership lecture and workshop. Students were encouraged to think about what leadership really means—not just about taking charge, but about listening, adapting, and supporting others. They were also provided with many exemplary leaders from the past and present.  

The second session introduced students to the Belbin Team Roles, where they learned about different personality traits and how they influence teamwork. Each student took the Belbin test, which helped them discover whether they’re more of a Coordinator, Implementer, or Shaper, among other roles.  

The afternoon was all about communication and collaboration. Students practiced active listening, giving and receiving feedback, and how to express ideas clearly in collaborative settings. They then got started on their first collaborative task which involves a walking tour of the city, something which all of them have already been prepared for. 

Here's an update from one of our student leaders: 

"Today, we officially 'started' the program where we got ready and prepared for our arrival to Stonar School! In the evening, we set out to explore the area and eat supper as many students ventured into cafés, restaurants, and shopping. As the darkness hit, we started our Ghost Tour with our very engaging and entertaining tour guide who told us stories about spirits roaming all around the city of Bath while correlating some of these stories to Bath’s history!" 

- Swathi A. 

The power of experiential education is thriving in the UK. Stay tuned for more updates and photos from our adventures and learning abroad.  

Forever yours in travel, 

Nicholas

Journal #5

Dear families, friends, and colleagues,  

We have come to the end of our excursion abroad with great success. We now marked the end of our leadership summit to the United Kingdom with Blyth Academy Students presenting highly among their peers.  

This morning, students worked on their Leadership Presentation Task, a culmination of all the skills they’ve developed over the past few days. They applied everything they’d learned—communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership—to create and deliver presentations on various leaders throughout history and the present time.  

The task was designed to pull together the theory and practical experiences from their workshops, giving them a chance to showcase their growth. Each of our students presented confidently, demonstrating their newly sharpened leadership abilities and the impact of their teamwork. It was a rewarding moment for everyone involved. 

The afternoon featured an etiquette workshop, focusing on broader social and professional etiquette. The students learned about making a positive first impression, the importance of kindness and respect, and how to navigate formal and informal situations with confidence. 

Here is a detailed account and reflection from one of our student leaders: 

"From this experience, I learned that etiquette is much more than just a set of rules—it’s a valuable skill that reflects respect and thoughtfulness. Whether it’s in a dining situation or life in general, understanding proper etiquette can help make a good impression and shows that you care about the people around you. Something as simple as how you position your cutlery can convey whether you are still eating or finished, and these small details make sense once you understand them. 

In terms of leadership, I realized that etiquette and leadership are closely connected. Being the head of the table is like being the leader of a team—you are responsible for setting the tone and ensuring that everyone is taken care of. This experience reinforced how important it is to foster an environment where everyone feels supported, and that, in itself, is a key part of being an effective leader." 

- Swathi A. 

Having sent students to this summit since 2021, it is a joy and a privilege to be part of this wonderful community of international educators with the central aim of helping to guide and shape the future that is tomorrow.  

Yours across the pond,  

Nicholas