Whether it’s helping a younger student, looking after the veggie patch, or navigating a new culture on the other side of the world, Frensham Junior School students are learning that character is built through experience, it’s something you do, not just something you talk about.
For Mrs Lynn Venish, Year 6 Teacher and Jamieson Coordinator, that’s the whole point.
“We want our students to understand that leadership begins with self-awareness and empathy,” she says. “It’s about small, consistent actions like being kind, taking responsibility, and lifting others.”
Character in action: A trip to Japan
A really good example of this approach happened earlier this year when 15 Frensham Junior School students travelled to Japan, as part of a long-standing exchange with Hokuriku Gakuin Elementary School in Kanazawa… sounds awesome!
“The trip was an extraordinary opportunity for students to practise respect, curiosity and adaptability,” says Deputy Head Anne Graham, who led the tour alongside Head of School Lucy Gregory and Japanese Teacher Sensei Mayumi Parrett.
“Living with host families requires empathy and open-mindedness. Students had to communicate across cultures, show gratitude, and embrace new experiences with courage.”
Between learning traditional Japanese dances, taking part in a tea ceremony and exploring Kyoto, students discovered that leadership often starts quietly, by listening, observing, and connecting.
“They returned home more confident, compassionate, and outward-looking. These are all hallmarks of strong character,” Lynn adds.
Everyday opportunities to lead
Back at school, those lessons carry on in everyday life through the Jamieson Program, which is Frensham Junior School’s own Character Education initiative.
Each term focuses on a different theme like courage, integrity, empathy or responsibility, with plenty of real-world chances to put those ideas into practice.
Year 6 monitors lead by example, caring for younger students and taking responsibility for community spaces.
You’ll find them running the Patch Pantry produce stall or tending the chickens in the school coop, and there are similar opportunities for every year level to get involved.
Lynn says it’s all about showing students that leadership isn’t about having a title but service.
“It is about seeing what needs to be done and doing it for the good of others,” she explains. “Our students learn that the most meaningful contribution is often quiet. Leadership is the friend who listens, the student who includes someone new, or the group that solves a problem together.”
Leading with heart
At Frensham Junior School, confidence grows through collaboration, not competition. Students are encouraged to find what they’re good at and use it to help others.
“Servant leadership is about lifting others while being true to yourself,” Lynn says. “We value the unselfish pursuit of excellence, which is striving for your best, not for reward, but because it helps the whole community thrive.”
A lasting legacy
As the Year 6 students get ready to move into Year 7 at Frensham, Lynn hopes they’ll carry those lessons with them.
“A strong sense of who they are, and the courage to use their gifts to make a difference. We want them to be discerning, kind, and generous, to live Frensham Junior School’s motto: ‘In love serve one another.’”
Whether it’s growing a garden, making new friends or seeing the world, every experience at Frensham Junior School teaches the important lesson, that true leadership begins with character.
To learn more about how Frensham Junior School helps young people grow in confidence, character and community, and how your child could benefit from attending a wonderful school like this, book a tour and visit their website here.