Leadership at ICA
Leadership Philosophy
This founding principle of ICA revolves around the belief that every student possesses the potential to become a citizen-leader and make meaningful contributions to both their school and community. This foundational belief serves as the guiding ethos that shapes the educational experience at ICA. Students are not only encouraged to excel academically but also to cultivate leadership qualities and a sense of civic responsibility. Through a comprehensive curriculum and a supportive learning environment, students are empowered to develop the knowledge, skills, and character traits necessary to lead and serve effectively.
ICA instills in its students a deep understanding of the importance of leadership and service, emphasizing the value of making positive impacts within the school community and beyond. Whether through involvement in student government, participation in community service projects, or engagement in extracurricular activities, students are encouraged to take initiative, demonstrate integrity, and act as agents of positive change. By nurturing a culture of leadership and service, ICA equips its students with the tools they need to navigate complex challenges, advocate for meaningful causes, and inspire others to join them in making a difference. Through their actions, ICA students embody the school’s commitment to fostering citizen-leaders who are dedicated to serving others and effecting positive change in the world.
ICA’s student government, known as STUGO, serves as a vital component of the school’s management and community engagement efforts. With its standing committees focused on various aspects of school life, STUGO plays a multifaceted role in enhancing the student experience and contributing to the overall well-being of the Academy. The standing committees within STUGO reflect a diverse range of interests and priorities, each dedicated to addressing specific aspects of student life and community engagement:
- Food Services Committee: Responsible for providing feedback and suggestions regarding the school’s dining facilities, menu offerings, and overall dining experience. This committee works to ensure that students’ dietary needs and preferences are taken into consideration and that the dining experience aligns with the school’s values of health and sustainability.
- Greening Committee: Focused on promoting environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices within the school community. This committee may organize initiatives such as recycling programs, energy conservation efforts, and educational campaigns to raise awareness about environmental issues.
- Social Events Committee: Tasked with planning and organizing social activities and events aimed at fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among students. These events may include dances, themed parties, movie nights, and other recreational activities designed to promote social interaction and student engagement.
- Community Services Committee: Dedicated to coordinating and facilitating community service initiatives and volunteer opportunities for students. This committee collaborates with local organizations and charities to identify areas of need and develop meaningful service projects that benefit the broader community.
- Fundraising Committee: Responsible for planning and executing fundraising activities and campaigns to support various school programs, initiatives, and charitable causes. This committee may organize events such as bake sales, charity auctions, and donation drives to raise funds for specific projects or charitable organizations.
- Peer Tutoring Committee: Committed to providing academic support and resources to fellow students through peer tutoring programs. This committee recruits and trains student tutors who are proficient in various subjects and matches them with peers seeking academic assistance, fostering a culture of collaboration and academic excellence among students.
Through their involvement in STUGO and its standing committees, students have the opportunity to actively participate in decision-making processes, contribute to school governance, and make a positive impact on their school community. STUGO serves as a platform for student leadership development, civic engagement, and collaborative problem-solving, embodying the values of democracy, responsibility, and service within the Academy.
Dormitory Prefects at ICA are selected high school students entrusted with supporting Resident Hall Advisors in fostering a positive and inclusive living environment within the dormitories. Recognized for their leadership potential, Prefects undergo a rigorous selection process by the administration. To prepare them for their roles effectively, Prefects return to campus early to participate in specialized leadership training sessions. Additionally, they engage in a three to four-day off-campus adventure tailored to enhance their leadership skills. This immersive experience not only strengthens their ability to lead and mentor peers but also fosters resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving capabilities essential for their roles as Dormitory Prefects. Through these initiatives, ICA ensures that Prefects are equipped with the necessary tools and experiences to effectively support their fellow students and contribute positively to the dormitory community.
The New Student Liaison program at ICA embodies the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community for all students. Led by current students, this organization plays a vital role in easing the transition of new and younger students into the ICA community. Upon enrollment, new students are paired with experienced current students who serve as mentors and guides throughout their integration process. The primary goal of the New Student Liaison program is to provide personalized support and assistance to new students, helping them navigate the various aspects of school life and ensuring their successful adaptation to the new environment. Mentors share insights about the school culture, academic expectations, extracurricular opportunities, and social dynamics, empowering new students to make informed decisions and feel confident in their new surroundings.
Through regular communication, activities, and peer interactions facilitated by the New Student Liaison program, new students are encouraged to build connections, forge friendships, and actively engage in the ICA community from the outset. By fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie, this program reinforces ICA’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
For student leaders at ICA, the TEDx event represents a unique opportunity to take ownership of the event’s organization and content. Student leaders are empowered to choose the theme of the event, curate speakers and presentations, and coordinate logistical arrangements. This hands-on involvement allows students to develop leadership skills, exercise creativity, and make a positive impact on the school community.
The TEDx event provides a platform for students, faculty members, and community leaders to share their perspectives, experiences, and insights on a wide range of topics. From personal stories of resilience and achievement to discussions on pressing social issues and innovative ideas, the TEDx stage offers a diverse array of voices and perspectives to inspire and provoke thought. By fostering an environment of open-mindedness, curiosity, and collaboration, the TEDx event at ICA encourages participants to engage in meaningful dialogue, challenge conventional thinking, and explore new avenues of thought and action. Ultimately, the event serves as a catalyst for building connections, nurturing intellectual curiosity, and strengthening the sense of community within the school and beyond.
The National Honor Society (NHS) is a prestigious organization that recognizes outstanding high school students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. NHS members are selected based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, involvement in community service, and demonstration of strong moral character. As a member of NHS, students have the opportunity to participate in various service projects, leadership development activities, and academic enrichment programs. Through their commitment to academic excellence and service to others, NHS members embody the values of scholarship, leadership, service, and character, making positive contributions to their school and community.
Common Good Day
Common Good Day at ICA is a bi-annual all-school event that exemplifies the school’s commitment to giving back to the local community. During Common Good Day, each school house selects a specific organization or location to support through volunteer efforts and service projects. This collaborative endeavor allows students to actively engage in philanthropy and community service while fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
The primary goal of Common Good Day is to instill in students a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and responsibility towards others. By participating in meaningful service activities, students not only make tangible contributions to the community but also develop valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Through their involvement in Common Good Day, students experience firsthand the positive impact they can have on the lives of others and the importance of being active agents of positive change in their communities. This transformative experience helps cultivate a lifelong commitment to service and social responsibility among ICA students, ultimately empowering them to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Nursing Home
ICA’s commitment to community service extends beyond special events to regular, ongoing engagement with the local community. One such initiative is the monthly volunteering at the Renshen Nursing Home, where students dedicate their Sundays to visit and engage with the residents. During these visits, students offer companionship and support to the elderly residents by organizing programs, teaching new skills, or simply sharing stories and conversation. This interaction not only brightens the residents’ day but also fosters meaningful connections between generations and promotes understanding and empathy.
By volunteering at the nursing home on a regular basis, students develop a deeper appreciation for the value of service and the importance of giving back to those in need. They also cultivate qualities such as compassion, empathy, and respect for the elderly, which are integral to becoming responsible and caring members of society. Through their consistent involvement in community service activities like the visits to Renshen Nursing Home, ICA students actively demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others and embody the school’s values of empathy, service, and social responsibility.
The principle of the course is based on the promise that every student can be a responsible and ethical leader serving the common good of his/her community. The course will study the characteristics of leadership as well as the study of different leadership skills and styles of recent leaders in the world.
