Celebrating the vision of West Brisbane’s senior school leaders for 2020
The senior school leaders from across the Brisbane’s west, south-west and Springfield have shared their vision for their schools in 2020. Join us in celebrating these inspiring students.
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The senior school leaders from across Brisbane’s west, south-west and Springfield have shared their vision for their schools in 2020, answering the call from Quest Community News.
Join us as we celebrate these inspiring students, learning valuable skills as they prepare to become future leaders in our community.
The schools that contributed are sorted in alphabetical order. Scroll down to find yours.
■ If you would like to submit your school’s leaders for 2020 to include in our list, fill in the form below.
SCHOOL LEADERS 2020 SUBMISSION FORM
SCHOOL LEADERS IN OTHER REGIONS
BRISBANE NORTH | BRISBANE SOUTH | LOGAN | MORETON
AMBROSE TREACY COLLEGE, INDOOROOPILLY
SCHOOL CAPTAINS: THOMAS PERISSINOTTO, MITCHELL BRADSHAW AND RORY KERR
What is your vision for your school community in 2020?
As the leaders of the newest Catholic boys’ school in Brisbane, our priority this year will be the formation of the school’s culture. While our Junior School has over 80 years of tradition, our high school is only in its second year, so we are committed to shaping the foundations of our new traditions. One of the traditions we are focussed on is connecting and building relationships across the Junior, Middle and Senior schools. By building strong relationships, meeting with younger students on a regular basis, engaging them in lunchtime games and being strong role models, we aim to be authentic, approachable leaders. By modelling courage, inclusivity and integrity through our leadership roles, we aim to embrace and celebrate diversity and be upstanders in society.
The motto for this year is to “Look Good, Feel Good and Do Good”. We plan to implement this motto through encouraging boys to look good by wearing their uniform with pride, and to feel good by looking after their mental health and spreading optimism and compassion throughout our community. In terms of doing good, Service is key to our leadership. Guided by the words of Matthew 20:26, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant”, we aim to lead through our service, helping those in need. Service, authenticity and traditions will be the hallmarks of our leadership in 2020 and we hope to create a legacy that inspires ATC students to strive for their personal best and achieve a brighter future.
BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE, TOOWONG
SCHOOL CAPTAINS: ALISTER GOMERSALL, ARCHIE BROMELL AND BENJAMIN WARD
What is your vision for your school community in 2020?
“The Brisbane Boys’ College student theme for 2020 is ‘As One’, which we believe encapsulates the best of BBC. Because the idea that we as a College are one, that we are bonded together by the Green, White, Black, isn’t tied to one event, it permeates through everything we do.
Whether it’s helping a younger student who’s struggling with their timetable, helping your mate understand a question in class, or supporting your brothers at Grand Concert, everything we do must be as one.
The strength of this school has always been found in our diversity and no one person can lead this school.
Our strength has always been in how we come together and utilise each other’s unique backgrounds and skills. And that begins in the classroom, in the locker area, in the playground, in small insignificant conversations. Because if we can be a family that builds each other up when no one is watching, we will be a force to reckon with – a unit that supports and fights for each other when the whole world is watching.”
- Alister Gomersall, College Captain 2020
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE INDOOROOPILLY
SCHOOL CAPTAINS: ABBEY COOK, SOPHIE FOLEY, EMMA CROWHURST, JESSICA PARCELL
What is your vision for your school community in 2020?
Combined goals: We aim to make the College community closer by running events to promote the importance of building new friendships with girls in all year levels. Our aim is to implement a program that runs each Friday lunchtime; open for the whole school to attend. We will run games to celebrate the end of the week but more importantly to encourage students to foster new friendships.
Abbey Cook, College Captain: My aim is to allow girls to feel comfortable being themselves and accepting their own authenticity. I will implement this by modelling my own individuality at all times; letting girls know that it is OK to be themselves.
Sophie Foley, Mission Captain: At Brigidine, I want to encourage each student to seize every opportunity offered at the College; to get involved in extracurricular as well as school events. I will do this by modelling involvement to younger students and will get involved in areas outside my comfort zone and expertise.
Jessica Parcell, Arts Captain: I will extend myself beyond the Arts in order to model a balanced, productive and engaging high school experience. By doing so, I hope to add to the preexisting school spirit and extend my encouragement and appreciation for all students; continued involvement in the College life.
Emma Crowhurst, Sports Captain: I want everyone to have an opportunity to participate in school events. I also hope to raise money for a worthy cause through a charity match.
FOREST LAKE STATE HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOOL CAPTAINS AND HOUSE CAPTAINS: BREE J (C), SEAN G (C), CHARLOTTE H (VC), HAYDEN S (VC), JONAH G, SAMANTHA MC, HAMISH M, LAURA P, TELE L, HALEY W, ELI B AND ALICIA B.
What is your vision for your school community in 2020?
At Forest Lake State High School, our aim is to become successful global citizens and we believe that as confident and resilient young people, who have empathy and understanding of the issues affecting our greater community, we will graduate with the relevant skills necessary to transfer and adapt into a rapidly changing workforce.
In 2020 our focus is on improving student relationships across the entire school and to increase engagement in events at school as well as within the wider community. We wish to extend our connections and enhance our positive school identity.
The application of our school PRIDE values of being Prepared, Respectful, Inclusive, Dedicated and Engaged beyond graduation, will also prepare us with the skills to tackle the challenges we will face in the real world.
INDOOROOPILLY STATE HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOOL CAPTAINS: SHANU SOBTI, EDDY CURWEN
What is your vision for your school community in 2020?
As a community of forward thinkers, Indooroopilly State High School is always looking for ways to improve. As General School Captains, our vision for 2020 is to encourage unity within the school through extracurricular activities, develop our sense of global citizenship, and update the school song. Many high school graduates look back on extracurricular activities as the highlights of their schooling career. However, there are so many who never partake of the experience. Our vision for this year is to raise awareness of the presence of Indro’s many extracurricular programs, to expose more students to their benefits while mixing older and younger students to create a stronger school community. Diversity and global citizenship are integral to the ethos of Indooroopilly SHS. Indro nurtures and celebrates the diversity of our community, and our goal as captains is to strengthen a school culture that recognises our place within the global community. Another of our goals is to rewrite the school song as a modern, relatable anthem encapsulating Indro’s identity and providing another point of unity.
QUEENSLAND ACADEMY FOR SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS AND TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL LEADERS: JACKLYN O’BRIEN, ALEXANDER OELKERS, EWAN BEACH AND GRACE MILNE
What is your vision for your school community in 2020?
We, the Captains of QASMT, have a vision to be better leaders, better role-models and be more personable to the entire school community in 2020.
Our core goal for the year is to put focus toward improving daily school life, promoting a healthier and happier school community. We aim to achieve this by focusing on small things to enhance our environment, such as adding a fortnightly “chill zone” with music and activities in the courtyard, as well as other feel positive concepts.
Our core values for the year are:
Inspiration: Inspiring all students to be their best selves in and outside of the classroom and to do their best in all endeavours.
Community: Fostering a sense of community amongst all members of QASMT community allowing for more positive relationships.
Hype: Encouraging hype and enthusiastic engagement in all activities, allowing students to be more flexible and open to new concepts.
Progress: Prompting progress in the mindsets and actions of all members of the QASMT environment which works towards an ever-improving school in the long-term.
ST AIDAN’S ANGLICAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL, CORINDA
SCHOOL CAPTAINS: LILYAN SULLIVAN AND PARIS TEEVAN
What is your vision for your school community in 2020?
The St Aidan’s Seniors theme for 2020 is Mission 2020. This year we are focusing on every girl achieving her individual vision, making up a part of the larger team mission.
Mission 2020 Aims:
- To give back and stay connected to the wider community
- To grow holistically within ourselves with the support of those around us
- To be curious, try new things and see where wonder can take us
- To be our authentic selves and to ensure all students are accepted for who they are
- To up the spirit and create an environment where everyone wants to be involved
- To be optimistic when times are turbulent and to spread happiness
- To ensure every student is appreciated and understood by others
- To be aware of each others differences and embrace them.
ST AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE, AUGUSTINE HEIGHTS
SCHOOL LEADERS: KATELYN SMITH AND LACHLAN HOLTER
What is your vision for your school community in 2020?
Our 2020 vision is closely linked to our College theme for this year; centred around the idea of being present – in particular, being present in truth, unity and love – which are our College’s Augustinian values. This year, we stress the value and importance of which every single day holds, challenging our College community to use the full potential of every day. We encourage everyone (staff, students, parents/carers, and friends alike) to work together – breaking down barriers and obstacles – in order to make a real difference in our community. Our 2020 vision is one of a more seamless P-12 community; a community in which the divisions between precincts has been lessened. It is our hope that by coming together, as one united front, we can not only make a difference this year, but also build the foundations for our College to continue evolving for years to come. By coming together, we can make real progress in various areas; including but not limited to: being a greener, more sustainable school, and inclusivity - with better representation of culture and identity. Having only just started the school year, it is exciting to see initiatives and ideas that are already getting underway – and it is even more exciting to see how many ideas the Student Leaders of 2020 have for the rest of the year. Ultimately, our hope is that everyone in our College community seizes the year for all that it offers.
ST JOHN’S ANGLICAN COLLEGE, FOREST LAKE
SCHOOL LEADERS: VIRAJ SASHANKAN AND SANVI MEHTA
What is your vision for your school community in 2020?
The school policy is a mantra that we have created representing the message that the seniors are intending to convey over the course of the year. What was apparent to us was our strong sense of belonging and community spirit that has been cultivated throughout our College life.
Being at this school, we have been blessed enough to experience real connections; friends that we’ll treasure forever and teachers we’ll never forget. We love that sense of family and community we feel every day when we come here. We believe that’s what makes our school special, we have the privilege of being a smaller school that has a tight-knit community. That’s why we believe this mantra is perfect for the year ahead. At its core, this message is about how if we all work together, we can make a better tomorrow not only for us and our school community, but for the world.
Our first ever School Policy is therefore now announced as ‘Together for Tomorrow!
The purpose of our policy has been constructed to create a sense of community and family within our College. We will have several opportunities and challenges thrown our way, stepping out of our comfort zone to run a race for your House, or just helping someone get to their class, we encourage every single individual to step up, be involved in everything that presents itself and help us celebrate our togetherness that makes us St John’s while making 2020 a year to remember.
ST PETERS LUTHERAN COLLEGE, INDOOROOPILLY
SCHOOL LEADERS: BEN ROBERTON, ALARA SLATTERY AND ZAC ROBINSON
What is your vision for your school community in 2020?
College spirit, support and no regrets—the 2020 College and Vice Captains at St Peters Indooroopilly have wasted no time in establishing their vision for the year, and it’s one that will leave a legacy long beyond their graduation. “We want to build on the history of school spirit at St Peters,” said Ben (College Captain). “And show one another support because of how proud we are of our College.”
The Captains aim to do this by encouraging their Year Level to turn up, both physically and in attitude. By instilling a sense of pride that starts with how students don their uniform, they aim to create a flow-on effect, whereby all Seniors turn up to College events to show their support for the wider St Peters community.
“Everyone has their own individual talents and they all have the right to be acknowledged,” Vice Captain, Alara, said. “We want everyone to feel that their talents are supported and acknowledged.”
The Captains envisage a College that is completely connected; where all Year Levels, co curriculars and the wider community are united by College spirit. This, when combined with their final aim, to have all Seniors graduating with no regrets, will be no small task, but it’s nothing they’re not equipped to handle. The level of commitment our College and Vice Captains have already shown is inspirational—we’re confident they’ll have every Senior walking down the graduation Guard of Honour knowing they’ve achieved everything they wanted to by the end of the year.
ST PETERS LUTHERAN COLLEGE SPRINGFIELD
SCHOOL LEADERS: MINNA H, ZAC H, GRACE L AND KHUSHI P.
What is your vision for your school community in 2020?
Our vision for the community of St Peters Lutheran College Springfield in 2020 is to find ways to engage with students and build as many positive relationships as possible. When we began thinking about our goals for 2020, we decided to model the values of PERMA (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement). PERMA is a significant part of St Peters culture; we strive to implement its ideals in all our visions and goals. Additionally, we look to the School Captains who led before us, and the examples they have set for our community. They have created strong foundations for activities that involve the entirety of secondary school. This year, we aspire to build upon those foundations by implementing initiatives that connect primary and secondary schools. For example, the school leaders have begun mentoring and leading Primary School enrichment clubs, such as Story Club and Sports Club. Through building these relationships, we want all primary students to know that secondary students will always be there for them. Furthermore, we are hoping to foster greater understanding of different cultures. To do this, we aim to host a Cultural Festival, connecting people in our community and celebrating our diversity and multiculturalism. Overall, we have big ideas for what we want to see at St Peters in 2020. We believe through these initiatives, we can build meaningful relationships with all members of the St Peters community.
STUARTHOLME SCHOOL
SCHOOL CAPTAINS: IMOGEN FRASER, HAYLEY BOWDEN AND LUCY BAKER
What is your vision for your school community in 2020?
It is so exciting to be school leaders at Stuartholme this year because we are celebrating our centenary. Our goal for this year is to help bring our community together and celebrate 100 years of educating young women. We want to encourage our fellow students to reflect on the history of our school and the vision of the Sisters who started it.
We are very proud to be Stuartholme girls. We want to share 100 years of academic excellence, sportsmanship and compassion with our community and we have a desire to be the very best version of ourselves. We know that when we leave the gates of our school we may be leaving as a student, but we will forever be a part of the Stuartholme community.
We look forward to welcoming back all the members of our community to Stuartholme this year at our centenary events in 2020.
THE SPRINGFIELD ANGLICAN COLLEGE
SCHOOL CAPTAIN: JORDAN CARTER
What is your vision for your school community in 2020?
As the Senior Leadership Team at The Springfield Anglican College, we enter 2020 with the enthusiasm to give back to our College community. Over the course of this year, we wish to see the success of the graduating class, while providing support as role models for our new peers in the younger grades. We see it as our duty to empower others to achieve a greater sense of community in the College. With the help of the staff, we aim to assist our school so that we may leave a legacy in The Springfield Anglican College’s history.
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