Coffs, Woolgoolga, Sandy Beach, Mullaway, Orara, Tyalla, Nana Glen, Karangi, Corindi school leaders share their hopes for 2023
As another school year rolls on, 110 school leaders from across the Coffs Coast are ready to motivate and lead their fellow students. See what they’re passionate about.
Coffs Harbour
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With another school year well under way, school leaders from across the Coffs Coast have been working hard to motivate and inspire their fellow students.
From budding athletes to teachers, nurses, lawyers and Defence personnel, our young stars in the making have shared what they are most looking forward to this year and what they hope to achieve as 2023 school leaders.
Meet the young and upcoming leaders of 2023 from the Coffs Coast.
Corindi Public School
Heidy Krejci – school captain
I chose to run for a leadership position because I like helping people and I believe I am a great role model for other students.
I make a great school leader because I am respectful, responsible, kind and helpful. I believe as a leader it is important that you are willing to listen to others and to help anyone in need.
I enjoy running our weekly assemblies and participating in all other school activities such as sports carnivals, dance groups and the ANZAC March.
My favourite subjects are dance, art and sport. I also love playing soccer and doing gymnastics.
Lucas Ehsman – school captain
I wanted to be the school captain because I wanted to represent the school and I knew I would be a good role model.
I was really proud as the school leader to lay the wreath on behalf of our school at the ANZAC ceremony.
I like mountain bike riding, fishing and art.
My goal for the year is to get chosen for the excel class in Year 7.
When I get older, I would like to be a marine biologist and work on the Great Barrier Reef.
Connor Watson – vice-captain
I am very proud to be a leader at Corindi Public School.
I became a leader because I love helping and supporting people. My role as vice-captain consists of helping out at our school events, such as carnivals and sport days.
I help with K-2 sport each week, run the weekly assemblies with the other leaders and do buddy reading with Kindergarten.
My goal is to help everyone in the school, especially kindergarten, and to be remembered for my kindness.
Indie Kay – vice-captain
I became a leader because I wanted to be a good role model for others at school. I am a great leader because I enjoy helping others.
As a leader, I really want to help the school to grow and be a place where kids want to come and learn everyday.
My favourite things at school are playing with my friends and learning.
I also love roller blading, soccer and gymnastics.
Woolgoolga High School
Emma Williams - school captain
I decided to pursue this position as I knew it would be a great experience and opportunity to learn, gain new skills, support others, make a difference and create a positive impact within my school.
I enjoy helping those around me and my goal is to have a positive influence on my peers.
Baxter March - school captain
My position involves lots of meetings with my beautiful principal and co-captain Emma, where we discuss important issues and upcoming events.
I decided to pursue this position to hopefully be a role model to younger students as I know how tough a time the junior years can be.
My passions at school include maths and English, just kidding - I like the friendly basketball comps the most.
Principal’s note: Emma and Baxter are very different, but they work well together as a team. Baxter this year represented the region (North Coast) at the NSW Swimming Championships and Emma spent a week representing North Coast at the NSW Girls Rugby League Championship.
Boambee Public School
Pippa Robertson - school captain
As a school captain, we have many responsibilities. We conduct assemblies every fortnight, direct the school representative council meetings each Thursday and put up our three flags every day.
As captains, we always make our fellow students feel welcome and safe. I have been a member of two student clubs since Year 3, this has meant that I have been in a leadership role for four years.
I am focused on supporting our student peers to develop resilience through the Positive Behaviour for Learning lessons that we deliver.
Amaya Seager - school captain
In our school, everyone supports each other and that is exactly why I decided to become a school leader, I wanted to play a part in helping it grow.
English is my passion and I love playing sports. Being a school captain is a lot of responsibility and the only way I can do it is with the support of my peers.
We represent Boambee in and out of the school, running things like the ANZAC Day march, graduations, and fundraising events.
Jude Maunder - school captain
I was excited to be elected by my peers as a captain for 2023.
I pursued this position because I have enjoyed helping people in the past. I knew that the formal captain’s role would be a step up from what I was doing, and I wanted that challenge.
My goals for this year are to be a positive role model and to improve my public speaking. I love that our school has such a wide variety of activities to choose from. We have 11 clubs at our school and we are always working on something new, like the chicken/duck pen, and we are also developing a new passive play area.
Tullie Brown - school captain
I have been a proud member and SRC of the Deadly Gamambi club since Year 3, and when I had the opportunity to run for school captain, I knew that I was going to go for it.
We had to present a speech in front of the school, and the students would then vote for who they think would be a good school captain.
Our school is very passionate about the PBL values (Positive Behaviour for Learning). The other school captains and I make sure everyone feels welcome and is included every day.
Jai Naden-Dumas - school captain
I have been an active member of the Deadly Gamambi club since Year 3 and I am also one of the six school captains. My role is to make other students feel like they belong here and to always feel welcome.
I wanted to become a school leader to inspire others and be a role model for all students. I enjoy writing and sport.
Chisel Hudson - school captain
As one of the six school captains, we run assemblies, represent on ANZAC Day, run SRC meetings, and make sure everyone feels welcome.
I wanted this position because I love helping and caring for students and being a good role model.
My passion is PE and math and my goal this year is to make sure everyone in our school is a happy and proud student.
Bonville Public School
Ruby Parker - school captain
Ruby is proud to be a positive role model for her peers with a goal to “continue to be a person that others will look up to by being a strong leader”.
Ruby has set an excellent example to all students through her participation and enthusiasm in all extra-curricula activities including choir, dance and sporting teams.
“As a captain I enjoy welcoming new people to our school, handing out awards to encourage the younger students, helping to organise fundraisers and helping others,” she said.
Landen Williams - school captain
Landen has taken on the 2023 leadership role with confidence, enjoying all of the extra responsibilities that the role brings.
“As captain I enjoy handing out my captain’s award at assembly. Throughout the week I look out for students who are helping others, being a good role models or a good friend and I enjoy shaking their hand at assembly when I choose them for an award,” he said.
Landen is an active member of the school SRC, which “raised money to paint Bonville Community Hall, fundraise for our excursion and buy more equipment for everyone to use”.
Luna McCulloch - school vice-captain
Luna enjoys “addressing the assembly, thanking volunteers from our whole school, helping out around the school, meeting new visitors or students and showing them around the school”.
Luna’s passions at school involve the performing arts where she enjoys “performing and singing different songs” and exploring “different styles of dance” with our school choir and eisteddfod dance groups.
Maintaining “a positive mindset and fun happy friendships” are among Luna’s goals for her final year of primary school, as well as improving her “math automaticity, cursive writing and confidence in class”.
Hayden Brien - school vice-captain
Hayden has grown in confidence as a student leader of Bonville Public School for 2023, taking on new challenges and living up to his goal of giving back to the school community.
“Our school is already a great place and I wanted to become captain to help make decisions to make our school even better than it already is,” he said.
Hayden said he loves coming to school because “we get great opportunities here and I love seeing all my friends and working on my interests of soccer, art and maths”.
Coffs Harbour High School
Sarah O’Connor - school captain
My role involves being a voice on behalf of the student body and to inspire others to make the most of what high school has to offer.
I pursued this position as I have always been a passionate public speaker and I believe that, as students, we must stand up for our rights, beliefs and values; I want to be an advocate of that for my peers.
I am a passionate student working hard to achieve good results in my HSC at the end of the year. I study 3 unit maths, 4 unit English, Chemistry and Biology and am striving to get accepted into a Bachelor of Veterinary science at Charles Sturt next year.
Jyden Pike - school captain
My position involves serving as a role model to younger students, supporting all my peers and promoting inclusivity in the school’s environment.
I hope to inspire the current students through leadership and positive actions.
I chose to pursue this role for personal experiences and development such as building confidence, as well as improving communication, problem solving and organisation skills.
My goal this year is to achieve the ATAR needed for university while also enjoying my final year of high school.
I aim to guide the younger years as well as my peers in a positive direction for their schooling and hopefully inspire them into future leadership roles.
Lani Cooper - SRC leader
I help to organise fundraisers for charities, as well as fostering events within the school community such school socials, cake stalls and fundraisers which support our own school.
I have been a part of the SRC for many years and enjoy being a voice for my year group and promoting positive change within our school.
I love maths, science, English and Engineering.
My goal for this year is to participate in a variety of school-related extra-curricular activities, such as work experience, to challenge myself and further explore what I might want to study at university.
Mia ‘Fu Hua’ Chou - SRC leader
I’m a member of student representative council (SRC), which means I get a hand in planning school events, helping run fundraisers, and relaying the wants and concerns of the students to teachers and higher ups.
I chose to run for the SRC to be a representative for students in minority groups, like myself. To ensure their concerns and worries can be addressed and mended through the school.
I intend to build my study habits in preparation for my senior years, and further education, as well as being actively involved in cultural events my school hosts, like Harmony Day.
William Bayldon Public School
Hannah Woods - school captain
All the people are kind and I love the generosity of the teachers. Every day they are supporting us.
There are also so many extra-curricular activities for everyone to enjoy.
I enjoy being a leader because I wanted to be an example for the youth and proudly represent my school. I wear the badge with my chin up high and show respect wherever I go.
JemiriKhai Gray - school captain
I love the teachers at the school. I have to give them credit for everything they do for us. The SLSOs are so kind, and the teachers really are the best in the world.
I want to be an example for kids to look up to by being a respectful, kind and responsible leader.
Ebony Johnson - school vice-captain
WBPS is a great school, full of so much kindness and calmness.
Sometimes we have ups and downs but it’s one of the best primary schools in NSW you could ever imagine.
I wanted to become a leader because I wanted to inspire others to have a try at what they want to be. Like being a fireman, a policewoman/man, a lawyer or anything they want.
Just don’t quit, keep trying until you complete your goal, and good luck.
Emelia Cook - school vice-captain
WBPS is a great place because every student has so many opportunities, like going to write a book in a day and representing our school in sport.
We also all have the chance to become school captains.
I see myself as a role model and I always wanted to be looked up to by younger students, as well as hopefully coming up with new ideas for our school.
St Francis Xavier Primary School
Jiri Cooke - school leader
My position involves running assemblies and helping with school events, helping out around the school, representing the school at events and when visitors come, giving school tours to new families and students, as well as being a role model for others.
I wanted to be someone who people come to for help. Last year’s school leaders were great friends and role models to me.
I like being a friend to everyone and making sure no one is being left out or treated unfairly. I like to make others feel welcome, and being a Kindergarten buddy to Michael.
My goals are to help other schools and the community and people in need.
I love Woolgoolga and surfing at the beaches here.
Margaret Winn - school leader
I decided to pursue this position so I can show the younger kids what to do and where to go if they need help, plus to represent my school, and show my leadership.
I am passionate about sport! English and maths.
My goals are to be a great role model and to come up with awesome ideas to change the school in a positive way.
I enjoy surfing, soccer, skateboarding and swimming.
Harsaaj Lehl - school assistant leader
My role involves community service, leading school tours for prospective and new families, running school assemblies, and representing the school at special events eg ANZAC Day, Leadership Day.
I love all things maths, science and sport.
My goal is to make sure all kids at SFX have a happy year at school.
It’s important for leaders to be kind, respectful, friendly and happy.
Bonnie Hammond - school assistant leader
I am proud to represent SFX with respect and passion. I enjoy leading with kindness and embrace the responsibilities involved.
I care about those around me and I am a proud young carer. Having a sibling with a disability, I am passionate about inclusion and belonging. I believe that everyone with support can achieve great things.
A great leader to me is one who has a positive energy and inspires others to make a difference. My passions include many things but the creative and performing arts is a part of who I am.
I have been described by my dance family at WPAS as ‘sunshine in human form’.
Being a school leader I support and celebrate the neurodivergent community and I have a vision to create a playground communication board. I’m willing to raise money and bring awareness to this project.
Narranga Public School
Cooper Gray - school captain
My favourite thing about being school captain is knowing I can make a difference. I am thrilled to be able to represent my school in so many different ways.
In the few months I have been school captain I have been invited to ANZAC Day and a student leadership conference and there are many more opportunities to come.
I have also made so many new friends along the way and it’s only the second term of school.
I still have so much more to learn and accomplish and am excited to see where this takes me.
Hazel Holmes - school captain
I was overjoyed to be selected as school captain so that I would have the opportunity to represent and help shape Narranga Public School.
I have been excited to represent my school in the local community at different events such as ANZAC Day.
I love how I am able to build relationships at Narranga with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Being a school captain is such a great experience and is equipping me with a range of leadership skills that will serve me into the future.
Sandy Beach Public School
Maxwell Beszant - school captain
My role consists of running special events, assemblies and welcoming special guests into our school.
Most days I have the opportunity to speak in front of an audience, which is something I enjoy. I try to add humour to morning assemblies to create a positive start to the day for our students and staff.
In my time at Sandy Beach Public School, I have been fortunate to experience many different leadership styles and strengths from past captains.
My goal is to motivate younger students in the same way and to leave a legacy, so I am always remembered.
Every day I strive to make our school a positive environment for all students. I am extremely passionate about making people laugh and making others smile.
Jala Linton - school captain
As captain, I am continuously offered amazing opportunities. I have learnt how to run special events, assemblies and Student Council meetings.
I enjoy working closely with our principal Mrs Dalgliesh and the P&C to have the students’ voices heard.
I am proud of my Aboriginal culture. Over the past few years, I have taken on the responsibility of mentoring younger Aboriginal students.
I hope to inspire other Aboriginal females to believe in themselves and understand they can achieve what I have if they take available opportunities and work hard.
I am passionate about sports, in particular netball and athletics. I am aiming to make it all the way this year to the State Carnival.
Grace Willman - school vice-captain
In my role, I need to always be ready to step up as captain when needed. I assist in running assemblies where I welcome parents and special guests into our school and so much more.
It has been a goal of mine for many years to gain a position on the Student Council. I have worked hard to overcome challenges and increase my confidence.
In past years I was elected as a class representative twice. This enabled me to develop my leadership skills and help me understand leading is something I am very passionate about.
My goals this year are to lead with strength and be a positive role model for all students. I want to leave a large imprint at Sandy Beach Public School.
Max Miller - school vice-captain
I was overwhelmed with excitement when I found out I had been elected as vice-captain. In my role, I work hard every day to encourage other students to give things a go.
I participate in every event the school offers, even when it’s not my strength.
I assist in the organisation of assemblies, raising the flags each morning and so much more. It is my responsibility to help students and teachers in any way I can. I enjoy this part of my role as it allows me to build new relationships.
I used to find public speaking quite scary. My leadership position requires me to speak in front of an audience most days so I have increased my confidence.
I want to encourage younger students to put themselves out there and have a go. You might be blown away by what you can achieve.
Orara High School
Mayada Oso - girls school captain
I enjoy walking on the beach, learning to drive and riding my bike. I am also currently writing about my life story.
The thing I enjoy the most about this school is the opportunity, support and encouragement I have had over the years to participate in a variety of activities.
I am now honoured to be school captain. This has allowed me to gain confidence and get to know the students and the teachers more. I also love the opportunity of sports that Orara has to offer for all students.
I hope to leave this school with a healthy and interesting canteen menu. I am working hard with my leadership team to achieve this goal. I also hope to become a good role model to all students.
Nagan Radhakrishna Pillai - boys school captain
My interests and hobbies include playing cricket and sports in general, biking and running. I also participate in the air force cadets.
The main thing I enjoy about Orara is how much opportunity there is for every student to become a better individual and how culturally diverse the school is.
I‘d like to encourage all students to take every opportunity given to them and also to actively participate in a lot of sporting events.
I hope to become a pilot or aircrew in the Royal Australian Navy or be part of the Australian Defence Force in general.
Emma Purves - girls vice-captain
I have a variety of interests and hobbies outside of school. One of my interests is that I love working at Kmart. I also play netball twice a week and enjoy watching the latest movies and/or television series with a bowl of popcorn!
The one thing I love most about Orara are the opportunities we are fortunate to have. For example, six of our Year 11 students including myself travelled to Qld recently to visit several universities at the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
The leadership team and I hope to achieve many great memories together. We would like to implement new activities and ideas for our wellbeing sessions and hope to create fun ways to talk about how important wellbeing is for everyone.
James Buist - boys vice-captain
I enjoy lots of different sports and activities such as water skiing, oztag and basketball.
I like being a student of Orara because of the people around me such as the supportive teachers who have helped me through my schooling so far.
In my final year at Orara I would like to create multiple groups and activities in which to help students from across all year levels to communicate better and feel included, creating a more inclusive school environment.
I am planning to go to university to study to become a teacher.
Tyalla Public School
Luke Hunter - school captain
My passions at Tyalla are math and art which are also my favourite subjects at school.
This is my seventh year at Tyalla so last year I gave a speech to run for school captain of 2023. I did this because I thought having this responsibility would be really fun and I wanted to be a part of Tyalla history.
The school captains at Tyalla are responsible for setting up assembly and we are just kids to trust so if a teacher needs a trusted kid to do a job they would come to the school captains which makes me feel special.
I have learned a lot after being elected school captain last year. One main thing is that it’s not a bad job, especially running assemblies.
Caitlyn Dawson - school captain
My passion at school would be art, writing fantasy stories and literacy.
I wanted to be school captain because I’m good with responsibilities and I thought I would be a good leader for the school and show them how they should act.
And I thought It would be a good thing to put on my application for university.
I help kids if they’re upset, I help teachers out and I’m great at making friends.
I’ve learned as a school captain that you have to step up and take responsibility as a person and that I
can actually do things that I didn’t know I could do.
I have wanted to be school captain since I’ve been in Year 1 but I had to wait until I was in Year 6. The new kid’s goal is to go to university and study law.
Akam Bains - school captain
Being a school captain used to be a dream when I was young. I kept working hard for this position
and it paid off.
I like sports, lunch and recess to get some fresh air and a bit of a challenge, while in class I love writing, spelling and especially some math.
I enjoy being a school captain because not only do I wear a badge, but I like organising assemblies because it is surprisingly fun.
I understand that to be a school captain, you have to represent your school properly.
I hope you enjoyed my story.
Toormina High School
Maya Farmer - school captain
During my high school years I have learnt so much and been given so many opportunities to grow and find my passions. This position allows me to give back to my school and community.
As school captain, I can be a voice for students and can support and provide opportunities to peers. Primarily, I pursued this role as it would put me in a position to improve the belonging, achievement, community engagement and school pride of the students at Toormina High School.
Apart from my love of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), my interests at
school revolve around the extra-curricular opportunities I have participated in, including debating,
public speaking, mock trial and model United Nations.
As a regional student, I am passionate about the divide between metropolitan and rural education. Additionally, as a member of the Coffs Harbour headspace advisory reference group, I aim to improve and support young people’s mental health.
Zach McGinty - school captain
My position involves not only being a role model to younger students but supplying them with a voice on the student leadership team.
I wanted to test and enhance my leadership abilities and also work with like-minded people and strive to succeed and implement change.
I enjoy history and hope to increase my academic abilities in this area. I hope to set up, within our school, more opportunities for students to access help to improve mental health.
Arabella Flowers - school prefect
I am a proud Wiradjuri woman and present the Acknowledgement of Country at our assemblies and formal occasions. I assist our Aboriginal Education Officer by providing a student voice on culture within our school.
I enjoy leadership positions but also wanted the opportunity to become a mentor, role model and voice for younger students, especially our Indigenous students.
I love being involved in our school community and have been a member of the school debating team, and Mock Trial team since Year 10.
I am very passionate about sharing our Indigenous culture and have been a dance mentor for the Mimmi Gundi Waajar dance group and a mentor in the SistaSpeak program.
I hope to continue my love of nurturing others by becoming a nurse.
Upper Orara Public School
John de Beer - school captain
I like being school captain because I have a chance to show the younger students what being responsible looks like.
Jesse Wray - school captain
I really like being captain because I have more jobs to do like laying a wreath at the ANZAC Day Service and leading assemblies.
Myah Benson - school vice-captain
I really like my badge and I’m proud to wear it.
The other students know that I am here to help them.
Lily Fenech - school vice-captain
I feel that it is a really important part of my leadership role to be a good role model and to encourage others.
Sebastian Judson - school environmental leader
I am really passionate about animals and the environment. Being a school leader makes me try my best.
Cooper Glenton - school sports captain
I like that I have extra responsibilities like taking care of the sports equipment.
Karangi Public School
Ashlee Bargon - school captain
I enjoy leading assemblies and greeting guests who come to the school.
My duties include raising the flag each morning and I do this with pride.
School captains are role models, and I ensure that I am responsible and respectful at all times.
Riley Cooper - school captain
I have the honour of running the morning assembly and the fortnightly afternoon assembly on Fridays.
It is my job to raise the Aboriginal flag each morning.
I enjoy taking on leadership roles and representing my school as captain or in sporting events.
Mullaway Primary School
Mya Witten - female school captain
I need to be constantly displaying myself as a good example in and out of school. I help run the assemblies twice a week and I am also involved in many other school events.
I have always loved socialising with people and I love the fact that school captains can help be the voice for people that feel like they don’t have one.
I am a part of many school sports teams as I love playing sport. One of my goals this year is to be more involved in my local Aboriginal Gumbayniggrr community events and activities.
Tayo Watson-Sinclair - male school captain
Some of my responsibilities are running assemblies, giving daily messages, leading SRC meetings, representing our school at events like ANZAC Day and looking after our school and environment by being a recycling monitor.
I am the fourth member of my family who has been a school captain at Mullaway. I wanted to keep the tradition going.
I really like sport and PE. My goal is to improve at basketball.
Lyra Perreault - female school vice-captain
I decided to pursue this position so that I can fairly and unbiasedly be the voice for the students of my school, as well as being able to experience all that the role offers.
My goals are to experience and do all there is this year for it is my last year at primary school.
I also want to learn everything I can about what being a good and respectful leader means. I want to be the best I can be.
Noah Lee - male school vice-captain
My role involves running assemblies and SRC meetings, delivering daily messages, recycling and representing students at meetings.
My friends encourage me to do it because they thought I would do a great job.
My goals are to join all school sporting teams and do well at my school work.
Asha Craig - school Aboriginal representative
My role includes saying the Acknowledgment to Country at assemblies and special events. I also get to do important jobs around the school with the leadership group.
I knew that this job would require some public speaking and I want to get better at that. I also love being a leader and this was a great opportunity.
I love to play sport and talk with my friends. My favourite thing to do in class is Math.
One of my goals for the year is to learn the Acknowledgment of Country in Gumbayngirr language.
Reef Skinner - school Aboriginal representative
My role involves running assemblies, giving the Acknowledgment to Country, recycling and representing my class mates.
Everyone encouraged me to do it.
I hope to be the best leader that I can be.
My goals are to play as much basketball, soccer and touch footy as possible.
Woolgoolga Public School
Isabella Stevens - school captain
My role involves making sure we are all following our school motto and school rules.
The whole SRC has the responsibility of setting up assembly, flags, messages, always helping around our school and we always make sure no kid is playing by themselves.
I love being a leader and I love having a great responsibility. I believe taking on this role has boosted my self-confidence. I love giving everything I do a good crack.
My passions at school are sport, public speaking, hanging out with my friends, and playing with the younger kids.
Daisy Haagsma - SRC member
A student representative (SRC) member helps around the school with the kids/teachers.
At first when I was in Year 5, I didn’t really think much of it so I decided not to go for it. I told my teacher to not put me down on the list, but she said that I should at least give it go.
I’m now glad that I went for it and happy that my friends and teachers were supportive.
My goal for this year is to make friends that I can hopefully keep along the way to high school, and being a good role model for little kids to follow.
Quinn Chaplin - SRC member
I decided to go for SRC because I wanted to set examples for younger kids and also wanted to have a job that I was good at.
My goals for this year are to get better at school work, and to learn new skills in sport.
Darcy Bradley - SRC member
As part of the SRC I do messages, flags, set up assembly, and help teachers out and play with the little kids.
I decided to pursue this job because it really boosted my self confidence and I’ve always wanted to be a leader of the school because when I was little I looked up to the school leaders and I knew I wanted to be like them when I’m older.
My passions are soccer, footy, hanging out with my friends and sport.
Livraj Singh Sohal - SRC member
I like being a leader and supporting my peers and aiding people to improve the school.
My passions are being a leader, soccer, basketball, maths and gaming.
I hope to get dux at the end of this year along with Excel class.
Alex McGinty - SRC member
My position involves being on stage and presenting awards to well behaving students and also putting up flags and doing messages as well as attending meetings.
I have always been passionate about helping and taking care of people as well as being a role model that people can rely on.
I love doing sport such as playing footy with my friends and my goals are to be more helpful around the school and make sure everyone is treated equally.
Annabelle Thompson - SRC member
I am on the student council and decided to pursue this position because I wanted to make our school the best it can possibly be.
Some of my passions at school are writing and debating.
I only really have one goal for this year: Trying to help as many people as possible.
Bishop Druitt College Primary
Remy Kadwell - environment and adventure captain
One of the initiatives I co-ordinate is the composting program which recycles food scraps.
What made me want to be a leader was so I could help others and do more fundraisers for charity. My passions for the school are more mufti days with gold coin donations like having a Rainbow Day where each year group can have one colour to dress up as, and then we can go onto the oval and make a rainbow.
Keira Garner - sports captain
My goal for 2023 is to start a Sports Club and once a week at lunch we organise games for the younger students.
I wanted to be a leader at BDC because I want to help others and be a role model for the students in primary.
Zitong Lin - Round Square leader
My role involves Round Square, an international network of schools. Round Square is an organisation that connects and collaborates with 230 like-minded schools across 50 countries. They offer programs and experiences that build character and confidence in pupils.
I chose this unique role as Round Square offers people the chance to explore not only one culture, but lots! For example, the exchange students that come to our school.
Felix Benson - Round Square leader
This position involves connecting with the local community and learning about the outside world. I have done these things by attending meetings and contributing to the conversations made by my peers and teachers.
I decided to pursue the Round Square position as there are so many opportunities to learn about different aspects of leadership and learn about modern day issues.
My goal this year is to develop and improve my public speaking and teamwork skills, and continue developing into a well rounded leader.
Will Boyle - performing arts captain
I am involved in dancing, music, art and the creation of murals around the school.
I help make clubs and attend meetings. I also introduce things at assembly.
I like drawing, playing the violin and music but I also like sports including handball, rugby and soccer.
Wren Lewis - arts captain
This role involves dance, drama, singing and visual arts.
I decided to be an arts captain because I love all kinds of arts.
My goal for this year is to make or design an artwork that can be put up in the school. This could be a painting or a sculpture.
Jasper Bowman - sports captain
I wanted to be a school leader because I like helping people.
I hope to set up some games this year for younger students who need something to do during break times.
Nana Glen Public School
The school asked its leaders to finish the sentence “I love being a leader because ...”
Laura Walker - school captain
Extra leadership roles.
Marley McCarthy - school vice-captain
Because you get to help others out.
Caleb Mill - school captain
Because you get to lead by example.
Frankie Hann - school vice-captain
Extra responsibility when you’re older and it feels nice to help people.
Coffs Harbour Senior College
Daniel Bird - school leader
I am a passionate and driven student leader dedicated to making a positive impact on my campus and the broader Coffs Harbour community.
As a devoted Christian, I believe that my faith plays a significant role in inspiring and motivating others also.
From a young age, I discovered my natural ability to inspire and motivate my peers. Public speaking became my talent, and I found joy in addressing both large groups and also individuals.
Utilising my skills, passion, and unwavering dedication, I aim to create positive change in our community and inspire others to unlock their full potential.
In the next phase of my academic journey, I will be studying a Bachelor of Screening (Film & Cinematography) at Excelsia Christian College in partnership with Sydney Film School.
Chloe O’Neil - school leader
I love being able to make people happy, and I think that’s exactly what a good leader should do.
The freedom I’ve had at Coffs Harbour Senior College to lead and join initiatives have led me to know more people in the school and the community, and enabled my better leadership at Future Youth.
It has boosted my confidence towards involvement in the Young Women’s competition, Schools Spectacular and writing competitions, and resulted in awards from Zonta and Griffith University.
I now aspire to join the Red Frogs in the near future, and continue pursuing my sport (equestrian) to the best of my abilities with help from my wonderful coaches, and my photography (@chloeannephotography).
Oren Tester - school leader
Throughout my life, school has been one of the most life changing experiences I have been lucky enough to have.
Although it has been challenging at times, my friends, family and teachers, who are all leaders in my life, have been instrumental in providing me with the support and guidance I need as I approach the finish line.
I am an influential leader but rarely does someone gain influence with others without earning it. Confidentiality and confidence are essential in the role of a leader. Trust is earned.
I do this by remaining emotionally intelligent and when someone brings an issue to me I bring a sense of calm and I listen.
Leah Nichols - school leader
“What we do in life echoes in eternity” - Russell Crowe. How we use our time and resources now has a profound impact on the future, emphasising the crucial need for leaders who think about those coming next.
As a member of the SRC, I have discovered that serving as a positive role model is one of the most effective ways to lead.
While nobody is perfect, it is vital for students like myself to be role models who do not abuse the extra freedoms we enjoy at senior college.
By demonstrating self-discipline, we can prioritise our studies while maintaining a healthy balance for social activities.
I have actively participated in organising fundraising events for local charities and supporting fellow students representing our school in international championships.
Zelie Purcell - school leader
I was born a French citizen, raised in the Pacific Islands, and moved to Coffs Harbour for good in 2015.
Last summer, I was afforded the incredible opportunity to travel to the island of New Caledonia, where I had the privilege to work towards providing quality healthcare and health education for low-income indigenous Kanak communities.
This experience heavily impacted me and I hope to pursue further study involving international relations and humanitarian aid.
I chose to be a leader at Coffs Harbour Senior College in order ensure an accurate portrayal of the students’ voices to people who could make a change.
Emelia Naumov - school leader
I am a passionate science and creativity advocate for the community and aim to inspire others.
I strive to pursue a career in ecology and marine microbiology, innovating environmental solutions for the future.
I enjoy serving the community and believe that one shouldn’t have to be impacted by a circumstance to care about it.
I am currently the editor and designer for the College Collective: The CHSC Magazine of Creativity, which showcases teachers and students’ innovative ability in literature, art and science.
Sponsored by the local Rotary clubs, I am a 2023 National Youth science Forum candidate and explored careers from micropalaeontology to aerospace engineering, while learning how to implement strategies for recycling science and green infrastructure in the Coffs Harbour region.
April Hennessy - school leader
I have had the opportunity to help run many fundraising events both for my school community and various charities due to my position on the Student Representative Council.
As the vice-secretary, I take minutes, ensuring important information is recorded and acted upon, in addition to the duties of being a community engagement officer.
I have helped out in school events such as The World’s Greatest Shave, and the IDAHOBIT day stall (a bake sale to raise funds for a fellow student to represent Australia in orienteering).
I have contacted Gurmesh Singh (Coffs Harbour MP) and successfully received a government grant to enable us to buy recycling bins for our campus.
I strongly believe that volunteering is honestly one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.
In the future I hope to continue charitable work by running an equine therapy clinic, rehabilitating horses to improve the mental health of my community.
Kororo Public School
We believe we are great leaders at Kororo Public School. Our school expectations are respectful, safe and engaged.
We follow these expectations by helping in all our school events and activities.
Our responsibility as leaders are running our school assemblies as well as special events such as Muffin Madness Day, Book Parade and Easter Hat Parade.
We try to make our school an amazing place by listening to suggestions from our peers. We strive to follow the 7 Habits and teach these on to the younger years.
Even though we are the school captains, we believe there is a leader in us all.
Coffs Harbour Christian Community School
Jack Bell - school captain
I believe the best approach to leadership is a team approach and we have a fantastic group of leaders on our school executive.
As the school captain, my ultimate goal is to serve my school and encourage our students to strive and achieve their potential, to become the best person they can be.
I am inspired by great leaders such as Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill and I aspire to emulate their great leadership qualities.
A primary goal of mine is to unite people to create a healthy and thriving community. I believe that little by little we can effect change and make society a more inclusive and compassionate place where we all strive to achieve our potential and lead by example, serving our world for the better.
Claudia McPherson - student executive
The exec members at my school are a bit like prefects. We work with the school captains and vice-captains as student leaders.
I really want to make school more exciting for other kids.
I had the idea to plan a fundraiser called Christmas in July with the other students in the exec team. We are planning a day where everyone dresses in Christmas themed mufti and at lunch, we will have different stalls.
The money we raise will go towards operation Christmas child boxes.
Ryan Everett - student executive
I pursued this position as I wanted to challenge myself, building up leadership experience while learning from those already leading around me.
I am passionate about sport and this year I am leading a team in the City to Surf to help establish a new opportunity for students to be active together.
Our Year 12 cohort also puts on a special lunchtime activity every week that is open to the entire student body. I have loved being part of the organising committee, putting on games, getting the word out and getting kids engaged in our school community.
I love serving the youth in my church and aim to be a youth pastor and a teacher.
Reese Briggs - school captain
My position involves leading both my cohort as well as the younger years. My role includes running assemblies, organising special events throughout the school year, and representing the school within the community, for example, ANZAC Day.
I chose to pursue this position as leader as I wanted to create a positive and fun environment in school for all students.
My goals have been to be a positive role model to younger students, to be someone they can look up to. I’ve also aimed at creating a stronger relationship throughout all age groups, both younger and older students.
Charlotte Evans - student executive
I love putting new ideas into action!
I help to organise and plan school and Year 12 events and activities (event planning is one of my passions).
I feel like I have the motivation to improve any area I can, encouraging more involvement from Year 12 in fun school days or bringing together different year groups to unify our school in a positive way.
I like to take on jobs that are creative as my favourite subjects are Visual Arts and Business Studies.
At the moment, I’m planning on studying to become an art teacher, helping to instil confidence in the creative journey for a new generation.
Clare Wright - vice-captain
The major role of this position is in representing the school, but aside from that, it involves working alongside other members of the exec team and with my peers of Year 12 in creating ways of implementing days or events that lift up all the students of our school and help everyone to connect.
I decided to pursue a position as part of the exec team as I think there are some really beneficial and valuable lessons to learn from a leadership position that remain relevant and helpful for life outside of school.
I am very passionate about giving the best I can give in everything I do.
My goals in this role are to be able to look back and be proud of what I did and what I achieved, and to be someone who encourages others and makes them feel more confident.
Bishop Druitt College Senior
Ruby Couper - academic captain
I help to guide my peers towards academic excellence and to improve communication between students and the college executive.
I also aim to encourage participation in the many extra-curricular academic opportunities that BDC provides.
I recently attended a lecture by a university student who introduced me to the idea of lifelong learning. My focus in this position and for the year ahead is to foster curiosity and encourage a love of learning.
Joshua Lim - academic captain
I enjoy communicating with other students and helping them with any problems they may be facing in terms of study, learning and managing their time to achieve their goals, while supporting the huge range of academic opportunities at BDC that include debating, Philosopthon, Ethic’s Olympiad, Davinci, chess competitions, tertiary science competitions and market days.
My goal in this role is to be a friendly person who the students can ask questions and talk to whenever it’s needed about learning and planning for their future.
Heather Nivison - leadership captain
I enjoy bringing the student voice to plans that the school has and helping with the Year 12 fundraisers.
As a leadership captain I am proud to lead my peers and work alongside staff to plan and organise a vast array of college events inside and outside of the community. These can include running assemblies each week, organising our weekly Senior Spotlight speeches, attending every formal event the school hosts and often MC-ing these.
My goal is to be a positive role model for students and be that person that they come to with issues and passions for the school. I have also developed my ability to speak confidently and publicly in the range of events we host at school.
Abbey George - leadership captain
My responsibilities include public speaking, liaising with executives, co-ordinating school events, developing new ideas, representing the school and collaborating with the wider community.
I decided to pursue this position to guide the students of BDC through their high school experience and form a sense of belonging and personal importance in my fellow peers.
Although my time as leadership captain is soon coming to an end, my current goal is to make the upcoming Foundation Day a success. I also hope to continue making positive contributions to this wonderful school and leave a memorable legacy for years to come.
Jenna Haley - service captain
I organise and participate in events that promote wellbeing and inclusivity.
At BDC there are a lot of opportunities to serve our community and explore diversity. These include the captains assisting with, or speaking at events such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, religious services, NAIDOC Assembly, ANZAC Day, Harmony Day, and many others.
I am passionate about our Goori Group and in my role I have enjoyed working with staff and students to promote the indigenous perspective.
I have already taken up the opportunity to study nursing as part of a TVET course.
Matilda Watson - service captain
I am a foundation student at BDC and remember always looking up to the senior leadership team.
A highlight for me was the Greatest Shave where I helped organise our annual Year 12 event which raised more than $17,000.
Being a leader is a demanding position that has allowed me to develop my skills in organisation and public speaking.
After school, I aim to go to the Australian Air Force to continue my service and leadership journey.
Opportunities like school leadership positions are so important to school-aged kids as it gives us a chance to be independent and responsible while being a role model to others.
Sadie Williams - service captain
My role is to help organise school-based fundraisers and ensure that all of my peers feel able to serve their community.
I have worked with staff and students to hold events such as White Ribbon Day, Wear It Purple Day and Beanies for Brain Cancer and Movember.
I am planning on being a paramedic and this is because I really want to continue acts of service into adulthood. It will be a demanding job, but I feel that I want to make a positive difference in the world.
Angus Dugard - arts captain
I encourage, organise and host events on the topics of art and performance.
A major event that this role affords is Seen Ya’s On Show whereby we curate and participate in the final Year 12 works across all practical subjects.
My goal in this role is to strive to push the arts into a higher echelon at the school, and celebrate the diverse nature of the arts in our school and wider community.
Macushla Brennan - arts captain
I have been involved in a variety of art-related classes and have also been on the arts committee since Year 10.
I am also currently studying textiles and art for the HSC. For those studying the arts especially, I have endeavoured to make artistic growth accessible and recognition highlighted in all areas of the arts.
I have aimed to bring new and exciting art events to BDC, providing opportunities and exposure for the arts students and non-art students alike, because art is not just for artists but for the audience as well.
Jesse Cameron - sports captain
I hope I have achieved my goals of motivating everyone to get involved in sport within our school community, if this be school representative teams or participation in school carnivals.
I am also excited to play a role in different sporting events, such as the Annual Sports Dinner, where we highlight the sporting achievements of the students.
In the future, I hope to explore sports science or physiotherapy as options for work. I am passionate about sport and will continue to enjoy this as a central part of my life.
Kaleah Doherty - sports captain
I am thrilled to be able to provide students the opportunity to gain confidence and feel comfortable in all sporting situations.
I believe that sport makes us happier, healthier, creates friendships and overall it improves our quality of life.
My wish is to inspire other students to share my passion in sport and embrace all of the qualities it has to offer.
Lily Atkin - Cotte house captain
My role entails me running meetings and events in my house, leading sports events and providing a friendly face for all of the students in my house.
I decided to pursue leadership in my house as I have always loved helping out and being an active member of my community.
My competitive nature and love for my house motivated me to put my hand up for the position and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
My passions involve sports and my favourite subject is PDHPE. My goal for this year is to work my hardest and receive a great mark so I can continue my passion through to university.
Ziggy Brown - Hollows house captain
My role as house leader involves my participation - in conjunction with the senior house leader - in the fortnightly house meetings that the entire house attends.
When there is spare time we bring the house closer together with games and activities organised by myself and Holly Dunn (senior house leader).
Although my position has almost come to an end, I have learnt a lot from the experience that will help my skills in organisation and time management in the ‘real world’.
My main passion at school is Industrial Technology. I am making a hall table with two overlapping sliding doors and two drawers.
Bella Flynn - Kngwarreye house captain
My position as a Bishop Druitt College house captain is to lead Years 7-11 in house events including a house meeting once a week, the athletics and swimming carnivals, cross country, Foundation Day, formal assemblies and helping with social events.
I decided to pursue this as I have always wanted to experience being a leader and develop better public speaking skills for the future.
I enjoy maths , PDHPE and the UNISTART program offered at Southern Cross University.
I am motivated to pursue a career in the air force or the federal police force.
Sifan Tekle - Murray house captain
This position has been so delightful as I have been able to work and interact with so many of the students. Every day is full of laughter and memories.
As a leader, I have aimed to create a safe place for all students where they can feel heard and valued. My goal is to inspire students to always give their best no matter the outcome.
I am generally a positive person and a passion of mine is being inspired by my culture and family. They have always given me the confidence to pursue anything I have put my mind to.
A highlight for me was speaking at the BDC Harmony Day assembly whereby I shared my family’s history from Ethiopia as a celebration of my heritage but also to unite everyone through storytelling.
Oliver Caesar - O’Shane house captain
I am so proud of my house and a highlight for me was winning the house shield for O’Shane.
I have enjoyed developing the ability to persuade my house members to feel compelled to participate and give their all. I have really enjoyed the connections I have made with staff and students and developing skills to lead others.
In the future I want to be a civil engineer as I enjoy problem solving.
Duke Rowthorne - Sutherland house captain
The core objective of my role involves rallying together the students of Sutherland to compete and participate in the annual school carnivals.
Additionally, I host assemblies, co-ordinate war cries, and organise activities and games for Sutherland’s fortnightly meeting. I also dedicate time to strengthen my relationships with the students in lower grades to provide them with adequate support or advice if they are seeking it.
My goal at Bishop Druitt College is to leave a legacy. I believe that taking the underdog house of Sutherland to the top of the house podium would be something positive that I can leave behind.
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