Clarence Valley student school leaders share their ambitions
Students from across the Clarence have shared their ambitions as school leaders – from state athletics to becoming a Nat Geo photographer. Meet the inspiring group.
Grafton
Don't miss out on the headlines from Grafton. Followed categories will be added to My News.
As another year rolls on, a new generation of school leaders from across the Clarence have emerged.
From sports lovers to budding writers, young stars from across the region have shared what they hope to achieve in their leadership roles.
Meet some of the Clarence Valley’s brightest young achievers.
Clarence Valley Anglican School, senior campus
Caleb Harrison – school captain
Caleb Harrison’s position as senior school captain at Clarence Valley Anglican School’s Clarenza campus involves liaising with the wider school community, taking an active role in events and representing the school at Remembrance and Anzac Day services.
“I am fascinated by the people who create change every day,” Caleb said.
“Whether that be in government roles, social justice groups or in not-for-profit organisations.
“The people leading these groups have always inspired me to see what change I can create around me (and) I am honoured to be in a position where I can contribute to the continued improvement of Clarence Valley Anglican School.”
Caleb said he often focuses on long term goals – beyond school results and university studies.
“This year, I aim to learn more about the world around me and how I can better connect with it and improve it in the years to come,” he said.
Clarence Valley Anglican School, junior campus
Keiran Benson – school captain
As junior school captain, Kerian’s roles include being a good role model, raising the flags and helping pack up the sandpit.
“I decided to go for this position because I never really had anyone to look up to as a kid and I really did not want that for the younger students of Clarence Valley Anglican School,” he said.
“I also thought it would be good to get more involved in the school community.”
Keiran loves playing touch football with his friends and helping the teachers.
“I enjoy just talking to students of all ages and making new friends,” he said.
–
– Kallatina house captain
Henry’s position as Kallatina house captain involves being an excellent role model in and out of the classroom.
He gave a speech to his peers to be elected, in which he told a story about his own role models – Ash Barty and Chaz Mostert.
Henry said they inspired him to be positive, to work hard and to love winning.
“They taught me to push forward,” he said.
“I am a bit of a competitive kid. I love to play sport.
“I also love it when people encourage me to keep going and most importantly I love to have fun and I love great teamwork.”
Halle Graham – Phoenix house captain
Halle said: “I am Phoenix house captain, which involves helping out in sporting events, morning fitness and with sports equipment, alongside other captains.”
Her sporting passions include swimming, athletics carnivals and cross country.
“My goals for this year are for Phoenix to win the athletics carnival and for me to get age champion in all sporting events,” Halle said.
Maclean Public School
Charlotte – school captain
Charlotte is not only school captain at Maclean Public School, she is also the minister for the canteen and functions as part of her school’s parliament.
“I made the decision to pursue this position because of a memorable experience I had in kindergarten,” she said.
“During an assembly, I saw two students standing alongside the principal, with important roles as school captains. It left a lasting impression on me.
“As I grew older, I realised that when I reached year 6 I would have the opportunity to give it a try and take on the responsibility of being a school captain.”
Charlotte is already making changes at the school, such as setting up an art club with friends.
“During lunchtime on Wednesdays, we gather in the library and set up an art project for that day,” she said.
“We take turns inviting students from different year levels, rotating between K-2 and 3-6 each week.
“I want to see more activities at school like this. Imagine a writing or maths competition.
“I think it would be so cool if kids could go home and tell their parents that they won a writing competition.”
–
– school captain
Like Charlotte, Xavier not only serves as school captain, but he has another role, as the school’s minister for the arts.
“I thought the roles would suit me well and take me on a journey that would prepare and influence me for life’s later challenges and problems,” Xavier said.
“I saw it as a chance to grow, both in terms of resilience and character.
“I also hoped that my involvement would allow me to make a positive impact on younger students at our school.
“Overall, I viewed these positions as an exciting adventure that would contribute to my personal development and provide meaningful experiences.”
Kai – vice-captain
Kai is vice-captain as well as the minister for sport and healthy living and the minister for gardens and maintenance.
He said becoming vice-captain made him mindful of his actions.
“This role has taught my the importance of being respectful, responsible and safe at all times,” he said.
Kai said his family inspired him to put his hand up for a leadership position.
“I chose to pursue this position because I was inspired by my dad, aunty, and uncle, who had previously served as captains or vice-captains.
“Their experiences motivated me to follow in their footsteps.
“I also wanted to be a positive role model for the students at our school.”
Ari – vice-captain
Ari juggles multiple leadership roles, like the other Maclean Public School leaders.
She is part of the school parliament and holds the positions of canteen minister, arts minister and education minister.
Ari said she always wanted to hold a leadership position.
“I have always wanted to be a school leader and I felt that I am a responsible student, even if I can be a bit bossy, who would be a good role model for all students,” she said.
One of Ari’s goals for this year is to further develop her leadership skills.
Ari has been attending a GRIP leadership conference with other school captains in Lismore.
Iluka Public School
Fraser McEwen – school captain
Fraser said being school captain “involves saying thank you on behalf of our school”.
“I got school captain by writing a speech and saying it at school near the end of year 5,” he said.
“I wanted to (become) school captain because I like to help out in school.”
–
– prefect
Like Mikayla, Alby holds two leadership roles – prefect and sports house captain.
“My role and responsibility is announcing when the students can leave their area to play,” he said.
“My goal for this year is to lead the school with pride.”
–
– vice house captain
Gretel said her position as vice house captain involves making up war cries, organising her house and creating relays.
“Before I became vice house captain, I would help create war cries, support my house by encouraging students and set a good example to the younger students,” she said.
“I wanted the position because I thought it would be a fun and happy position to have.
“I wanted it because I had seen other people doing it well and enjoying themselves at the same time.”
Gretel’s passions include school soccer and her goal is to make it to state competition in athletics.
Ellie Denem – school captain and house vice-captain
As school captain, Ellie said her responsibilities include representing the school at certain events, being the best role-model and leader she can be and assisting teachers as well as students when they need help.
“I wanted to take on this position because I had been as this school from transition to this present day,” she said.
“I had always planned on being here for the rest of my primary years. I actually applied for the Opportunity Class in year 4 and got accepted, but I was too connected to my school I just had to stay.
“I always wanted to be school captain so I spent all my school life trying to be the best I could, so I applied to try and get the amazing role as school captain.”
She said her central passion is writing and she hopes to become dux of the school at the end of this year.
“My passion is mostly writing. Writing is something I’m good at and enjoy doing. When I write, I find it hard to end my story since I just want to keep going. I was also published in the book for The Long Way Home Writing Competition with the theme ‘Let Go’.”
Luna Kellett – vice-captain and house captain
Luna said being a leader means “being someone a person can look up to or can trust”.
“I pursued this position because I wanted to experience the prospect of being a captain. I also wish to help students and present speeches like any formal person,” she said.
Her passions are extensive – she loves soccer, athletics, cross country, going to the library, writing, English, maths, art and sport.
She said her two goals for this year were to make it state level in athletics and being selected for either the selective class at Grafton High School or the platinum class at South Grafton High School.
St Joseph’s Primary School, Maclean
Kavanna Leaha Corcoran – vice-captain
As vice-captain, Kavanna said she helps out at school events and liturgies.
She said she put her hand up for the role because she wanted to be able to pitch in during events.
“I felt like it would benefit both me and my peers if I became a captain in this school,” Kavanna said.
“I try to be a better person everyday by learning with my head, heart and hands.”
–
– vice-captain
Huon said he worked for hours on his leadership speech, which he gave to his peers after he put his hand up for a leadership role.
“I enjoy public speaking and there is heaps of it in this role,” he said.
Huon is loving the chance to make a change in his last year of primary school.
“At school, my goals are to change something in the school for the better and head off to high school knowing I helped to improve St Joseph’s,” he said.
“Whether that is to help two friends sort out an argument or build a fence so the balls don’t go out onto the road at playtime.
“But mainly just to use my position to make a better future for those to come.”
–
– school captain
Beau’s responsibilities as school captain at Yamba Public School include running assemblies, flag duty and welcoming visitors to important events.
He also represents the school at Anzac Day, participated in the GRIP leadership day and acts as a positive role model.
“I wanted to become school captain because I wanted to be a positive role model to younger students and to represent the school in community events,” Beau said.
“My parents, a previous school captain and friends (also) encouraged me to become school captain.”
Beau wants to make Yamba Public “the best school possible” and is developing his skills as a leader, helping both staff and students.
Looking forward, Beau said he might like to become a chef one day.
Imogen Myers – school captain
Imogen has always loved Yamba Public School and is proud to be captain.
She is passionate about all subjects at school because she “loves to learn”.
“Being a school captain means you must be prepared for complicated tasks, daily and weekly jobs and helping lots of younger peers,” she said.
“I always thought of being a leader but was never sure. But when I saw the 2022 leaders pursue their dreams and get to do fun jobs and tasks, I sprung at the opportunity.
“All my friends and family encouraged me to try out for this position and I couldn’t say no.
“I mainly wanted to try out because I wanted to become a leader and step in those shoes.”
Imogen’s goals are to make as much of sporting and school teams as possible and to prepare for high school and teenage life.
Scarlett Read – vice-captain
Scarlett comes from a family of five, with two older siblings, Leilani and Solomon – her sister was school captain and her brother was vice-captain.
“Ever since kindergarten, I have wanted to be a ‘big school leader’,” she said.
“My sister was school captain, and my brother was vice-captain at Yamba Public School. So, I wanted to follow in their footsteps.
“My family has encouraged me to go for every opportunity that comes my way.”
“(I also) wanted the opportunity to be able to help the younger kids. A chance to encourage them to be the best they can be and to show them the kindness that I was shown by the school leaders when I was little.
“I want to stand up for honourable, kind and true things.”
Scarlett loves all sports and aims to represent the school at zone, regional and state – but surfing is her favourite.
Zave Thomas – vice-captain
Zave wanted to take up a leadership role to be a positive role model to younger students and represent the school at community events.
He was encouraged by his teachers, family and friends to put his hand up for the role.
Zave’s goals are to make Yamba Public the best school possible, develop his skills as a leader and to help others in the school.
Looking ahead, one day Zave hopes to become a photographer for National Geographic.
Maclean High School
Kate Moore – school captain
Kate Moore‘s position as school caption at Maclean High School is all about providing leadership to fellow students.
“I decided to pursue this position as it provided a great opportunity for experience in many areas such as public speaking and leading my peers and younger students,” she said.
“I am passionate about the arts, student involvement within the whole school community and building a positive image of the school.”
–
– school captain
As school captain, Hendrix‘s responsibilities include representing Maclean High, organising and running the Student Representative Council and acting as a positive role model.
“I decided to pursue this position because I believed I would be a great representative for the school and I saw the position as a great challenge with the many different aspects of the role,” he said.
“My goals for this year include completing my HSC to my greatest efforts, enjoying my last months at school as much as possible and leaving behind a good representation of a school captain.
“My passions at school are quite diverse as I enjoy performing music items at school events, representing the school in sporting events such as soccer tournaments and athletics, and working hard on my more challenging courses, such as Extension mathematics 2.”
Kieran Karstens – vice-captain
Kieran wanted to be vice-captain to “be a figurehead for change and inspiration” at Maclean High.
“Through my collective efforts in both the school body, environment and wellbeing initiatives I was able to gain the continued trust and admiration from my peers and those in years below me as well as staff faculty,” he said.
“This was through my continuous work to make my school a better place than when I first arrived, in both the sense of an inclusive community along with a clean and resourceful environment.”
Kieran is working to achieve an ATAR to study psychology, cybersecurity, criminology and forensics at university.
Yasmin Elabbasi – vice-captain
Yasmin sees her role as vice-captain as centred around being a positive role model for students in and out of her school.
Her passions at school revolve around rugby league, but she also loves the performing arts.
“My main goal for this year is to be accepted for early entry into university for a law degree so that I can have a strong focus on my rugby league with the Titans,” she said.
–
– vice-captain
Jazmyn believes “having a positive attitude” and being “always willing to participate in anything the school wants me to do” are key aspects of the role.
“I have always wanted to be school vice-captain ever since year 7 because I wanted to be the person people can come up to if they ever need assistance, or if they just want someone to talk to,” she said
“I always wanted to participate in school activities whenever I could, and I was in the SRC since year 7.”
Jazmyn’s plans to “cherish” her last months at high school.
Pacific Valley Christian School
Shae Archibald – junior school leader
Shae is a year 4 student at Pacific Valley Christian School and was elected to be a junior school leader.
She decided to put her hand up to “help the school and help other kids and build my confidence.”
“My goal is to always do my best and be kind,” she said.
Shae she believes leadership “challenges you to do harder things and persevere.”
Madison Kaczorowski – junior school leader
Year 4 student Madison is a junior school leader and her responsibilities include putting up the flags outside the school and occasionally leading chapel services.
“I earned this position by being kind, polite and doing school services,” she said.
Her main goal is to make sure there is no rubbish on the playground or the school’s green areas.
Jeremiah Brown – junior school leader
Jeremiah earned his leadership position by nominating himself and interviewing the head of the junior school.
He said he pursued this position because he “thought it would be cool”.
His goal for this year is to achieve the Premier’s Reading Challenge’s gold award.
Jessica Gimbert – middle school captain
Jessica role involves being a role model to the younger students, helping people in need, serving the school and helping conduct assemblies.
“I decided to pursue this position as I wanted to lead by example and serve the school and others,” she said.
At school, Jessica’s passions are geography and history.
“I love learning about the land we live on and how to conserve its natural beauty and history, to learn about the wonders of the past,” she said.
Jessica believes leadership is about not “thinking about yourself, but others” and helping them “in any situation”.
Joel Kramer – middle school captain
Joel believes he earned the role of middle school captain because he is good at public speaking and is a nice person.
His passions at school are music and maths and his goal is to win the music award at the end of the year.
Asked what he believes leadership should like, Joel said: “You have to give, not take.”
Ruby McIntosh – middle school captain
Ruby became a school leader because she wanted to honour, serve and help others.
“Helping and serving others is something I’m passionate about,” she said.
Ruby said persistence is key to leadership because “some things are difficult and try to stop you in life”.
She loves playing music and learning about history at school.
Tristan Sharrock – school captain
Year 11 student Tristan Sharrock said being school captain involves many responsibilities, including helping run events and ceremonies, attending leadership meetings, planning school events, and engaging with other leaders.
“As a student, I wished to help grow and develop my school and have a positive impact on those around me and the years to come,” he said.
“I wanted to have an influence that could lead to a healthier school and community … (and) the best way to do this was to seek student leadership.
“(But) while this is a reason, the main reason I pursued this role was I felt as if I should use the small leadership skill I had to serve and grow God’s kingdom.”
Tristan views leadership as a privilege and said it offers the chance to place others before himself.
“A quote I like to remember from the author John C. Maxwell is: ‘True leadership must be for the benefit of the follower, no to enrich the leader’,” he said.
“A good leader leads from above, but a great leader leads from within and I want to be a leader who turns their followers into leaders, not for (my) own benefit but for their benefit and the benefit of the community.”
–
– house captain
As house captain, Havanna is in charge of making up war cries for the athletics carnival and encouraging people to have a go at sports.
Savannah Lay-Toumi-Cussinet – house captain
House captain Savannah said she took on the role “ because I think I’m a very sporty person” and younger friends “asked me to run for house captain because they believed in me and trusted me”.
Maverick English – house captain
Maverick said his role as house captain is all about including everyone, while trying to win sports competitions.
Isobel Keane – library monitor
Library monitor Isobel said: “I decided to run for this leadership position because I love reading and basically anything to do with libraries.”
Jack Haverhoek – house captain
Jack said being house captain is everything he hoped for.
His goals are reaching state level athletics and receiving a star award at school.
Henry Cox – prefect
Henry said he decided to run for prefect because he wanted to make Grafton Public School a better place for everyone.
Khloe Browning-Hodges – house vice-captain
House vice-captain Khloe said: “I decided to run for this because I love to help people and I’m very kind a supportive.”
Lennox Monaghan – school captain
Lennox said he became school captain by being on his “best behaviour”.
“I want people to look up to me so I can show my people, the Bundjalung people, that we are still standing strong today,” he said.
Alexander Casey – house vice-captain
House vice-captain Alex said his goals for the year are to be helpful and “try everything out”.
Paityn Menzies – house vice-captain
“I decided to run for my position because I thought that it would be very fun helping my sporting house win,” Paityn said about her role as house vice-captain.
Connor Westbury – prefect
Prefect Connor said: “Ten and eight years ago both of my brothers went to this same school and were picked on and never managed to be leaders and I wanted to make them and my family proud.”
Sienna Giordano – prefect
Sienna decided to run for prefect because she wanted to make her school “the absolute best school it could be”.
“(I also) wanted to prove to myself that even though I might be afraid that I wouldn’t get in, at least I got up there and I did it and I’m very proud of that,” she said.
Phoebe Carlton – library monitor
“I ran for this position because I like being in the library and being with my friends,” Phoebe said about being a library monitor.
Ashlyn Jackson – prefect
Prefect Ashlyn said: “I decided to run because I thought it would be a fun experience and I really wanted to be prefect.”
Tilly Blanch – house captain
Tilly decided to run for the position because she wanted to lead her house on and cheer for her team.
“My passions are to be kind,” she said.
Charlotte Howard – library monitor
Library monitor Charlotte said: “I went for this leadership role because I believe I can be a good listener and helper.”.
“A goal for me is to be a better person and to help more people,” she said.
Zaiden Kleinschmidt – library monitor
Zaiden’s goal as library monitor this year is to make sure everyone is safe and protected at Grafton PS.
Marlon Chapman – house captain
House captain Marlon said: “I decided to run for house captain because I may have a disability but that doesn’t mean I can’t run for house captain.”
“My goals and passions are to try and stop bullying and prove to my friends I am a hard worker,” he said.
Country Colts: Contenders put one hand on the trophy
There were matchwinning knocks and momentum-turning spells as one contender edged to within touching distance of claiming the Country Colts title.
Experts join forces to fix flood-battered $1m Hannah Cabinet
A much-loved Northern Rivers masterpiece damaged in the historic 2022 northern NSW floods is now in the restorative care of woodworking, fine arts and heritage experts.