South coast’s school leaders share their hopes for 2022
School leaders from across the region have shared their hopes for 2022, from young ecowarriors to sports champions. Meet the new year’s young legends.
The South Coast News
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As another school year begins, the south coasts' incoming school captains are preparing to lead and motivate their fellow students in 2022.
From ecoactivists to sports heroes, young stars from across the region have shared what they are looking forward to most in the new year, and what they hope to achieve as the 2022 school captains.
Meet the region’s young and upcoming leaders for 2022 below.
St John the Evangelist Catholic High School – Nowra
The leadership team at St John the Evangelist Catholic High School in Nowra are ready and rearing to go.
Year 12 students Melanie Staunton and Isaac Podmore were named school captains last year.
The leadership team already have a long list of achievements to their name, including assisting in the 2021 graduation ceremony and helping to set up a program organised by house captain Jade Poulton to raise awareness of menstrual poverty in young girls.
Meet the team below.
Melanie Staunton
Ms Staunton said that as an active member of the school community, she devotes her time to upholding a sense of community by living out the core values of the school, even when outside of campus.
“I am heavily involved in the leadership team, sporting events, social justice groups and mentoring to the younger peers,” Ms Staunton said.
“I have earnt my position as school captain as I am a kind and caring person, always putting other people’s needs first, showing enthusiasm in all aspects of school life and sustaining positive attitudes empowering younger peers to do the same.
Ms Staunton’s ability to engage and adapt to any situation, while showing consistency, has helped make her a successful leader.
Isaac Podmore
St John the Evangelist Catholic High School co-captain Isaac Podmore said his goals for leadership this year were to give back to the community and the people of St John’s that have given him so much, and helped shape him into the person he is today.
Mr Podmore has been a familiar face at school events, using his photography and videography skills to document school occasions to share the sense of “school community” not only with staff, but also the wider community.
“I have been involved with the leadership team to produce a fabulous video tour of the school to showcase that facilities to new students to welcome them into the school, especially within the uncertain times we live in,” he said.
“I plan to pursue a career in this field.”
Allira Smith
As a talented sportsperson, St John the Evangelist Catholic High School vice-captain Allira Smith brings a sense of teamwork and motivation to the leadership team.
House captain Milla Watts said the Year 12 student has an uplifting spirit and positive attitude that is “infectious”.
“Her ability to chat to anyone allows for open communication and feedback,” Ms Watts said.
“Alongside her interests in sport, Allira is one of the most talented English students, electing to do four units of English for her HSC.
“Her creativity shines through her engaging pieces which she hares often with her peers.”
Ms Watts said it was Ms Smith’s ability to engage with a broad range of people that has made her a successful leader.
Ms Smith shares the vice captaincy with Year 12 student Thomas Hodgkins.
Ilana Green and Cody Ewens
Year 12 students Ilana Green and Cody Ewens are St John the Evangelist Catholic High School‘s Benedict House captains for 2022.
Ms Green believes every person has something unique to share and hopes to highlight these qualities this year.
“I am aiming to encourage all students to put themselves out there and share at least one of their unique gifts with their peers or the wider community,” she said.
“This may take quite a bit of courage but it is important for everyone to realise that not two people are the same and it’s those unique parts about a person that truly shape them.”
Ms Green hopes to iconify the Benedict House value of hospitality, and aims to work with her co-captain, Cody Ewens.
Mr Ewens said he had a strong desire to help people in need this year, which he has demonstrated through his ongoing service to John Purcell House, a crisis accommodation service for young men where he prepares meals.
“I am very proud to be a part of such a dedicated and innovative leadership team and looks forward to working with his peers to achieve greater projects in the 2022 school year,” he said.
Darci Edwards and Mayson Griffith
After representing St John the Evangelist Catholic High School for years at sporting events, Darci Edwards will be trying her hand at leadership this year as co-captain of Chisolm House, alongside Mayson Griffith.
Ms Edwards said her work as an umpire has helped her connect and collaborate with different people throughout the school.
“Although I have a keen competitive streak, my ability to be aware of people‘s situations through my soft nature and gentle heart, as well as my desire for peaceful relationships, is what stood out for the role of House Captain,” she said.
Darci aims to use her leadership position to advocate for younger students in various initiatives that will enable them to develop their leadership skills and confidence within the St John’s community.
Milla Watts and Massimo Copeta
Diligent volunteer Milla Watts and academic superstar Massimo Copeta are St John the Evangelist Catholic High School’s Mackillop House captains for 2022.
Fellow house captain Isabelle Duncan said Ms Watts was interested in all things social justice, which usually sees her contributing to their school through diligent volunteer work and collaboration with like-minded students.
“Her keen curiosity is evident in her awareness of injustices, and her kindness, is clear in all she does to educate or take action on said issues,” Ms Duncan said.
“Milla brings to the table a variety of skills with her talents in the creative arts field, including drama, art and music, which bring passion and excitement to the school community.
“She is approachable and friendly with her bubbly personality and caring demeanour, hence Milla is an exceptional addition to the 2022 leadership team and will only amaze herself and others, with all she can achieve.”
Mr Copeta said he always puts his best food forward as co-captain, trying to help those that require assistance.
“I believe that we are responsible for our own decisions, and that regardless of what happened to us yesterday, tomorrow is a new day,” he said.
“ I have a keen interest in education and teaching others in multiple capacities, whether that be through academic study or through sporting endeavours.
“I believe that over the next year, our group of sensational young leaders will endeavour to imprint our gifts and ideas onto the younger year groups in the school, just like our previous school leaders have done for us.”
Mr Copeta believes a leader should not drag those around them to the finish line, rather they should “put their arms around them”, and help them get to the finish line together.
“I hope to do this for not only those students in my house group who need someone to help them get to where they need or want to go, but to do that for all those younger students in the St John’s community,” he said.
Jade Poulton and Christian Page
Year 12 students Jade Poulton and Christian Page are St John the Evangelist Catholic High School‘s McCabe House captains for 2022.
Ms Poulton said she prides herself on her hard work and numerous contributions to the school.
“My involvement in many extra-curricular activities allows me to develop relationships with students all across the school, and encourages them to get involved in what the school has to offer,” she said.
Last year, Jade was lucky enough to travel on-board the Young Endeavour Tallship with their youth scheme for 11 days, and through this opportunity she said she continued to build her leadership skills.
“I believe the experience was very rewarding in developing my leadership skills for my run as house captain this year, and I plan on restoring the House Cup back to McCabe with my fellow captain Christian Page.
“I thinks that all of this year’s leaders were picked for their ability to collaborate effectively, as well as their combined positive attitude they bring to the face of the school.”
Isabelle Duncan and Ryan Dowers
Year 12 student Isabelle Duncan prides herself on always being open for debate, helping her secure the St John the Evangelist Catholic High School‘s Polding House captaincy for 2022 alongside Ryan Dowers, fellow captain Allira Smith said.
Ms Smith said Ms Duncan is extremely caring, always putting others’ needs before her own, although her inner competitive streak will definitely see Polding winning the House Cup for 2022.
“Izzy is always open for discussion and debate which compliments her key position in leading the PAX initiative,” Ms Smith said.
“She is always contributing and organising events so that the school community becomes informed and aware about social events such as International Women’s Day.
“Izzy is an amazing leader who abides by her values to guide others.”
Jack Weber
Year 12 students Jack Webber is the St John the Evangelist Catholic High School‘s Polding House captain for 2022.
Mr Weber said he brings qualities of resilience and lateral thinking to the role, to improve the school community and to help lead Purcell to a 2022 House Cup victory.
“The position of House Captain is more than I thought,” he said.
“Becoming House Captain means you have the opportunity to lead your house to glory, as well as being able to work with the other SRC members from younger year groups and doing your best to make sure everyone gets a chance to be involved in most or all school events and activities.
“I believe I earned my position of House Captain by making myself available and active throughout my Year 10 and 11 years of schooling and by having an enthusiastic, positive attitude and helping out the school and helping others.
“I don’t believe that I was picked for the role because I was special, but I do believe in setting a good example for others to look up to.”
St Bernard‘s Primary School – Batehaven
Dynamic duo Erica Shalders and Anthony Nguyen at St Bernhard's Primary School in Batehaven exemplify the school vision of ‘Begin with the Heart’ in all that they do, which has helped them earn the role of school captains for 2022, assistant principal Karen Hadley said.
The pair act with honesty and empathy, and show responsibility and appreciation for everyone in their school community, Ms Hadley said.
Erica is especially looking forward to the new school year, Ms Hadley said.
“Erica believes that she has been elected to this position because she has the quality to make others feel happy at school,” she said.
“Erica loves learning and wants to share her positive feelings about this with others, and would also like to make everyone’s day a bit brighter through her friendly and positive nature.”
Ms Hadley said Erica was striving to ensure all children at St Bernard’s have a friend to play with at recess and lunch.
“One of her ideas that she will propose at the Student Representative Meeting is for students to receive a kindness note at the end of each week from another student,” Ms Hadley said.
Anthony, meanwhile, believes that he was elected as school captain at St Bernard’s because he is a good role model to others.
“Anthony likes to be involved in all activities at school, and especially loves to play sport at recess and lunch,” Ms Hadley said.
“He hopes that this year he and his classmates will be able to attend school camps that were missed last year.
“Anthony is already thinking of ideas for the school like fundraising for a bus shelter because of all the rainy weather we have been experiencing.”
Ms Hadley said Anthony was very proud of the school he has attended since kindergarten, and was excited for his final year of primary school.
Greenwell Point Public School – Greenwell
Meet Greenwell Point Public School’s leadership team for 2022.
From a dedicated sportsman to a green-thumbed young advocate, the team are excited to take on their new responsibilities this year and to find new ways to help out their fellow students.
Sammi Hirschausen
Year six student Sammi Hirschausen is excited to help organise new activates around Greenwell Point Public School when he takes over as school captain this year.
Mr Hirschausen said it was the role of a captain to assist other students on the playground, and help out with leadership jobs such an ice-cream day, and speaking at assemblies.
To earn his position, Mr Hirschausen said he had to give a presentation in front of the whole school.
“I worked hard to take the speech seriously but also have fun with it to engage my audience,” he said.
“Then the whole school voted on their preference and I was lucky enough to gain the most votes and be rewarded the position.”
Always humble, Mr Hirschausen said what makes him special is that he doesn’t obsess over what people think of him.
“And, I’m a great reader and always give everything a go,” he said.
Tyson Wilkins
At Mr Hirschausen’s side this year will be Greenwell Point Public School’s vice-captain, Tyson Wilkins.
Mr Wilkins looks forward to helping the school captain, and filling in for him when he’s away.
“I will have conversations with the school principal to work towards making the school a better place,” he said.
“And, have meetings with the Student Representative Council to discuss things like improving the schools play equipment, and address the whole school and teachers in assemblies.”
Mr Wilkins said he earnt his position by working hard on his “important” speech to show the school who he is.
“I’m competitive and good at sports,” he said.
“I’m a kind and caring person and let other kids play with me on the playground.”
Charlaine Palmer
As Greenwell Point Public School’s prefect for 2022, Year 6 student Charlaine Palmer said she would be responsible for setting a good role model for the other students, as well as representing the school and community.
As a budding eco-conscious green thumb, Ms Palmer said she’d strive to keep the school grounds in order.
“We have to pick up rubbish to keep our school clean and look after the environment and look after other students,” she said.
“We live in a beautiful place and we have to look after our environment so I always do this by picking up rubbish I see.
“Coming from a big family, I am also very caring and always help out my school and community whenever I can.”
As for what secured her the coveted role, Ms Palmer said she simply stayed true to herself.
“I was made prefect by being myself and looking after other students and trying my best,” she said.
“I had to write and read a speech out to the school, which I have found hard because I have trouble reading, but I practised lots and gave it my best.”
Culburra Public School
A new school leadership team has been sworn in at Culburra Public School, with Jakai Thuaux and Laura Beachamp stepping into captain roles for 2022.
The team will help represent the 200-strong student body at Culburra Public School, and will plan special events, reward days and assemblies.
Mr Thuaux was overjoyed to be made captain.
“I am so happy, its an honour to represent my school as captain,” he said.
Ms Beachamp said: “It’s a great opportunity to be good role models.”
The superstar due will be joined by six prefects, who are Alyssa Walker, Harley Ruifrok, Laylah Roth, Sienna Clarke, Kayden Lavelle and Jude McPhail.
Nowra Christian School
After helping nurture students from kindergarten all the way to year 12, Nowra Christian School principal Gail Bate said she has had the privileged to have students who have grown and developed their leadership skills over the years.
“Our 2022 student prefects were elected during Term 4 of 2021,” Ms Bate said.
“Consequently, they have already had opportunities to demonstrate initiative in leading school assemblies, giving devotions and short talks.
“They have embodied what servant leadership looks like.
“One clear example of how they have embraced our school values of community, care and character is organising students to write notes of thanks to all their teachers.”
This years school captains for 2022 are Alec Dobson and Bethany Walker.
The primary school prefects are Levi O’Reilly, Jada Lewis, Hannah Jones, Benjamin Graham.
At the senior school, the prefects are Isabella Cimador, Eden Reid, Ollie Ellery, Jonathan Walsh.
Carroll College Broulee
The enigmatic and driven young leadership team at Carrol College Broulee have shared their aspirations for 2022.
From aspiring First Nations mentors to students seeking social change, meet the team.
Ruby Harrington – Captain
“As a leader I want to be supportive and make a difference.
“Together with the other leaders I want to organise events for the students that allow them to get involved and showcase their talents.”
Jake Brogan – Captain
“As a leader I want to use my leadership skills to help those around me.
“Through my actions I want to be a positive role model for others.”
Hannah Campbell – Vice-captain
“I would like to make a positive impact on the college community through encouraging conversations with peers and activities that allow connections to be made across the college.”
Samuel Bath – Vice-captain
“In my role I would like to focus on promoting creative arts and raise awareness of the importance of positive mental health for young people through activities.”
Tanesha Dennis – Indigenous Captain
“I would like to be a mentor for younger students and increase community awareness of Aboriginal culture.”
Malaki Moreton – Indigenous Captain
“I became a school leader so I could encourage Indigenous students to make the most of being at school.
“I would like to help people to learn more about our culture.”
Samuel Lucas – Social Justice Captain
“I would like to make a positive impact on my college community and expand my own awareness of social justice issues.”
Emma Moses – Social Justice Captain
“I will be able to use my voice and my actions to bring genuine and positive change to the College.”
Mackenzie Turner – Social Justice Captain
“I am happy to be in this role so I can assist the students of the college.
“I would like to be a role model for all the younger students.
“Someone they can reach out to.”
Saithong Fafie – Chisolm House
“I would like to be a role model for the younger students and work with the leadership team to provide fun activities and sporting events for everyone to enjoy.”
Jakob Barbara – Chisolm House
“I would like bring in some new ideas and activities so students can find the balance between study and fun events.”
Bethany Russell – Mackillop House
“I became a leader so I could give back to the college community.
“I want to continue building an amazing school spirit so everyone has a positive year.”
Phoebe Rankin – Mackillop House
“I would like to be a leader for all students and work with the leadership team to promote active participation in activities so everyone enjoys their college experience.”
Makaylah Cowan – Xavier House
“I am very proud to be a leader at the college.
“I would like to promote participation in College life so people enjoy being at school.”
Huon Du Field – Xavier House
“In my role I would like to provide opportunities for students from different year and social groups to connect so they have fun and build the skills they will need in the future.”
Lumen Christi Catholic College – Pambula
From a sports star to a history buff, Lumen Christi Catholic College’s school captains for 2022 run the gamut.
Kate Van Landeghem and Jacob Shields were announced last year as the 2022 college captains.
Ms Landeghem has a made her mark on the sports field throughout her time at the school, while also showing success in the classroom.
Mr Jacobs, meanwhile, was named NSW winner in the National History Challenge.
Moruya High School
From young innovators to passionate sportsmen, meet the new leadership team at Moruya High School.
See what makes these young leaders special.
Ava Weymans – Year 12 School Captain
Moruya High School captain Ava Weymans is on the fast track to future studies after securing a spot in the University of Canberra Fast Forward Program for 2022 where she will pursue her passion for science and her dream to study medicine.
Ms Weymans has also been selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum over the Summer of 2021/2022 (Sponsored by Moruya Rotary), and was the winner of the ADF Future Innovators Award in 2020.
Out of the classroom, she is also a volunteer surf live saver with her local surf club.
Sam Perry – Year 12 School Captain
With a passionate for sport and surf living saving, Moruya High School captain Sam Perry is sure to make waves this year.
Ms Perry aspires to study exercise science at university and is a volunteer at his local surf life saving club.
Anabela Pajakovska – Year 12 vice-captain
Budding filmmaker Anabela Pajakovska is Moruya High School’s vice-captain.
Ms Pajakovska said: “I am a proud Macedonian/Australian and love soccer.
“I aspire to become a movie director.
“I have heaps of charisma and smarts as well as a sense of fashion – sometimes...”
Seafra Abood – Year 12 vice-captain
With a keen eye for the local environment, Moruya High School vice-captain Seafra Abood aspires to study environmental science at university and to develop a career in environmental science and research.
Harry Smith – Year 12 Prefect
Moruya High School Year 12 prefect Harry Smith has his eye on travelling the globe.
Mr Smith is described as charismatic and aspires to become a teacher, travelling the world.
He is also a volunteer surf life saver with his local surf club.
Maya Patrizi – Year 12 Prefect
Moruya High School Year 12 prefect Maya Patrizi is passionate about driving positive change, both at a school and community level.
Ms Patrizi’s interests include legal and humanities subjects which she hopes to turn into a career working for social change and equal opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
Bella McCann – Year 11 Prefect
As a young leader, Moruya High School Year 11 prefect Bella McCann is already making strides in her role as a member of the Eurobodalla Shire Council Youth Committee.
As a budding humanities study, she aspires to study criminology at university.
Hamish McConaghy – Year 11 Prefect
Moruya High School Year 11 prefect Hamish McConaghy is passionate about helping others.
The young musician aspires to work in music, architecture or astronomy.
Mr McConaghy is also a representative on the Eurobodalla Shire Council Youth Council and volunteers as a surf life saver with his local surf life saving club.
Madeline Nickson – Year 11 Prefect
As an award-winning horse rider, Moruya High School Year 11 prefect Madeline Nickson is moving fast.
Ms Nickson aspires to become and equine chiropractor to keep working with horses and volunteers with riding for the disabled.
Kate Roberts – Year 11 Prefect
Moruya High School Year 11 prefect Kate Roberts is a budding computer whiz, interested in coding and creating code, as well as horse riding.
Ms Roberts aspires to study medicine and eventually become a surgeon.
Dylan Templeman – Year 11 Prefect
Moruya High School Year 11 prefect Dylan Templeman is passionate about helping others and inclusion.
He aspires to study engineering at university.
Isabelle Thomas – Year 11 Prefect
Regarded as a natural leader by her peers, Moruya High School Year 11 prefect Isabelle Thomas has already singled herself out for future success after receiving the DF Long Tan Leadership Award in 2021.
Ms Thomas was also selected for the Kwong Lee Dow Program at the University of Melbourne for 2022-2023.
She aspires to study medicine or paramedicine at university.
Ella Wilden – Year 11 Prefect
Moruya High School Year 11 prefect Ella Wildren aspires to study sustainability and environmental science at university.
She also volunteers as a surf life saver and is a mentor for the nippers at her local surf life saving club.
Nowra Anglican College
From swimming and football to musicals, dance ensembles and publics speaking, Nowra Anglican College’s 2022 captains are already active members of the school community.
All four captains have excelled in their academic pursuits and are keen to help create a welcoming, friendly, and supportive environment for all students in their role as leaders.
Nowra Anglican College’s captains for 2022 are Charlotte Last and Max Legzdin.
The vice-captains are Archie Collison and Tara Gilmour.
Bomaderry Public School
Bomaderry Public School’s leadership team for 2022 have displayed the school values of being safe, respectful learners in all aspects of school life.
The team this year is comprised of Kyeton Farrell, Hannah Campbell, Nikodem Ociepa, Jayden Gardner.
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