Meet SA’s school captains of 2024 – including two who came back to do Year 13 at St Peter’s College
The teen leaders at Adelaide’s top private and public schools tell us why they wanted the role - and what they plan to do with it.
SA News
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At one of Adelaide’s most prestigious private schools, college captains take up the role after Year 12 and the benefits include their own office and connections to successful old scholars.
St Peter’s College captain James Hattingh and vice-captain Ryan Fowler, both 18, finished school in 2023 but returned to do Year 13 in 2024 after winning the role of head students, as is tradition.
The pair are among South Australia’s new crop of student leaders in schools this year.
James said it was “difficult to decide” to spend another year at school after he was offered the position of captain.
“I think the fact that I didn’t really know what I wanted to do after school at the time helped me make my decision,” the student said.
“I figured it would give me a year to figure out what I wanted to do.”
Year 12 at St Peter’s College commands a fee of more than $31,000 but captains are not charged for their extra year at the school.
“It’s us giving a year of service back to the school,” James said.
The student leaders have the option to boost their ATAR with extra subjects but both of the 2024 captains chose to dedicate a full five days a week to their responsibilities.
Some mornings, the captains meet with junior students to play handball and throughout the week they mingle with old scholars and plan school events, such as their Blue and White formal, from their office with an ensuite bathroom.
“We get to meet a lot of old scholars and it is good to network, get your name out there and make those connections,” James said.
“I’m looking to get into law and that’s definitely an area that benefits from having good connections and networking skills.”
In Term 1 this year, the captains were part of a student leadership team who cut off their hair for the World’s Greatest Shave as they raised more than $23,000.
The event was documented on their Instagram page, ‘Saints Captains’, where they share “all about the stuff we get up to” with 1.7k followers.
Vice-captain Ryan is used to the idea of doing Year 13 after spending 16 years at the school since his time at the early learning centre.
“So many people, especially when you leave this school are so baffled or confused by it,” the 18-year-old said.
“It’s taking that extra year to talk to old scholars who been through these things and figure out what that is to fully decide what I want to do.”
Ryan said he and his counterpart were in the process of trying to “light things up” in the office with some LED strips.
Pembroke School – Lauren Byles, 17
Responsibilities: We have a strong focus on understanding and maintaining
positive student wellbeing, which in our opinion, should always be at the heart of any
school leadership collective.
Reason for taking up the role: I was inspired by not only previous school captains, but other altruistic leaders in my life who volunteer and lead with compassion, without the need for a badge or title.
Why captains matter: I think that the most critical impact that we have in our community is the ability to turn ideas into progress. We hope that this can encourage a diversity of perspectives and allow the mantle of leadership to be shared across the student body.
Skills I developed: When you work directly with people
or organise big events, not everything will always go to plan. However, it is that
unpredictability which can foster innovation and growth, which is why being flexible as a
School Captain is crucial.
What I want to do after school: I am looking to continue my
education at university with a degree in Law. Ideally, I would like to combine this with
another degree, such as International Relations.
Pembroke School – Enoch Osei-Tutu, 18
Responsibilities: My responsibilities include meeting different people within our Pembroke community, from our Early Learning Centre through to our old scholars.
Reason for taking up the role: I put my name forward for the position of School Captain because I want to develop my skills as a leader and be viewed as a role model for my peers on all three campuses of our School.
Why captains matter: I aim to impact the School by being an active part of student wellbeing initiatives, embracing differences in our community and motivating myself and my peers to attain our learning objectives.
Skills I developed: I believe that I have greatly improved my public speaking skills and my decisiveness and flexibility when working with others.
What I want to do after school: I would like to be involved in the health sector as a doctor in the sports industry.
Concordia College – Georgina Archibald, 17
Responsibilities: Public speaking responsibilities include college tours and providing our Senior Campus a chapel every fortnight to further carry out the Christian ethos of our college.
Reason for taking up the role: Starting at Concordia in ELC, my school community has shaped me into the person I am today. Being School Captain is far more than a title or a badge, to me it is the opportunity to grow as an individual through service to those around me.
Why captains matter: My role in leadership gives me no greater power than those around me, it instead provides me the opportunity to influence and be a role model to my peers where I can further encourage and support them.
Skills I developed: Without doubt my public speaking both prepared and unprepared has strengthened alongside my organisation, time management, teamwork and problem solving.
What I want to do after school: After completing my degree at university, I aspire to be a practising speech pathologist.
Concordia College – Hayden Shrowder, 17
Responsibilities: The responsibilities of a school captain at Concordia College include attending school events and functions, giving speeches at specific events, organising non-uniform days along with our student leader team, and representing the school at events and functions at other schools and venues.
Reason for taking up the role: I had several friends nominate for it so with the added possibility of working with them, I nominated myself as well. In the end, I’m working with two of my best mates so its turned out great.
Why captains matter: I think the impact I have on the school is particularly with the younger students. To see someone like the school captain giving speeches and leading events and services can be inspirational to younger people. When I was younger I looked up to the older students, especially the school leaders.
Skills I developed: Being school captain has improved my confidence, public speaking, social skills, organisation, time management, and leadership skills.
What I want to do after school: I’m not set on a career path just yet, but becoming a filmmaker is a dream of mine, and something I would enjoy doing after school.
St John’s Grammar School – Annecy Morrison, 17
Responsibilities: As captains we have the responsibility of helping to co-ordinate whole school and senior school assemblies, assist the formation of strong buddy connections within sub-schools, and meet with leaders from other Anglican Schools to share our leadership journeys.
Reason for taking up the role: There are many past leaders, current students, and staff at the school who have influenced its culture, making our school an incredible environment to be in. This culture has been a large factor in helping me gain confidence as a person. I wanted to return this care and give back to the school as I am so grateful that I have been lucky enough to experience all that it has given to me.
Why captains matter: The school captain role assists the staff to improve the culture, programs, and events run at our school by providing feedback from the students, to extend opportunities to best tailor the people who will experience them.
Skills I developed: The most significant skill I have developed while being a school captain is managing a busy schedule while prioritising necessary rest and personal endeavours.
What I want to do after school: After school I am hoping to attend uni to study a degree such as health and medical sciences.
St John’s Grammar School – Baxter Cocks, 18
Responsibilities: I have a range of responsibilities aimed at fostering an inclusive school community. I chair the student leadership committee, leading discussions and strategising plans to enhance our school’s overall experience. Collaborating across all school levels, from the Early Learning Centre to Secondary School, I ensure that joint projects benefit the entire student body.
Reason for taking up the role: I wanted to contribute to the school in a meaningful way, utilising my personal skills and experiences to benefit my peers and enhance the overall school environment.
Why captains matter: As a leadership team, we’ve tried to bring students closer together. My hope is that by doing so, we’ve left a positive mark on our school, inspiring others to embrace kindness, unity, vulnerability and a bit of school spirit too.
Skills I developed: I see this role as an opportunity to further develop my leadership abilities, communication skills, and organisational skills, all of which are valuable assets for my future endeavours.
What I want to do after school: I’m driven to excel as a paramedic, ready to deliver top-notch medical care in demanding scenarios. My ambition extends beyond borders, as I aspire to use my skills overseas.
St Peter’s College – James Hattingh, 18
Responsibilities: Our main responsibility is engaging with the student body and creating
initiatives to ensure students in both the junior school and senior school feel a
sense of belonging and connection to our community.
Reason for taking up the role: I have been inspired by former school captains who have had a great influence on my life. When I applied, it was my hope that I could have the same impact on other student’s lives.
Why captains matter: We provide boys with a role model to look up to and are people who the students can talk to and be mentored by. We ensure that students and staff feel
connected and a part of our community.
Skills I developed: Public speaking, writing, conversational/people skills, self-confidence, organisational skills and leadership.
St Peter’s College – Ryan Fowler, 18
Reason for taking up the role: Throughout my school journey I have been looking for opportunities to connect with the people in this community and give back to the school.
Why captains matter: I am grateful and inspired to play this role as it gives me the opportunity to give back. It is a really fulfilling role.
Skills I developed: Communication skills. From the one-on-one chats with a friend to the public speeches in front of a large crowd. Being able to develop that skill has been very
beneficial.
Adelaide High School – Finn, 17
Responsibilities: We collaborate with all leadership bodies within the school, working together to provide a student’s perspective on important issues, and bring enjoyment to the school year.
Reason for taking up the role: I see myself as a natural leader with a passion to serve my school community and make a tangible difference. It’s an opportunity for me to represent my peers and contribute to the school’s growth and success in coming years.
Why captains matter: I play a leading role in organising fundraisers and extra-curricular activities with the goal of enriching the student experience, raise funds for school projects, and support meaningful causes.
Skills I developed: I am continually developing a range of skills including communication, collaboration, decision-making, time- management, empathy and diplomacy, and my public speaking. These skills will undoubtedly play a role in my future endeavours, both academically and professionally.
What I want to do after school: I aspire to pursue a career in architectural/structural design, where I could work with government, consultancies, and industries, in the design, development, evaluation, and risk assessment of structures such as high-rise buildings, roads, rail-lines, towers and bridges.
Adelaide High School – Brianna, 17
Responsibilities: We also work within our team to develop a legacy project, which aims to make a lasting change and impact within our school community. Then, throughout the year we work on various other projects, including fundraisers, work with school leadership to develop policies, interstate exchanges, assemblies and maintaining school environments.
Reason for taking up the role: I have always enjoyed being a leader as it puts me in a position to reach the most people and make a substantial impact. I have been aiming to become a prefect since the beginning of high school as I believe they are one of the leadership groups that have a lasting impact in our school community.
Why captains matter: I like to believe I have a substantial impact. As a school prefect I represent the student body in many different areas of the school, including assemblies, governing council meetings and out of school events. I also personally work to be a friendly face and make as many people feel welcome as possible.
Skills I developed: Our school values are important for student leaders to develop. These include authenticity, excellence, courageous and kindness, and I work to incorporate all of these into both my school and personal life.
What I want to do after school: I want to go into the field of psychology. Specifically, I want to practise psychotherapy and become a practising psychologist.
Prince Alfred College – Max Whittle, 16
Responsibilities: Primarily my role is to function as a voice for my year level and the school as a whole, and to be leader of our prefect team who in turn help lead the rest of the school.
Reason for taking up the role: It was by no means an easy decision. I was always passionate to apply for a prefect role however, when it came to captain, I was unsure if I would be able to fit everything in, especially considering the time I knew I had to dedicate to study in Year 12. I came to realise that this is an opportunity that only comes around once.
Why captains matter: School captain has helped me realise how much I enjoy working with people and importantly, supporting people.
Skills I developed: Time management, organisation, self-confidence, and effective communication to name a few. One of the skills I have made a conscious effort to develop in my time as school captain is my public speaking ability and more specifically, my ability to speak ‘off the cuff’ in front of larger crowds. It is such a daunting prospect – to speak without a complete script in front of an audience.
What I want to do after school: I would like to be a doctor. I get the question a lot regarding what specialty but honestly, I won’t really know until I’ve been through med school and experienced everything first hand.
Immanuel College – Jamie Reichelt, 17
Responsibilities: Every term, we host a range of events, including charity-based casual days,
and other events. We work on a variety of initiatives throughout the year, meeting
with our head of senior school and principal often to discuss the ways in which we
can improve our school.
Reason for taking up the role: As an individual passionate about politics and making a difference, I decided to apply for school captain to find a platform to initiate change and inspire others to do the same.
Why captains matter: We play a role in making social justice issues visible in our school, raising awareness about various causes, including International Women’s Day, and National Closing The Gap Day, providing students with the opportunities to engage and take action on these issues.
Skills I developed: I’ve been able to improve upon my collaborative skills, learning to effectively delegate, explain, and lead a team of people. While this can challenging, I’m learning about what it takes to work with a large range of unique people.
What I want to do after school: I would like to be an environmental lawyer.
Immanuel College – Lily Porter, 17
Responsibilities: At Immanuel, a school captain is a role model to all students. School captains are usually the first point of contact for teachers and staff members and work closely with the principal to ensure the college is a healthy, safe and fun learning environment for all
students.
Reason for taking up the role: I put my hand up to be captain because I love Immanuel and I wanted to give back and be a leader in a school that has given so much to me.
Why captains matter: we support students who wish to create change by assisting them in implementing their ideas, and meet regularly with our school’s leadership staff.
Skills I developed: Being school captain allows me to further develop my time management skills, balancing both academic responsibilities with my role as a leader.
What I want to do after school: At the moment, I have my mind set on pediatrics.
Seymour College – Isabella Lease, 17
Responsibilities: As head girl, my responsibility is foremost to be an empowering role-model
for the students at Seymour, and to be a community-minded ambassador for the
college.
Reason for taking up the role: What prompted me to apply for Head Girl was a simple philosophy that I had originally come across in Enid Blyton’s novel Mallory Towers: I wanted to give back to the school that has given so much to me.
Why captains matter: At school, my impact is one of being someone who cultivates a culture of empowerment, empathy, and respect.
Skills I developed: Initially within my role, I put a lot of pressure on myself to try and be everything. Learning that this wasn’t sustainable, and that actually, it’s better to just let myself be human, was a crucial learning point for me.
What I want to do after school: Currently, I am hoping to either complete a degree in a Bachelor of Health Sciences/Master of Physiotherapy, or (completely different to this), a Bachelor of Law. Both courses appeal to my desire to help and serve others, whether that be through social justice or helping others through difficult circumstances and periods of time,
Glenunga International High School – Eshal Khan, 17
Responsibilities: As a head prefect, we maintain a birds-eye view of the collective leadership landscape within our school. This involves overseeing and co-ordinating various councils and groups at Glenunga to promote cohesion and optimise our collective impact on the student body.
Reason for taking up the role: Having previous leadership experience, I deeply value making tangible, impactful differences in people’s lives.
Why captains matter: Through the events we organise, from social events to fundraising initiatives (globally and locally centred), we foster a sense of community and school spirit among our students.
Skills I developed: The skill that I saw the greatest change in, however, was 100 per cent within my organisation. If you want something done, ask a busy person! In my position, where my decisions directly impact dozens of students across various leadership groups, I’ve learned to intuitively adapt and optimise my approach to ensure efficiency without disrupting others.
What I want to do after school: The options are limitless, it is impossible for me to know exactly what I want right now!
Glenunga International High School – Max Osti, 17
Responsibilities: At Glenunga International High School, my role provides me with many opportunities to work with not only the teachers and students within the school, but also parents and other schools all around Australia. When I am not in a meeting, I am often found talking at assembly.
Reason for taking up the role: At first, I wasn’t even sure what a school captain really did. I was aware of the speeches and the shiny little badge but nothing more substantial than that. Only once I ambivalently started my campaign did I come to realise the importance of the role and how much it suited what I had been looking for such a long time.
Why captains matter: The most impactful activity that both Eshal and I are very proud of is the money we raised to support communities from around the world. We raised thousands of dollars for communities in countries such as Ethiopia, Colombia, Indonesia and more.
Skills I developed: The mistakes I have made during this time (of which are many) have
taught me not only priceless skills but also attitudes. Both of which I still develop
everyday as school captaincy has also shown me the importance of a growth
mindset.
What I want to do after school: As it stands currently, I am interested in studying medicine and with a particular inclination towards the neurological field. However, as interesting and complex human brains are, mine is still developing and my 17-year-old aspirations may
change alongside my own neurological development.
Pulteney Grammar School – Nicholas Restas, 17
Responsibilities: One of the day-to-day responsibilities that I have is to be a good role model to everyone. This includes wearing the correct uniform, being social, and being respectful to my peers and teachers.
Reason for taking up the role: I remember my time throughout the school looking up to the school captains. I want to be a role model to the younger students and let them enjoy their time at the school just like I did when I was their age.
Why captains matter: I hope that I have the same impact that the previous school captains had on me and inspire them to apply for leadership roles.
Skills I developed: Public speaking was always a struggle for me as I get nervous and make mistakes. However, since I became captain, I have had to speak at assemblies in front of hundreds of people which has given me more experience and has made me more comfortable speaking in front of large crowds.
What I want to do after school: For a career, I’d like to either be a corporate lawyer or an accountant as I enjoy studying legal studies and accounting at school.
Pulteney Grammar School – Fallon Katz, 17
Responsibilities: We have been given the opportunity to attend events such as the
ovarian cancer morning tea, the women's day breakfast, a leadership workshop, and
the Unley Anzac Day service. It is important for the school captain to demonstrate role model abilities in places like these, a quality that I hope I possess.
Reason for taking up the role: I really enjoy creating lasting relationships with new people and know that this great of an opportunity is one that I had to go for.
Why captains matter: Earlier in the year we had the opportunity to talk to the year 5s
and 6s about the beginning of their leadership journeys and I was able to give
insight into what I believe best makes a leader, which I was extremely grateful for.
Knowing just how much I looked up to past leaders makes me feel very privileged to
know be on the opposite side of this.
Skills I developed: I have always been a very sociable person until it comes to standing up in front of an audience and giving a speech. Being school captain has provided me with the opportunities to better those skills.
What I want to do after school: Being at Pulteney has allowed for me to undertake the Legal Studies subject which I thoroughly enjoy and so would love to be a lawyer in the future. I am also on the Olympic pathway for sailing which the school has supported me in and so I would also love to go to the Olympics and become a professional athlete.
Loreto College Marryatville – Fearne Rosenbauer, 17
Responsibilities: As a Loreto school captain, you also get the opportunity to meet and discuss ideas throughout the year with the captains from other Loreto schools around Australia. I represent the school at school and community events, speak at school tours and share my peers’ ideas with the leadership team.
Reason for taking up the role: I was inspired by the previous captains and how they were able to make a positive impact on the school community. I wanted to not only continue their legacy but create one of my own and make a meaningful difference to the school community.
Why captains matter: Through sharing my perspective and my experience with the student body I can give guidance to help them on their schooling journey. I aim to be approachable, have an open mindset and actively listen to what others have to say.
Skills I developed: key skill I have been able to develop is my adaptability. Learning to remain calm under pressure and using different methods of communication to suit different situations.
What I want to do after school: I initially thought that I wanted to go into medicine, hoping to be a dermatologist, as I have always enjoyed the sciences. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed many aspects of my leadership role and this experience is now making me consider other possibilities outside of medicine such as law and management.
St Ignatius’ College – Imogen Baily, 17
Responsibilities: On May 7, along with fellow captain John, I switched roles with principal Lauren Brooks. As I have always thought about the school from an educational perspective, through the opportunity of meeting with the college board I was excited to learn and consider it more so through a business lens and understand more about co-operate governance.
Reason for taking up the role: I saw it as an amazing opportunity to lead an incredible College, with the opportunity of making a positive difference in our school community. Having spent my entire schooling at Ignatius, I am deeply passionate about the College and its values.
Why captains matter: As part of the experience of stepping into the role of principal for the day, we launched an initiative that involves all three college campuses, aimed at supporting the marginalised in our community this winter.
Skills I developed: I am learning the importance of problem-solving, time management, and finding a healthy balance amid the demands of Year 12.
What I want to do after school: I am still exploring and considering my options. One thing I’m certain about is my passion for improving people’s lives, which is why I’m considering pursuing a degree in the allied health field.
St Ignatius’ College – John Dwyer, 17
Responsibilities: The responsibilities include being a student representative, organising assemblies, events, and fundraisers, being a role model and serving as an example for the other students,
Reason for taking up the role: I saw it as an opportunity for personal growth, helping me go outside my comfort zone and develop valuable lifelong skills.
Why captains matter: Imogen and I lead and organise the school calendar and events, as well as the assemblies. Moreover, we are often presented with feedback from the student body, which we relay to the leadership group, as we act as a voice for the student cohort.
Skills I developed: A critical element of the Jesuit teachings is the idea of becoming ‘men and women for others’, and through the role of captain I am trying to develop my skills of service and selflessness.
What I want to do after school: Engineering
Rostrevor College – Alex Clark, 17
Responsibilities: Whilst you are expected to run meetings, co-ordinate and plan events, deliver speeches, and promote advocacy or charity for issues we are passionate about, I am also responsible for being a role model for the younger students.
Reason for taking up the role: I think the best feeling in the world is seeing the difference you can make in someone’s day. From volunteering on Edmund Rice camps to coaching sports with younger students – seeing the smile on their face when they bump into you in the yard is wonderful.
Why captains matter: Making sure I am a good listener and can foster genuine connections with students from all year levels is important.
Skills I developed: Being empathetic and seeing issues from different perspectives will help me navigate challenges in the future.
What I want to do after school: All I know for certain is that I want to go into a profession where I can work with and help people. Perhaps as a clinical psychologist
or occupational therapist.
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