Schools in Ballarat and Daylesford announce Year 12 captains for 2026
As schools in Ballarat and beyond announce their 2026 school captains, we asked the new Year 12 leaders about their new roles. See what they had to say.
As Year 12 students in Ballarat and Daylesford gear up for their final year of secondary school, many have been selected to lead their peers.
We asked the 2026 captains of schools in the area about their new leadership roles and where they’re headed after graduation.
See what they had to say below.
More schools and captains will continue to be added to this article.
Ballarat High School
Meg McBride and Jai Giri
Why did you want to be school captain?
(Meg) I wanted to be school captain as Ballarat High school has given me so much in education, friendships and a sense of belonging. I care deeply about the voices of my peers and working with a diverse range of people. I believe leadership is one of the best ways to include those whose voices are usually marginalised, to build confidence and to find a sense of belonging and passion. Overall I wanted to be school captain not only as it is an amazing opportunity, that I am very grateful to receive, but to also help create the best school community in Ballarat.
(Jai) I wanted to be school captain because I love Ballarat High School, it’s an amazing school, and I wanted to be part of the process to make it even better. And by being school captain, I’m not just being an active leader in school, but also through the role I will be able to participate in much more community service activities, helping Ballarat as a whole and developing my own leadership qualities.
How does it feel to be taking up the role?
(Meg) To be completely honest it is a very daunting time ahead as I don’t know what the year 2026 has in store for Ballarat High school, however it is so exciting to be challenged with the unknown and to make the most out of it. Although there are elements of pressure to this role, pressure is a privilege, and I’m looking forward to the challenge. I also feel very grateful that my school community has trusted me with this role, as Jai and I are representatives of their voice.
(Jai) I feel it is a genuine honour to be able to further the school and support its students. The role motivates me to consistently be the best version of myself.
What do you want to do after you graduate from high school?
(Meg) My current plans after high school are to pursue a career in occupational therapy to eventually create my own healthcare service clinic as I am very passionate about making healthcare accessible for all communities. Another dream of mine is to become an author.
(Jai) In my future prospects, I want to be able to carry on the skills I acquire from this role and apply it in a science-based setting.
Daylesford College
James De Kort and Tamara Brooks
Why did you want to be school captain?
(James) Just last year the idea of running for school captain hadn’t even crossed my mind. That changed this year when I was given the opportunity to participate in a program called rural youth ambassadors with country education partnership (CEP). This program taught me confidence and gave me experience advocating for students. When nominations began for school captain this year, I was initially hesitant still thinking of myself as I was earlier in the year. However, through encouragement from my teachers and friends I realised that I could use my new skills in advocacy to be a great representative for the wants and needs of the students in my school.
(Tamara) I wanted to be school captain because I found I was ready to challenge myself in new and different ways, knowing that the role would help grow my confidence, especially when it comes to public speaking, something I struggle with, but also taking on responsibilities and to have the chance to represent the school and help grow school spirit.
How does it feel to be taking up the role?
(James) Becoming school captain feels like a huge responsibility and an amazing opportunity to make positive change around the school and wider community. I can see the amount of effort that is required but also the pride that comes with making the everyday better for the other students.
(Tamara) Getting the role feels both nerve-wracking and exciting in one, knowing I can grow and develop as a person, inspired to make a positive difference, while nervous about taking the step to be a leader, but knowing I’ve got support from peers and staff is reassuring.
What do you want to do after you graduate from high school?
(James) After high school is a big question for me, I have many interests but none that I can see myself doing as a job, I would like to go to university to continue to study something that I like but I am unsure of what that will be.
(Tamara) After graduating high school, I would love to become a sonographer, or take part in something in the healthcare system, being able to support and care for others in a time of crisis, the good days and the bad days, having someone supportive there is important and I plan on being that person.
Loreto College
Bonnie Burt and Jemima Knobel
Why did you want to be school captain?
(Bonnie) I wanted to be school captain because I am passionate about creating an inclusive school environment where every student feels valued, respected, and heard. For me, leadership is about being authentic – approachable, relatable, and actively engaged in all aspects of school life. Being someone who listens to the ideas and needs of others, I hope to assist in empowering those around me with the confidence and tools to grow into the best versions of themselves. I am motivated to contribute to a culture of respect, kindness, and enthusiasm that will leave a lasting impact.
(Jemima) This leadership position provided the opportunity to lead my peers in experiencing the joy and fulfilment that comes from being actively involved in school life. I aim to be a leader who serves others through guiding, empowering, and recognising every student in our community.
How does it feel to be taking up the role?
(Bonnie) Being Loreto College Co-Captain is the greatest honour of my life so far. It is such a privilege to represent a school that has supported my own growth over the past five years. To have the chance to give back and help create similar opportunities for others is an exciting challenge that I am eager to embrace. I feel very humbled to be in this position of responsibility, alongside Jemima. I am inspired to work with my peers and staff to build upon Loreto Ballarat’s sense of community and foster the values that make our school unique.
(Jemima) It has been an incredible honour to be trusted in leading our school and I am grateful for the support of staff and students as I step into this role. Through embodying our school values, I am determined to leave behind a positive legacy for future leaders to build upon.
What do you want to do after you graduate from high school?
(Bonnie) At this stage, I am interested in two very different paths at university: studying physiotherapy which appeals to my interest in health and helping others, and interior design which allows me to express my creativity. I would also love to further explore the possibility of combining my passion for running with my studies through the US collegiate system. I am hoping the next 12 months will provide a little extra clarity as to where my true strengths and passions lie.
(Jemima) After graduating, I hope to study law and international relations at university, with the interest of a career in international or human rights law, diplomacy, or politics.
Mount Clear College
Abby Hughes and Tano-Li Quach
Why did you want to be school captain?
(Abby) I have always struggled with finding my own voice and having a sense of feeling like I belong. I hoped that in being captain I could fulfil the role that I had appreciated greatly by prior captains and leading figures. It was more a sense of being an equal voice to give the student body a better opportunity, and more approachable face to communicate and ask questions, than being seen as an individual who has higher power. I wished to not only voice the change, but make the change.
(Tano-Li) I wanted to become school captain so that I could be in a position to positively give back to the school that has shaped me for the last 5 years of my life. I am committed to improving our school and changing it for the better, as well as being a strong, positive role model for the younger year levels.
How does it feel to be taking up the role?
(Abby) It feels like a massive honour. Yes, it comes with such hug responsibilities, but it also brings such a strong sense of pride. Getting to see students get excited over activities and ideas that really interest them makes it so worthwhile. I am so proud to be a School Captain.
(Tano-Li) Taking up the role of school captain feels like a huge responsibility, but I am ready to give it my best effort.
What do you want to do after you graduate from high school?
(Abby) I wish to give back and be the type of person that helped me get through not only the bad days, but the good ones. I wish to study a Bachelor of Primary Education and take on one of the most rewarding jobs of teaching the youth of tomorrow. I hope to use my skills and experience to bring people closer together, and with higher appreciation for the achievements that we as humans are capable of.
(Tano-Li) After high school, I am aspiring to continue my studies in the USA, and am hoping to go over on a full tennis scholarship. I am very excited for this opportunity.
St Patrick’s College
Captain George Charles and vice captains Cameron Bellville and Taj Bobrowski
Why did you want to be school captain?
(George) I always wanted to be College Captain from the moment I walked in the front gates at St Patrick’s. I found the leaders who came before me to be truly inspirational, and I had the utmost respect for them. To hold a similar position would allow me to make an immense difference in the lives of many. I want to lead by example and work tirelessly to make school and the wider community a better place. I also feel that becoming a College leader would allow me to pay homage to those who came before me as I am a third-generation family of the College. I found it was always in my nature to nurture others and all that we, as a community, care for.
(Cameron) I wanted to be one of the College captains as I feel it is a privilege to experience a leadership role at a young age, and to gain some useful skills that hopefully help me in my future career aspirations. I also believe it is a great opportunity to give back to the College by acting as a voice for the boys in my cohort and other years.
(Taj) St Patrick’s College has developed a special place in both my heart and the heart of my family. The College has provided me with many opportunities to grow as a person— both physically and spiritually—learn academically, learn life skills and to explore.
How does it feel to be taking up the role?
(George) I feel honoured and humbled to join in the legacy of all those cohorts and leaders that came before me. I feel that I am only the caretaker of this position and will do my best to lead St Patrick’s in the full spirit of Edmund Rice. I will honour the College’s tradition, inspire and motivate the 2026 Student Council to be hard working, and establish a strong foundation for future generations to come.
(Cameron) I feel very excited about the challenges ahead but am also conscious of the big shoes to fill, as the College’s previous leaders have employed outstanding leadership which is much to live up to.
(Taj) I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to be one of three College leaders and am excited to lead our community in 2026.
What do you want to do after you graduate from high school?
(George) I would like to pursue my studies beyond secondary school. Whilst still undecided, subjects relating to business are of great interest to me so a career in this industry would be ideal. I’ve always aspired to study abroad as part of my tertiary education, so should this opportunity present itself I would willingly take it and strive to learn internationally.
(Cameron) I am hoping to attend Melbourne University, studying possibly economics, however this may change as I am still unsure of what I would like to do after university.
(Taj) After graduating, I wish to pursue a career in nursing and paramedicine so that I can help others in their time of need.
Woodmans Hill Secondary College
Ruby Merrett, Mason Trevitt, and Ipsita Sen
Why did you want to be school captain?
(Ruby)
I want to make everyone feel welcome in our school and to have a positive impact within our community. I want our students to have a voice in their school and have a say in things that happen and are already happening in leadership and throughout the school.
(Mason) I wanted to be school captain to improve the overall schooling experience for all individuals at my school. I wanted to be able to encourage everyone to participate even if at first they don’t succeed. I also want to be a safe person that everyone can approach with their concerns and worries and advocate for my peers.
(Ipsita) I wanted to be school captain to represent student voices and ensure everyone in our school feels included. I want to ensure all voices are represented from my peers and be a safe person to go to who advocates for others. I am a student who leads by example and I want to be a role model for the younger year levels.
How does it feel to be taking up the role?
(Ruby) I feel excited to be able to share my ideas and try my best to make other students’ voices be heard within the way I lead and carry myself in the school captain role.
(Mason) It’s a great privilege as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a leader at such a high level and help students to feel safer and more included in our school environment.
(Ipsita) It’s an honour and a privilege to take up this position where I can represent our students and make our school a place that students don’t just attend, but where they feel they actually belong.
What do you want to do after you graduate from high school?
(Ruby) I’m not sure what I want to do. However, I know I want to continue my studies into university and I look forward to this challenge.
(Mason) After I graduate, I want to complete a course in fashion design and possibly start my own business in that field. I would love to custom make clothes to help individuals to express themselves through clothing and boost their unique creativity.
(Ipsita) I would like to go to university once I graduate from school to complete a nursing degree.
More to come.
