School captains 2023: Shelford Girls’ Grammar, Haileybury, MLC
Schools across Melbourne will soon have new student leaders. Meet the 2023 captains and hear what this year’s cohort enjoyed most.
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After two years of Covid interruptions, schools were able to return to on-campus learning in 2022, and school captains loved being back with their peers.
We asked the 2022 leaders what they enjoyed most about the role, and their dreams for the future.
And with the school year quickly drawing to a close, we meet the new generation of student leaders gearing up to represent their fellow classmates in 2023.
Shelford Girls’ Grammar
2021/22 Captains
Zara Gamba
What have you enjoyed most about being school captain?
The most vital element to which I attribute my success as a school co-captain has been fostering strong relationships throughout the school community. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work closely with teaching staff, forming enduring personal connections which will remain my fondest memories as I embark on the next phase of my life. My tenure as school co-captain has been a genuine gift, allowing me to interact with a unique and diverse group of students which I otherwise may not have encountered. To confidently say that I know the name of every girl in our school is an extraordinary privilege; I have cultivated a vast circle of friendships upon which I will continue to maintain. As an introvert, perhaps the most unexpected yet motivating aspect of my school captaincy has been liaising with a cross-section of people, from young children to professionals; a skill which certainly shall hold me in good stead in my future endeavours.
What have been the highlights of the year so far?
The past few years have undoubtedly presented myself and my cohort with challenges which have highlighted more than ever the need to rely on each other. While the turmoil associated with relentless academic demands is incredibly draining and rarely observed as a treasured moment, upon reflection, it is these shared experiences which strengthen and bring a certain solidarity to our relationships. Year 12 has been the embodiment of ‘what doesn’t kill you makes your stronger’; we will emerge from this experience as strong young women with an unbreakable bond and enduring friendships. The highlight of my Year 12 is my recognition of the importance of friendship, developed through the camaraderie that only adversity can foster.
What are your dreams for the future?
My experience as school co-captain has provided me with strong foundations to give me every opportunity for success in my future. I have come to realise that my strengths lie in discipline, perseverance and developing a solid network of diverse and trusted connections. My dream is to further develop the skills I have obtained this year, focusing my energy into one day starting my own business in the health, fitness and nutrition industry.
Grace Fernando
What have you enjoyed most about being school captain?
Captaincy has taught me many lessons about grit and the solidification of my values, and has rewarded me in many ways, both through the vulnerability of others and the unanticipated moments of true pride that creep up on you throughout the year. I have enjoyed the moment when you get to sit back and watch with wide eyes – your ideas and dreams for the school and the students slot into place, the moment when all your hard work is playing out in front of you. There have been many little snapshots that fill my heart with joy just thinking about them, from the big moments of fundraisers, both traditional and inaugural celebrations, to the individual conversations that I have with students who confide in me, and choose to trust in me for help or a conversation. Truly, the small, vulnerable moments shared with others where I get to listen and make a difference that might transcend further than I expect, are the most gratifying and humbling moments, made more available through my role as 2021–22 school co-captain.
What have been the highlights of the year so far?
The highlights of my year have been the true bonds that I have made with others, not only my co-captain Zara, but with the other year 12 leaders and the entire Shelford cohort. I have been privileged with the opportunity to connect with others in a way that transcends school, allowing both me to learn of the skills and values of others, and challenge that of my own. I have been allowed an insight into the microcosm of leadership within Shelford, and have been able to absorb so many lifelong skills, of perseverance, vulnerability, co-operation and of sensitivity – that I will never take for granted. These moments of learning and growth that contrast so greatly to that of the classroom have nurtured me unquantifiable, characterising the absolute highlights of my year so far.
What are your dreams for the future?
My dream, as the daughter of an immigrant and a child deeply exposed to the perils of the legal and immigration system, has always been to become an advocate for human rights and responsibilities. As a young girl, I always dreamt of working for the asylum seeker resource centre, and now – as a 17-year-old woman, that dream has evolved into a university degree that navigates the philosophy of humanity, the politics that inform our society, and the legal system of which guides us. I have always been a deep thinker, and someone who asked question upon question to the adults in my life (to the point of great annoyance) and continue to question those who perpetuate inequality and injustice in our world. I hope to foster this curiosity and drive and learn from the interpretations of others with different life experiences to that of my own. I dream of being a human rights lawyer, fighting for those who have had access to the privileges I have, even in my short life thus far – hopefully under the banner of the NGO’s that I idolise. I have questioned my own identity and values throughout high school, and now feel entirely eager to challenge myself further, and springboard my impact and voice in the ‘real world’.
2022/23 Captains
Georgia Kent
What are your goals for your time as School Captain?
I hope we can continue to foster an environment that embraces the uniqueness of every student and allows all of us to feel safe to share our honest selves at school. To achieve this, I think we can continue to develop more opportunities for students to have a voice and explore their varied interests within the classroom and the broader school community.
What are you most looking forward to about Year 12?
I look forward to the challenge and responsibility that comes with being a year 12 and a school leader, but most of all I am so excited to be stepping into year 12 surrounded by a community and year level that I love. I cannot wait for all the chances we’ll have to grow even closer in our final year.
Elena Langridge
What are your goals for your time as School Captain?
As Shelford is a smaller school, we have the incredible advantage of having a close-knit community which gives me the opportunity to work closely with others. While working alongside the school’s other captains, I would love to assist our girls in reaching their full potential which I aim to achieve by promoting and encouraging participation in programs and activities around the school which are more suited to their needs.
What are you most looking forward to about Year 12?
While Year 12 is going to be a packed year, I am excited to spend the last period of time at Shelford with my friends and as a leader at the school. As a co-captain, I am delighted to work alongside the other students to make an impact and assist in achieving goals, ambitions and drive change both personally and around the school.
Haileybury 2022 Captains
Angus Angelatos
What have you enjoyed most about being school captain?
I’ve always had a passion for leadership throughout school, as I saw it as an opportunity to make change and have a positive impact on my peers. I’ve loved being able to foster an environment for students to be inspired to achieve their best, where individuality is valued while recognising our part in the broader school community. Ultimately, I enjoyed bringing a feeling of connection within the school and a spirit of making the most of every day to create memories which will unite us for a lifetime.
What have been the highlights of the year so far?
Quad-chella was a Coachella themed quad party with live music performed by our talented students. It involved all students working together to raise money for different charities, with methods ranging from glitter face paint to cooking snags and raffles. This was a particularly special event due to the sense of community that was developed, with almost every student packed into the quad, enjoying the activities and having a good time. It was great to be part of a student run initiative to support their chosen charities.
What are your dreams for the future?
I’m not exactly sure what my dreams for the future are, I haven’t quite thought that far ahead. What I do know is that I owe it to myself to continue to be a role model, to continue to lead by example, and continue to have a positive impact on those around me. I don’t know where the next chapter of my journey might lead, but in an ideal world I see myself at uni, playing soccer at an elite (ish) level, and travelling the world.
Victoria Paitaridis
What have you enjoyed most about being school captain?
Being school captain has been an absolute privilege. It has been the most validating and rewarding achievement of my life and I worked hard to make sure that I didn’t take this journey for granted. I love my school and I hope that in being school captain I have successfully constructed an environment that supports and encourages other students in the same way that I have been from my very first day. Not only have I discovered more about myself and my own capabilities as a leader, collaborator and listener, but I have also witnessed the phenomenal work and organisation that goes into making my school the school that it is. I have learned the value in asking for help when I need it and being cognisant of the team around me who are always ready to be my vote of confidence or give me a helping hand.
What have been the highlights of the year so far?
Something we’ve tried hard to do this year is create engagement and passion for the students. It is so important to exist in environments that encourage us to have fun and get involved, and this is something that I think the 2022 leadership team especially was excited to push for. There is such a breadth of interests and talents possessed by students across the school, and one gratifying highlight for me as a leader has been helping to create opportunities for people to thrive in their passions and truly add something to the school and their own lives. Having the opportunity to belong to a collective, in which music, sport and social events have brought people together in celebration – that has made this year what it is. I will cherish those moments forever.
What are your dreams for the future?
I’ll be honest and say that I’m still incredibly unsure. However, I know that I love people, I love community and I love immersing myself in any experience or moment that presents itself to me. My leadership taught me to value the joy of being in a team and having a meaningful part in something bigger than myself. This is what I will chase in the future, in whatever life brings me. People, experiences and memories matter and that is what will forever underpin my dreams and goals for the future.
Methodist Ladies’ College
Georgie Thomas, 2023 Senior Prefect
What are your goals for your time as school captain?
For me personally, my goal isn’t necessarily to follow a specific agenda, but rather to represent my peers in the way they want to be represented, by acting on feedback and suggestions. I also think that the main aim of mine is to continue to strengthen a sense of community and camaraderie among students, both within year levels and throughout the school.
What are you most looking forward to about Year 12?
It’s hard to pick just one aspect of Year 12 that I’m most looking forward to. I’m definitely excited for all the memorable firsts and lasts that come with being in Year 12 – formal, muck up day, my last season as an MLC rower – but I think that perhaps what I’m most looking forward to is the relief of seeing all my and my friends’ work over the past few years finally come together.
Kilvington Grammar School
2022 Leaders
David Overton, School Co-Captain
What have you enjoyed most about being school captain?
Probably the camaraderie between the team. Not only have I come to be good friends with people I’d never have really talked to before, but it was awesome working towards a shared goal of improving the school.
What have been the highlights of the year so far?
Organising and improving the community events that makes our school so special – from traditions like ‘Dancing with the Staff’ to new initiatives like the ‘Battle of the Bands’.
What are your dreams for the future?
Personally, I want to become an author, and I’m looking at a screenwriting course at The University of Melbourne. The leadership process has been invaluable in my development as a wholistic person and I’m extremely grateful for the experience.
Shreya Jain – School Co-Captain
What have you enjoyed most about being school captain?
Being able to get to know our community even better over the course of this year has been an incredible experience. I also loved being given the opportunity to amplify the voices of my peers.
What have been the highlights of the year so far?
Working with our team and implementing new ideas to the school. Participating in our Cut for a Cause this year was a really rewarding experience for me as well.
What are your dreams for the future?
I would love to travel around southeast Asia and Europe sometime in the near future. In the meanwhile, I’m excited to start university life and explore some of my new-found interests.
Sarah Yeo, School Co-Vice Captain
What have you enjoyed most about being school captain?
Personally, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to meet as many new people as I have this year. It’s been a tremendous experience for me to meet so many founders of various charity organisations, such as 300 Blankets and the Lighthouse Foundation. Additionally, my role as school co-vice captain (a role specifically tasked to broaden our school’s community service program) has given me the opportunity to fulfil many community service goals I had set for 2022.
What have been the highlights of the year so far?
The highlights of my year so far with respect to my role have all been within the community service realm. I am immensely grateful to have been provided the opportunity to further the community outreach at Kilvington, seeing many initiatives implemented this year including the Sleepout for a Cause and Diversity Day. Watching these ideas come into fruition was extremely gratifying, and I know I speak on behalf of my team when I say we are beyond thankful to have had the chance to make such an impact.
In other aspects of my Year 12 journey, my whole year has been holistically a highlight. Being able to appreciate the school events, particularly House competitions alongside my peers is an experience I will never forget.
What are your dreams for the future?
My biggest dream for the future is to become an environmental lawyer. Treasuring our planet is incredibly crucial, and an endeavour that I hope to guide people through, and fight for. This planet is the only one we have, and it is my hope that we cultivate a habit of caring for it so that future generations can learn from us to protect and sustain it. I hope to create real change in our world and the way people treat the place we call home.
2023 Leaders
Felix McShane, School Co-Captain
What are your goals for your time as school captain?
As school captain, I wish to give back to the community that has played such a fundamental and integral role in my development. I hope to one day have a positive impact, contributing to the amazing dynamic which has shaped me as a person.
What are you most looking forward to about Year 12?
I am thrilled to take the step forward into a leadership role and use this to develop a greater connection to peers, staff, and those in younger year levels.
Diya Matthew, School Co-Captain
What are your goals for your time as school captain?
My goals as school captain are to work with our team to foster connections throughout year levels after the tumultuous years we’ve faced. I’m also looking forward to working together to celebrate our 100th year anniversary by looking back, learning from the past and celebrating all things Kilvington.
What are you most looking forward to about Year 12?
I’m most looking forward to celebrating my last year at Kilvington with all the friends that I’ve made throughout the years and participating in all the special Year 12 privileges like a common room, eating off campus at lunch and enjoying our last Kilvington events.
Joanne Lee – School Co-Vice Captain
What are your goals for your time as school captain?
One of my main goals is to celebrate our diverse school community and provide opportunities to learn and share different cultures.
What are you most looking forward to about Year 12?
Just having fun with the people I’ve bonded with over my many years at Kilvington. I want to graduate with many memories I can reflect fondly upon.
Agrata Sharma – School Co-Vice Captain
What are your goals for your time as school captain?
Some of my fondest memories at Kilvington have been bonding with the older students when I was younger, and looking back now, I realise how much of an impact those relationships had on me. As one of the captains next year, my goal is to continue to foster connections with younger year levels, and be a positive and friendly role model that they feel comfortable approaching.
What are you most looking forward to about Year 12?
In Year 12, I am most looking forward to making my last year of school as memorable as possible. It feels like time has gone by so fast, and next year I’ll make sure to treasure every funny moment in class and enjoy spending time with my year level.
Mater Christi College
2022 Captains
Sienna Cross
What have you enjoyed most about being school captain?
Being co-captain with Jasmine this year has been one of the most incredible experiences. She was such an amazing partner and made speech writing and meetings so much more enjoyable. It has been great to help contribute to the Mater Christi community this year, whether big or small, and see some of the student suggestions and ideas implemented and make an actual difference in the lives of the students.
What have been the highlights of the year so far?
The highlights of this year would definitely have to be the Year 12 Formal and Mater Day. One of the first events Jasmine and I were able to help plan was our Formal. The night ran smoothly, and everyone looked stunning, and had an amazing time boogying on the dance floor. During the two years of Covid lockdowns, we were unable to run our annual Mater Day, where the school community comes together to celebrate and to raise much needed funds for the Good Samaritan Foundation. This year Mater Day went ahead with each year level organising their own stalls, as well as having rides, a local band St Emerald perform, and lots of food including food trucks. The day was very successful with the school coming together at the end of the day for HPAC, the House Performing Arts Competition where all talents were on display.
What are your dreams for the future?
In 2023, I’m hoping to move up to Newcastle and study a Bachelor of Development Studies and a Bachelor of Social science at the University of Newcastle. I would love to work at a not-for-profit organisation such as Red Cross or Amnesty International in humanitarian aid or disaster management. I also have a great passion for music, and look forward to pursuing this in the future, and recording and releasing my songs. I can’t wait to see what is in store outside of the Mater Christi bounds. I will really miss the school community and its unique spirit, but I am so grateful for the profound impact it has had on my life.
Jasmine Andrews
What have you enjoyed most about being school captain?
What I have enjoyed most about being school co-captain would have to be having the opportunity to work with such a wide range of people, from my peers, teachers as well as the wider community. It is through this collaboration that I have been able to not only share my own ideas and opinions but also learn from others.
What have been the highlights of the year so far?
This year has presented so many highlights, but one would have to be being back on campus, with face-to-face experiences. For me it has been the simple things, such as sharing recess and lunch with friends and being able to engage in a physical classroom setting once again.
What are your dreams for the future?
My plan is to continue my educational journey into university next year, studying wildlife conservation in hope of working in the field of environmental science. I would also love to travel through a university exchange program as well as between university breaks, including road trips along the coast and backpacking overseas to countries such as Nepal.
2023 Captains
Emily Tyquin
What are your goals for your time as school captain?
Collaboration is vital in my leadership style. Along with Martha and the diverse student cohort I aim to create a space where student voice and learning ambition is valued and all students can thrive and fully express themselves without judgment. Creating opportunities for collaboration with other schools to broaden the minds of young people and expand connections on a local and national level. As an advocate for mental health, I greatly appreciate that student wellbeing is a major part of the identity of Mater Christi College and wish to further improve our programs at the College by implementing a peer support program and working alongside Martha, would like to affect real change within the mindsets of our peers.
What are you most looking forward to about Year 12?
I am most looking forward to creating positive change and being a mentor for the incoming students. I think one of the most rewarding jobs is to teach and learn from peers and I’m excited, along with Martha, to pave a new path for ourselves and the students at the College. I’m looking forward to the freedom that being a year 12 brings and specialising in my interests, putting myself out of my comfort zone and achieving a routine.
Martha Box
What are your goals for your time as school captain?
As one of the school captains for 2023, I hope to work closely with Emily, as well as the rest of the 2023 Student Representative Council, in order to increase the amount of open and judgment free communication pathways available at Mater Christi College. As well as this, I specifically want to work with peers and increase awareness within our school around mental health and wellbeing, specifically taking active steps with our new wellbeing leaders to destigmatise struggling with wellbeing and seeking support when you need it.
What are you most looking forward to about Year 12?
I think that what I’m most looking forward to about year 12 generally, is being able to take my own path, choose how I work, what I work on and collaborate a lot with other members of my year level and other year levels as co-captain. I am aware year 12 and VCE is going to be really challenging but I’m excited to test out what I’ve been learning for the past 12 years! Of course, I’m also looking forward to finishing, But definitely alongside Emily, having made a tangible difference within the community.
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