Meet the high school leaders 2025 in Toowoomba
As school students head back into the classrooms, here’s some important advice from Toowoomba’s school leaders.
Education
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Uniforms, books, bags, hats and pens were in full swing this week as the school year begins.
Darling Downs students will join the ranks for the some 890,000 Queensland students heading back to the classroom, with thousands of students heading into their final year.
As the last first week of school begins, we asked more than 20 school leaders what advice they would give to year 11 selves.
“A piece of advice I would give to my younger self would be to believe in your abilities and don’t let self-doubt hold you back,” Glennie School Captain Courtney Drotini said.
“Self-doubt can be a powerful roadblock, but remember that it’s normal to feel uncertain.”
For her counterpart school captain Alli Harris, her advice would be to remind herself there is “support in every corner”.
“It is common to feel the need to do everything independently and not ask for a great deal of help when doing so,” she said.
“However, everyone around is there to help you achieve your plans and goals, and it is OK to reach out to others.”
Other advice from Toowoomba’s school leaders included doing new things, combating self-doubt with confidence, “taking leaps of faith”, and not worrying about what other people think.
Find out all about these school leaders:
The Glennie School
Courtney Drotini – Glennie School Captain
Passion for her school and “fostering an environment where everyone can thrive” is why Courtney Drotini wants to be a school leader.
With many ideas for her future, but no particular dream, Courtney said she knows she wants to study in a field at university which will help her “positively advocate for the people in the Torres Strait”.
“I’d also like to travel and experience different cultures, meet amazing people and take these experiences and knowledge back to my island home.”
Her favourite class is hospitality, where she can exploring cooking and said she enjoyed the “different pace of learning which senior students need to have with such heavy work loads”.
“A piece of advice I would give to my younger self would be to believe in your abilities and don’t let self-doubt hold you back,” she said. “Self-doubt can be a powerful roadblock, but remember that it’s normal to feel uncertain.
“You will always have others around you who will always support you.”
“A great leadership quality is having the ability to adapt to each circumstance and move on accordingly, as well as staying humble and not letting the badge or title go to your head,” she said.
Alli Harris – Glennie School Captain
Alli Harris became a school leader because she wants to give back to her school after all the opportunities it has given her.
Her favourite subjects is building and construction and said it was invaluable for students to have options for flexible pathway courses.
She hasn’t decided what she will do next year, but is exploring different study experience and subjects for the many different pathways available to her.
“If I could give a piece of advice to myself from a year ago I would remind her that there is support in every corner,” she said.
“It is common to feel the need to do everything independently and not ask for a great deal of help when doing so.
“However, everyone around is there to help you achieve your plans and goals, and it is OK to reach out to others.
Understanding how important it is to be a role model to those around her is one thing that makes a good leader, she said.
Oakey State High School
Isabella Ferguson – School Captain
Stepping out of her comfort zone, expanding her horizons and inspiring other students to become a bigger part of the school community was why Isabella Ferguson put her hand up for school captain.
Sport and English are her favourite subjects, because sport there is less pressure from final exams and in English, she enjoys discussing interesting study topics.
When she finishes school she wants to study diagnostic medical sonography and travel the world.
“Advice I would give to my younger self would be to live in the moment and to enjoy right now,” she said.
“I would tell myself to stop worrying about the future and what it holds, and that we will figure out what to do eventually.”
Seeing things from another’s point of view is one of the many things that makes a good school leader, she said.
Ethan Altadonna – School Captain
To be challenged and to be remembered as someone willing to help out was why Ethan Altadonna wanted to be a school leader.
Being someone who leads by example and is a positive role model to his peers is what make as a good school leader, he said.
Physics and sport are his favourite subjects, physics because he loves “learning relatable topics to life” and sports because he enjoys the physical activity.
“Stop hesitating and just go for it” is his advice to his younger self.
When he finishes school he hopes to be a PE, history or physics high school teacher.
Tessa Gale – School Captain
Making other students feel engaged, included and heard is what drove Tessa Gale to become a school leader.
Sport and biology are her favourite subjects because sport gives her a “bit of a break” and biology “never fails to interest me”.
She said she has “no idea” what do when she finishes school and “has been pondering on this question for many years now and still doesn’t know the answer.”
“I am keen on heading down a university pathway but am yet to decide what that will be,” she said.
“Whether it be for a chat, some support, or suggestions, I felt that as a leader, I would have the opportunity to leave a positive influence on our community,” she said.
“If you don’t ever step out of your comfort zone, you are never going to find out what you are capable of,” she said her advice to younger herself is.
“Stop thinking you can’t, because you can!”
A great school leader is a selfless, open-minded listener, who gives continuous encouragement, support and guidance – whenever it may be needed, she said.
Connie Bradley – School Captain
Leadership has a power that can bring people together in a positive and supportive environment, and that is why Connie Bradley put her hand up for school leader, she said.
PE and English are her favourite subjects, and she loves learning about how the bodywork in PE, and about all the things to explore and discuss in English.
When she finishes school she hopes to study nursing and work in the medical field.
“If I could give advice to my younger self, I’d tell myself to be more confident and trust in my abilities,” she said.
“A lot of times, I second-guessed myself or worried too much about what others thought.
“I’d remind myself that it’s okay to make mistakes and that growth comes from stepping outside my comfort zone, not staying in it.
“I’d also tell myself not to stress so much about the future – it’s okay to take things one step at a time and focus on what I can do in the
present to improve.”
She said someone who listens, communicates well, and always has the best interests of the school community at heart, is what makes a great school leader.
Pipah Collins – Indigenous School Leader
Being familiar with the Indigenous students in the school and wanting to help them better understand their culture and who they are is why Pipah Collins put her hand up to be a school leader.
Her favourite subjects is science and business studies, because they are interesting and practical for everyday life and in whatever career she might choose, she said.
When she finishes school she wants to travel the world before she settles down in a career she enjoys.
Her advice to her younger self was “to think before you act and to stay focused – take things as they come and try to find some calm in the storm”.
Leading by example, learning from your mistakes, being involved in your community and encouraging people to grow through support and encouragement, is what makes a good leader, she said.
Concordia Lutheran College
Bella Edwards – School Captain
Bella wanted to be school captain because Concordia was where she had grown up and had made some of her closest friends in Prep at the school.
“I was a little shocked when I was chosen and it was a little nerve wracking, but I love our school community,” she said.
“I want to maintain an environment where everyone is included and tries new things.”
“I really want to get a job in sport equity, giving everyone the same access to sport and health opportunities.
“The career of my dreams involves travelling across the country where everyone has a level playing field when it comes to sport,” Bella said.
Harry Allsop – School Captain
Harry hopes that being school leader, he’ll be able to make “little differences in the lives of other students”.
He said a smile goes a long way and a simple “how’s it going” means a lot to younger students.
Travel and a possible career in physiotherapy is what Harry hopes his future holds, but he said he mostly focused on grabbing the opportunity as school leader.
“We need to lead by example and be a good role model for the younger students,” he said.
“I want to try and increase the great culture of the school and for students to always strive to do their best.”
Toowoomba Grammar School
Hedley Donges – Senior Dayboy Prefect
Developing new skills, thinking critically and growing both personally and professionally to prepare for life beyond school, was why Hedley Donges put his hand up as a school leader.
He wants to work in fitness when he finishes school, and his two favourite subjects are fitness and economics.
“I enjoy economics as it gives you an insight in what happens around the world and what it takes to keep food on your table,” he said.
“I would tell my younger self to stand up for what’s right and give 110 per cent in everything you do as the opportunities you get as a young teenager never come around again and they are the most important years in your life to develop as a young man.”
Visionary thinking, empathy, compassion, and resilience are what makes a great school leader, he said.
Gilbert Tighe – Senior Prefect
“To challenge myself and get outside my comfort zone” was why Gilbert Tighe put his hand up for senior prefect.
Coming from a cereal cropping farm Gilbert’s favourite subjects are Agriculture and Business.
“I enjoy my business studies as I am learning something new everyday; whether it be learning how to run a business or what a business is and how it operates.”
Working with a harvesting crew in America, travelling, and then returning to Australia to work on a farm are his plans once he finishes high school.
“The advice I would give to myself this time last year would be to try new things and take advantage of every opportunity that is thrown your way whether it be something new, hard, or something you already love,” he said.
“You don’t realise how little time you have left by the time you reach Year 12 and it’s important to give everything a crack and
challenge yourself before it’s too late.”
“I believe the things that make up a good school leader is resilience and the willingness to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself,” he said.
Rupeni Baravilala – Senior Boarder Prefect
“To push for inclusivity and spread knowledge about culture, helping students to express their identities without backlash” was why Rupeni Baravilala put his hand up for school leader.
“I believe expressing yourself is important to not only make your life more enjoyable, but to also reach out and try new things and meet new people,” he said.
Rupeni wants to be a professional rugby player on the international stage, or study at university to become a teacher.
“Being able to help people has always put a smile on my face.”
Advice to his younger sel was to “to work out more and try to spend more time with my close friends”.
“Being in the moment more instead of just planning about the next thing.”
For him a great school leader is someone that is approachable, honest and leads as well as he can listen.
“A great leader is someone who leads by example, who’s not afraid to voice their opinions, and is able to learn new things and embrace challenge.”
St Ursula’s College Toowoomba
Abbie Mills – School Captain
Wanting to leave a lasting legacy on the College and build upon our strong school spirit, was why Abbie Mills wanted to be a school leader.
Taking a gap year to explore Europe before studying architecture at university is what Abbie hopes she’ll do when she finishes school.
Her favourite subjects are design and literature.
“Design for me is an escape from the demands of school and personal life, and I love the creativity of both of these subjects, particularly literature,” she said.
“If I could give advice to myself a year ago, I would say to take every opportunity that comes your way, I think being able to step outside your comfort zone is a huge part of your character, and something we should strive to do.”
For Abbie, being a school leader means having good communication, as well as attributes like being accountable, responsible, confident, encouraging and having resilience.
Lucy Ryan – Vice College Captain
To meet “lots of new and interesting people” and to be a “role model for the younger girls at school” was why Lucy Ryan wants to be a school leader.
With aspirations to be an engineer in the Royal Australian Air Force, Lucy’s favourite subject is specialist maths, because it pushes her to “think outside the box”.
“I also love maths because it is the universal language that everyone across the world can understand,” she said.
“Don’t forget to give everything a go! It may seem scary, but it is important to take that leap of faith, to push yourself, so that you can excel and most importantly have fun,” was her advice to her year 11 self.
She said a great school leader is someone who shows respect, is approachable and is willing to serve students before themselves.
Grace Thomas – Student Representative Council Captain
To help create a positive, creative and encouraging environment where everyone and their gifts and talents are valued and heard was why Grace wanted to be a school leader.
Her eyes are set on being a forensic specialist or going into occupational therapy when she finishes school, she said.
Her favourite subjects are film and music.
“They allow me to dive deeper in my learning in something I’m very passionate in,” she said.
“They are both able to give me a unique platform to share stories, emotions and experiences in very different ways.”
“Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone as it is where you will grow the most” is her advice to her younger self.
“What makes a great leader is someone who can empower others to give everything a try no matter the outcome and someone who can problem solve to create a great outcome for all,” she said.
Kago Mosako – Boarding Captain
Kago became a school leader so she can make a change and have an impact on people.
Chemistry is her favourite subject, and the aspiring humanitarian lawyer said she loves watching how different solutions change with colour temperature and volume.
“The subject somewhat connects to people, as it shows me how people are the chemical solutions, and by interacting with more people, we may change depending on the influence those people make on us,” she said.
“Advice that I would tell my younger self from a year ago would be to never be scared to try new things and to never doubt myself.
“ Trying new things and getting out of my comfort zone led me to a student leader role, which I myself would have never imagined having a year ago if I hadn’t just gone for it.”
Understanding your peers, setting a high standard, being thoughtful and considerate, advocating and encouraging students is what makes a good school leader, she said.
Eve Reimers – Service Captain
Eve chose to run for a leadership position this year because she want to give back to the College that has given me so much.
Her favourite subjects are specialist maths and chemistry and wants to go to university to study a field of biomedicine, computer and data science, law, or mathematics.
“I find chemistry super fascinating as to how everything ties together, and of course the experiments are really cool,” she said.
“If I could say anything to year 11 Eve, I would tell her to not take everything so seriously,” she said.
“You don’t have to be perfect all the time, you may not get everything you want, but there’s always a silver lining and a learning opportunity.”
“To me, a great school leader is someone who is determined to better themselves and their school community through embracing opportunities, getting to know everyone, and encouraging everyone to get as involved as they can.”
Lucy Dyson – Sports Captain
To represent and become a mentor to the younger students like other school leader were to her was why Lucy wanted to be a school leader.
Fitness is her favourite subject and she wants to be an electrical engineer and work in mine sites, as a way of encourage more gender balance.
Her advice to her younger self is to “say ‘yes’ more”.
“You only live once so why not take everything that is offered to you and cause once your done high school there will be completely different opportunities and chances which won’t come twice,” she said.
“I believe a great leader is made of many skills including being empathetic, building connections with the community as well as not be afraid to walk against the current when that is your easier option.”
St Mary’s College
Charlie Barnes – College Captain
Learning from the other St Mary’s school leaders who had “such a great influence” on him was why Charlie wants to be a school leader.
“When the opportunity came up to be a leader I felt drawn to try and get involved and be a good role model for the younger students,” Charlie said.
Not yet sure what he will do after he finishes school, he said it will probably be in either finance, business or education, so he can teach his favourite subjects – maths and PE.
“I really enjoy working with numbers and problem-solving,” he said.
“I love being active and playing footy and golf so PE was always a natural fit for me.”
“I would tell my younger self just to be myself and be confident in my beliefs and ideas without worrying about what others think,” he said.
A good school leader is someone who is “approachable, authentic and easy to talk to”, he said.
George Yeo – Vice College Captain
“Giving back” and making a contribution in his last year at school was why George Yeo wants to be a school leader.
Accounting, aerospace and learning about the aviation industry are a few of George’s favourite subjects.
He’s hasn’t yet decided a course for his future after he finishes school, but he’s considering accounting because he enjoys studying it so much.
“I would tell my younger self that time passes very quickly and that it is important to appreciate the moment,” he said.
“Also, make the most of every opportunity at school because you won’t regret giving things a go.”
He said as a school leader it’s important to lead by example.
St Saviours College
Dimercia Kalenga – College Captain
To “give back to a community that supported me and shaped in different aspects of life” was why Dimercia Kalenga put her hand up for College Captain.
Aspiring to be “someone that can make a change in this world even if its only a little” her favourite subjects are study of religion and chemistry.
“I like study of religion because I get to explore different cultures and religions, learning more about them and seeing similarities,” she said.
“ It’s like travelling the world while still being in the classroom.
“As for chemistry, the experiments speak for themselves.
“The advice I would give my younger self would definitely be to have a little more faith and live life.
“What makes me a great school leader is that I have a willingness to listen, learn and lift others and lead,” she said.
Elize Tom – College vice-captain
The aspiring GP’s favourite subjects are chemistry, maths and physics because they give her insight to how the real-world works and brings me a sense of curiosity to learn and engage more as STEM evolves through rapid changes.
“If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to believe in who I am and who I want to be,” she said.
“A great school leader is not just about making decisions for the school but listening to others’ ideas.
“This sense of respect and value for each other is a key attribute in any circumstance.
“Furthermore, a great school leader is flexible in managing situations and always has a Plan B when things don’t go right.”
Centenary Heights State High School
Zac Hickey – School Captain
To make a positive difference to his school which was inspired and influenced by the past leaders was why Zac Hickey put his hand up for School Captain.
Wanting to go on to study accounting or financial economics and public policy, he favourite subject is Economics, which he is studying through the Brisbane School of Distance Education.
His advice to his younger self was to “focus on the concept of impermanence and to not worry about daily toils and procrastinations”.
A good leader is someone “who has the humility to be inspired from their surroundings and the people around them, however, has the maturity to know when to lead by example as a student representative through modest yet confident mannerisms,” he said.
Micah Walmsley – School Vice-Captain
To be a positive influence on others and to continue building the inclusive culture of Centenary Heights was why Micah Walmsley wanted to be a school leader.
The aspiring musician who is passionate about performing said his favourite subjects are music and psychology.
“My teacher is very knowledgeable and challenges me to think hard while creating good connections with
students,” he said.
Standing firm in your morals and values in all situations, even when it’s easier not to, is his advice to his younger self.
Someone who is genuine, supportive, and passionate about creating community through making others feel accepted and welcomed is what makes a good leader, he said.
Jemma Seymour – School Captain
Leading by example and using my actions to demonstrate good behaviour and kindness to my fellow students was why Jemma Seymour put her hand up to be a school leader
“I want to leave a positive influence on every student or teacher I interact with and emphasise the importance of just how far a little bit of kindness can go,” she said.
Wanting to continue on to study performing arts or psychology in another Australian state, she is still yet to decide what course her life will take.
Her favourite subjects are psychology and literature because they “intrigue” and she said has a “curiosity for learning”.
“Aim not to live with regrets; apply for things and meet new people because every obstacle or success you encounter will be able bring you growth and leave you for the better,” she said was her advice to her younger self.
A good leader, she said, is “someone who is able to show their love for being able to work with and serve others in a humble and gentle manner whilst also maintaining a level of organisation and discipline to be able to put action in place”.
Ishana Nand – School Vice-Captain
Ishana Nand said she is proud of her school and that’s why she became a school leader.
She enjoys history and English subjects because “these subjects, really allow you to see human nature
and the patterns which are constantly repeated through history.”
“I hope to venture into becoming a secondary teacher or prosecutor,” she said.
“I feel that both occupations allow you to be around and interact with many people from different walks of life
every day, which is important to improve our understanding of different perspectives and views.”
She said a good leader who is someone who is willing to understand their peers and advocates for them.
Fairholme College
Gracie Mack – School Leader
Getting involved in school events, having a sister who was head boarder and close to a lot of other girls who were in leadership positions was one of the many reasons Gracie Mack put her hand up to be a school leader.
Her favourite subjects are maths and dance for the predictability of maths, and the creativity of dance.
An aspiring Actuary, Gracie wants to go on to study Actuarial Science.
“I would love to go into the consulting side of it once I graduated,” she said.
“This would mean I would use data to analyse situations further and support any proposals I made from a business point of view to my clients.
“I would tell my younger self to slow down at times.
“Never throw away your ambition because that is still important but stop and smell the roses as the saying goes, find the balance between the present and the future.
“I think what makes a great leader is someone who wants to be there, which I can attest are many people, but if you really love it and want to be there then you will get in and get things done but are also happy to ask questions, get input, take on constructive advice and grow in your leadership.”
Toowoomba Anglican School
Bonnie Bryant – Head Girl
A student at Toowoomba Anglican School since her prep year, Bonnie Bryant became a school leader so she could help give the “same kind of great experiences” as she had to other students, and also to continue to improve things for the future of the school.
Travel with friends and family before studying in the health field in Toowoomba is what Bonnie hopes to do when she finishes school.
“Being in Toowoomba means I would still see my family and friends and also have a sense of freedom in a place I love and in which I am familiar with,” she said.
Her favourite subjects are chemistry and maths.
She said they both challenge and push her to achieve her best.
“Some advice I would give to my ‘younger self’ is to make sure you continue to have fun in the senior years.
“Yes, there is a lot of study, and if you consistently work and back yourself, then you can still make time to laugh and have fun with your friends and keep involved in the sports and extra-curricular activities you love.
“I think I am going to look back on my answer to this question in years to come and laugh as I know that I have got so much to learn still!
“A great school leader serves their school and takes care of others whilst modelling taking care of themselves,” she said.
“They are humble yet courageous, kind yet determined, respectful yet promotes change and collaborative yet takes responsibility.
“A great school leader remains also true to themselves as well as to their community.”
George Lawrence – Head Boy
Giving back to the school and the community is why George Lawrence put his hand up to be school leader.
George said he wants to go on to study finance or economics at a Brisbane or Sydney university.
“My favourite subjects are probably specialist maths and literature, because they are both so challenging and interesting, and are both so rewarding if you work hard enough,” he said.
“I would tell myself to not get too worried about the way things turn out, and to just be the best friend you can be to as many people as you can”, was his advice to his younger self.
“ I think that a great school leader is someone who can be a role model for their peers, someone who takes as many opportunities as possible while being as friendly and kind as possible,” he said.
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