From the Deputy Principal

Character Counts: Leadership Beyond the Badge

With our 2027 College Captain, Mac Hillsdon, and Vice-Captains, Zachary Rapa and Simon Ellis, now announced, I extend my sincere congratulations to these young men on their appointment. We look forward to the leadership they will provide in the year ahead. Attention now turns to the election of the wider Year 12 Student Leadership Team.

I recently spoke with our Year 11 students about the important responsibility they carry as they cast their votes. I encouraged them to look beyond popularity and consider character. Leadership is not about status, recognition or holding a title. It is about treating others with respect, acting with compassion and leading with purpose. The best leaders inspire those around them not because of the position they hold, but because of the character they demonstrate every day.

These qualities are also deeply connected to our four College Values. Faith calls us to lead with compassion and service; Respect shapes the way we treat ourselves and others; Excellence challenges us to take responsibility for our actions and strive to be our best; and Opportunity encourages us to make the most of every chance to contribute positively to our community. These values provide a powerful guide for identifying the kind of leadership that strengthens and enriches our College.

As our students prepare to elect the additional members of the Student Leadership Team (Prefects and House Captains), it is worth remembering that while not everyone will receive a Leadership badge, every student has the capacity to lead. Leadership is not reserved for those who are elected to the Leadership team. Every student has the opportunity to lead through their actions and choices. 

Leadership is often revealed in everyday moments: showing kindness and respect, speaking up for what is right, listening with empathy and understanding, acting with honesty and integrity, supporting others who need encouragement, and remaining hopeful during challenging times.

These actions may seem small, but they can have a lasting impact on the people around us. Leadership is not defined by a title or position; it is revealed through the choices we make, the values we uphold, the way we treat others, and the example we set each day.

As the voting process unfolds, I wish all students every success. May all embrace every opportunity to lead with courage, integrity and respect, whether or not they wear a badge.

Ms Elizabeth Watson - Deputy Principal