The Ivy Voice

Cadets 

Steph Cotronis, Senior CUO, Year 12, Ridgeway Campus 

 

Hi, I'm Steph, and I am thrilled to be this year's Senior Cadet Under Officer (Senior CUO), the highest leadership position, in our Cadet unit. Achieving this role has been an incredible journey, requiring resilience, teamwork, and dedication over many years. 

  

This promotion is the culmination of not only my personal growth but also the collective efforts of our entire Cadet unit. Alongside other Cadets from Years 10, 11, and 12, I participated in a rigorous four-day promotions camp. The camp tested us physically, mentally, and in our knowledge of Cadet lessons and training gained throughout our time in the unit. From navigation exercises and medical scenarios to leadership lectures and communication challenges, every activity pushed us to strengthen our skills and grow as leaders. 

  

Receiving this promotion on the final day of camp was a great moment for me. It signifies my commitment not only to personal growth but also to recognising my abilities and using them to enhance the unit for the benefit of all Cadets. I am immensely grateful to the friends I have made in Cadets, the leaders who guided me, and especially the senior leaders from previous years, whose encouragement and mentorship shaped the leader I am today. Now, I am eager to pay that support forward, helping every Cadet in our unit realise their potential and thrive by exhibiting some of our key values of dedication, integrity, and teamwork. 

  

As we embark on a new Cadet year, I have the privilege of managing the unit alongside our other senior leaders: Florence Donarelli, our Executant Officer; Lucas Bland, our Regimental Sergeant Major; Karma Sabaa, our Head of Training and Assessment; our dedicated Year 12 CUOs; and, of course, the many teachers whose guidance and support are essential to the success of our unit. 

  

Together, our vision for this Cadet year is to foster an environment where every Cadet feels valued, supported, and inspired. We want each Cadet to recognise their unique strengths, develop critical skills like teamwork and resilience, and forge friendships that will last well beyond their time in the Cadet program. 

  

 

 

As Senior Leaders of the unit, we have several priorities to help us achieve this vision: 

  • We will create a warm and inclusive onboarding process, ensuring recruits feel integrated into the unit from their very first day. Through engaging activities like team-building exercises and practical skill sessions, we will provide a strong foundation for their journey as Cadets. 
  • With the help of my leadership team, I will oversee lessons in navigation, the phonetic alphabet, medical skills, and drill practice. We want Cadets to gain hands-on experience that builds confidence and prepares them for challenges both in and out of the unit. 
  • I encourage every Cadet to view us, as their senior leaders, not just as instructors but as mentors. We are there for guidance, whether it’s clarifying lesson material or simply offering encouragement when the going gets tough. 
  • This year, we’re introducing fresh, exciting initiatives, such as interactive training competitions and leadership challenges like an interactive leaderboard for each platoon. These activities are designed to keep cadets motivated while promoting teamwork and communication. 
  • As leaders, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence, professionalism, and respect. By leading by example, we aim to inspire the future of cadets and leave a positive, lasting impact on the unit. 

  

I also want to emphasise that Cadets isn't just about mastering skills like navigation or drill, it’s about personal growth. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, discovering new capabilities, and building the confidence to overcome obstacles. We believe that every Cadet, no matter their background or experience, has something valuable to contribute to our unit.   

We are determined to make this year memorable and transformative for every Cadet, from our newest recruits to our leaders in Years 10, 11 and 12.  

  

I am honoured to serve the unit as we embark on this exciting Cadet year.

 

 

Xavier Chy, Year 11, Ridgeway Campus

 

In the first week of the summer holidays, cadets departed for the Annual Bivouac Cadet Camp, an exciting yet challenging experience. Leading up to this, numerous lessons were spent with specialist platoons who helped teach the new cohort of cadets the fundamental skills they needed to help support the unit. Since this was the first cadet camp of the year with a new platoon, the start of camp gave my platoon time to get to know each other more, as well as our unique skills and attitudes.  

 

A highlight of the Bivouac Camp was the navigation exercise, where cadets were taught how to navigate using a compass, map, and other devices. This activity created many valuable moments to teach cadets how to handle situations under pressure while also being enjoyable and fostering teamwork. Another memorable activity was the Bullrun, a set of physically and mentally demanding tasks designed to challenge cadets to work as a team. Although tiring, the sense of accomplishment after each task was fulfilling and left my platoon with many funny memories.  

 

Aside from planned activities, the camp also focused on forming strong bonds throughout the platoon and the rest of the cohort, learning to trust and support each other in unfamiliar and sometimes stressful situations. Through this camp, I gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of teamwork and perseverance. Reflecting on the camp, this experience has set a strong foundation for the year ahead, and I look forward to what the Cadet Program has to offer me in the year to come.