Acting Senior School Principal Report

Senior School Leadership

Farewell 2024 College Captains and Prefects

As our Year 12 students are currently undertaking their final examinations, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our 2024 Captains and Prefects for their outstanding leadership and for the significant contributions that they have made to our school community. 

We are extremely proud of their achievements. Thank you to:

• Savannah Whelan and Lachlan Christie: College Captains
• Lizzie Vlahos and Jack McCartney: College Vice-Captains

We would also like to take the opportunity to thank our Prefect Team for their exceptional efforts:

• Environment: Cailin Stubbings and Laura Thompson
• Performing Arts: Erin Flynn
• Sport: Morgan Jalocha and Emma Read
• SRC: Jacqueline O’Connor and Hannah Carroll 
• Wellbeing: Mia Bailey 

Introducing the 2025 College Captains and Prefects

As a school, we have been very fortunate this year to have had such a hardworking and dynamic Year 11 Leadership Team. The selection of captains for 2025 was particularly competitive and rigorous as we had so many students that showed a willingness to step up, lead, and embrace new challenges. Thank you to all applicants for the interest that they expressed and the effort that they put into the application process. 

The following students have been successful in being appointed to positions for next year:

• Tayla Donald and Liam Russell: College Captains
• Shaye Mattison and Jacksyn Fitzsimons: College Vice-Captains
• Environment: Rose Silver
• Performing Arts: Caleb Smith
• Sport: Myah Goodwin, Mitch Laurie and Milly Smyth
• SRC: Bella Conversano
• Wellbeing: Emily Parker and Chloe Riddell 

Each student will play a pivotal role across the College and we look forward to seeing the passion and commitment that they will bring to their respective positions. 

Tayla Donald, College Captain

When I finish school... I plan to attend university to receive a degree in nursing and then go on to become a midwife. I have always enjoyed helping others and through my studies in Health and Human Development over the past two years I have gained a real interest in how the body works. Combined with my job as a swim teacher for small children I want to be able to help mothers bring their babies into the world.

My favourite school experience was... going on the Central Australia Trip this year. I really enjoyed this opportunity because I was able to try a lot of new things, learn and see some of the history of Australia and deepen my friendships with the whole group.

Two things that have really helped me are... "early to bed, early to rise" - getting to bed early and then getting up early just helps me get the day started right. And the second one is "let your light shine." I know it sounds corny but when we try our hardest other people get to see how great we are and maybe even become more comfortable letting others see how great they are too.

In 2025, I am most looking forward to... creating lasting memories with everyone; whether that’s through sports days or dress up days, I am excited to make our last year at Norwood one full with amazing memories. I also can’t wait to work with the leadership team to make Norwood an even better place for everyone. 

Liam Russell, College Captain

When I finish school... I hope to find a job that supports my lifestyle and my interests. I want to enjoy what I do and be happy.

My favourite school experience was... the Central Australia trip. I have memories that I will cherish forever. I won’t forget all the laughs that were had there.

The best piece of advice I have been given is... to make your story bigger than yourself and find ways to contribute something positive to others as often as possible.

In 2025 I am most looking forward to... spending the last year of my schooling with the best people and prepare to take on life outside of school. 

Shaye Mattison, College Vice-Captain

When I finish school, I hope to… move to North Queensland and go to University to either study Sport Science or Nutrition. I am also looking forward to travelling  overseas after finishing school.

My favourite school experience was... theYear 11 Central Australia Camp this year. It was the best experience ever. I had lots of fun with my friends. I also enjoyed developing great relationships with the teachers. I had the most amazing opportunity to run around all of Uluru at sunrise, with some of my friends and some teachers. It was incredible. I loved visiting so many places, which included Berry Springs and the walk around Kings Canyon. 

The best piece of advice I have been given is... to smile and always be kind and nice to people, because you don’t know what they might be going through.  

In 2025, I am most looking forward to... spending the last year with my friends and making the best memories. I also look forward to having fun and enjoying being Vice School Captain, whilst working with the leadership team to improve our wonderful school. 

Jacksyn Fitzsimons, College Vice-Captain

When I finish school... I hope to have achieved the best grades I can possibly get, to get into the courses that suit my attributes. I wish to be involved in the industry of professional sport or sports development, whether it be playing, coaching, assisting or any other roles necessary. I like to keep my options open however I have key interests in sport, human development and many trades that I believe I can excel in.

My favourite school experience was... Outdoor Education in year 9. I have always loved going on camps and trying new activities and therefore Outdoor Education was a subject I was interested in right from the start. I had a great class with some of my best mates and Mr Cole as a teacher. We went on many camps and day activities that were amazing to be apart of. I would highly recommend this subject for the younger year levels to select.

The best piece of advice I have been given... is to take Year 12 seriously but don’t forget to have fun along the way. That goes for all year levels as well. We must remember to enjoy the exciting and funny moments in school while also making sure we’re on top of our study. This is one thing I will definitely take into the final year at Norwood.

In 2025, I am most looking forward to... being the oldest year at the school and enjoying all the activities, events and challenges in our last year at Norwood. I also look forward to making a positive impact as a leadership team to benefit the school in any way possible. Ultimately, 2025 will be the year to remember all the hard work, enjoyable moments and challenges for all of us soon to be Year 12s and therefore I can’t wait to get started.