Student Spotlight

Iris Bouwmeester - Prefect for College

What is one thing you hope to achieve as a College leader in 2023? 

To inspire the next generation of House leaders to give everything a go and be open to new ideas, while also raising House spirit and building College House to be a place that feels inspiring, empowering and something that’s worthwhile getting fully involved in.

What qualities or skills do you think make a good House Prefect? 

Having really positive energy and enthusiasm, as well as being able to have a go at literally everything and lead by example.

Why are you proud to be a St Mary's student? 

Because I love the empowering culture that the school strives to create and how involved and supportive the staff and students are.

What's the best thing about your House? 

As a House, we are really supportive and kind to one another, and we are fantastic at creating an uplifting environment to be a part of. 

What's your House 'spirit animal' and why? 

We don’t have a specific spirit animal, but if College House was to have one, I think it would have to be a parrot—chirpy and full of House spirit and ready to give everything a crack. 

Does your House have a signature song or chant that's guaranteed to be played at carnivals/sporting events? 

At every single House event this year we have had numerous renditions of 'Turn on the radio what do you hear', it definitely seems to be a favourite amongst our House.

Harriet Kelly - Prefect for Presentation 

What is one thing you hope to achieve as a College leader in 2023? 

A big goal of the year for me was aiming to improve participation across the College in House events. Whether this be in sporting carnivals, talent shows or many other various competitions throughout the school years. Another goal is to win the House cup. 

What qualities or skills do you think make a good House Prefect? 

It is important for House Prefects to bring enthusiasm and encouragement to their role. These skills are vital to ensuring that all members of the House are encouraged to participate within the school.

Why are you proud to be a St Mary's student? 

I have been at St Mary’s since Kinder and throughout this time I have always been proud to be a St Mary’s student. I am proud of the strong sense of community and friendship the school has.

What's the best thing about your House? 

The best thing about Presentation is the people. Both staff and students are what make the House activities and sport carnivals so fun!

What's your House 'spirit animal' and why? 

A Dinosaur, because Holly Teale (Year 11) always dresses up like one, in her blow-up yellow dinosaur costume. 

Does your House have a signature song or chant that's guaranteed to be played at carnivals/sporting events? 

'Turn on the radio'.

Ella Robinson - Prefect for Nagle 

What is one thing you hope to achieve as a College leader in 2023? 

As a College leader in 2023, I hope to foster a stronger sense of belonging and teamwork among students while also striving to lead our House to victory in the House cup competition. 

What qualities or skills do you think make a good House Prefect? 

A good House Prefect possesses qualities such as strong organisational skills and a genuine commitment to inclusivity. 

Why are you proud to be a St Mary's student? 

Being a St Mary's student fills me with pride due to the nurturing environment that supports both academic and personal growth.

What's the best thing about your House? 

The best thing about Nagle is the tight-knit and inclusive atmosphere that encourages friendships and teamwork. 

What's your House 'spirit animal' and why? 

Our House spirit animal, introduced in 2022, is a fluffy green monster named Nelson, he represents our unique and fun house personality. 

Does your House have a signature song or chant that's guaranteed to be played at carnivals/sporting events? 

Our House doesn’t have a signature song or chant.

Isabella Thurley - Prefect for Manresa 

What is one thing you hope to achieve as a College leader in 2023? 

As 2023 is close to finishing, I hope I have been successful in achieving a positive, encouraging and approachable environment. School can sometimes be a stressful place, but our House games and competitions provide a safe area where students can take a break from those worries. Many, including myself, tend to take things too seriously, and I think it’s important to remind yourself to have fun along the way and to laugh at your mistakes. 

What qualities or skills do you think make a good House Prefect? 

Approachability, confidence and cooperation are qualities that I have found to be necessary for the role. I will admit, I did not start the year with a great deal of confidence as the Manresa House Prefect and was concerned as to whether I would be best suited for the role, but I decided that I needed to prove myself wrong applied the classic ‘fake it till you make it’ philosophy. As you are working with teachers, mentors, other Prefects and students in the House, you need to be able to communicate and work as a team. You are all aiming for the one goal and must assist and support each other in doing so.

Why are you proud to be a St Mary's student? 

St Mary’s has a long and successful history that I am privileged to be a part of. As a Prefect, I have been given the opportunity to continue the tradition that many have completed before me. St Mary’s is a very well-respected school and is known for the presentable and kind young women it assists in raising which makes me proud to say that I attend this school. This College opens a variety of opportunities for its students, fostering hard working women and has assisted me in my academic achievements. St Mary’s has seen me grow from a young Kinder who admired the Year 12s and Prefects, to a Year 12 student who is proud to be that for the younger children now. 

What's the best thing about your House? 

This year I have been greatly surprised by the levels of participation across the grades. Even in our weekly House games, students are eager to participate and have a go which is a great example for younger year groups. Judging by the way the House cup is going at the moment (hoping not to jinx things), but I think everyone would agree that Manresa's participation is the best thing about us. 

What's your House 'spirit animal' and why? 

This year we have swapped Smurfette for Bluey. I feel that Bluey, besides her name, is able to represent Manresa as she is illustrated as playful, encouraging, determined and eager to help. These characteristics are able to uphold our motto of 'Work hard to reach the stars' as we embody determination while supporting others along the way. 

Does your House have a signature song or chant that's guaranteed to be played at carnivals/sporting events? 

'M-A-N-R-E-S-A we are looking good today, fire fire burning hot, we’re the team that never stops. GOOOOO MANRESA!'