Year 12 School Captain Team Signing Off!

As the graduating class of 2026 wrapped up classes and celebrated the conclusion of their time at Box Hill High School the 2026 Year 12 School Captain team reflected on their impact as leaders of our student body.  

Rohan MR | 2026 School Captain  

What have been the most significant lessons you have learnt about leadership this year? 

The moment that most clearly changed my understanding of leadership was completing my 100km fundraiser in February. I have never considered myself a particularly vocal leader, but despite that our community came together to raise more than $18,000 for youth mental health which is something I care very deeply about. 

It showed me that leadership is often less about what you say and more about the example you set through your actions. At the same time, I have learnt that leadership is not about achieving things alone. It is about supporting the people around you to pursue their own goals and recognising that the most meaningful achievements are almost always a team effort. 

I have also learnt far more from listening than speaking. One of the most rewarding parts of this year has been working with younger students on their own goals, whether personal or leadership related, and it’s incredible to see the amazing ideas and passion they are bringing into the coming years. 

Ultimately, I think the purpose of leadership is to help create an environment in which other people can flourish, so being able to offer advice, encouragement and support has been incredibly gratifying. 

What achievements are you most proud of as a student leader? 

The contribution I am most proud of is definitely the 100km fundraiser. It was incredible to see almost a year of planning and training culminate in a day where so many young people came together with a shared purpose: raising money for their community while challenging themselves to achieve something difficult. 

Even if that had been the only thing to come from the event, I would have been enormously proud of what we achieved together. The subsequent creation of ‘Rohan’s Support Fund’ made it even more meaningful. Our collective efforts have created a tangible way for young people in the Box Hill community to access support and improve their lives, and knowing that the impact of that day can continue into the future is something I am really proud of. 

How have you made the school a better place? What legacy do you hope to leave for future student leaders? 

The legacy I hope to leave is the belief that people are capable of achieving far more than they might initially expect, that it is always okay to seek support, and that we should encourage one another to pursue the things that matter to us. 

The tangible things I have helped create, such as the support fund and parkrun club, are really just expressions of those broader ideas. More than anything, I hope they continue to encourage students to challenge themselves, support each other and recognise what they are capable of. 

Ultimately, I would be happiest if people remembered the message behind those initiatives more than they remembered me personally. 

How has being a student leader prepared me for my future beyond school? 

Being School Captain has helped me grow in a number of ways, particularly in my public speaking. Improving that was one of the reasons I applied for the position in the first place, as it was something I had always felt very uncomfortable with, and I am very grateful for the many opportunities I have had to develop that skill throughout the year. 

More importantly, the role has reminded me of the importance of looking after the people around us and reminded me that meaningful achievements rarely happen through individual effort alone. Whether at school or beyond it, I hope to carry forward the idea that leadership is about bringing people together, supporting others and being willing to contribute wherever you can. 

I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as School Captain in 2026, and I cannot wait to see what incredible things the student leaders who follow us will go on to achieve. 

Leigh H | 2026 School Vice-Captain  

What have been the most significant lessons you have learnt about leadership this year? 

Leadership is more than being the best or most confident speaker. Instead, it is about listening to others’ opinions and effectively communicating with those around you. I have learnt that being a good leader means being a team player and demonstrating kindness, care, respect and empathy. It also means recognising when you need support and not being afraid to ask for help. Throughout the year, I have realised that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about working with others to achieve a common goal. 

What achievements are you most proud of as a student leader? 

As a student leader, I am most proud of the small differences that we, as leaders, can make, which can have a significant impact on others. Whether it is through small gestures that spread positivity throughout the school environment or mentoring students and encouraging them to apply for future leadership roles, these actions can make a meaningful difference. I am proud that I have been able to contribute positively to the school community and inspire future student leaders. These experiences have shown me that leadership does not always have to involve a large event or major achievement; sometimes, the smallest actions can have the greatest impact. 

How have you made the school a better place? What legacy do you hope to leave for future student leaders? 

I have helped make the school a better place through my involvement with and support of my cohort. In Term 3, I organised a Post-it Note Encouragement Day, where the prefect team and I placed notes with words and messages of encouragement around the school to improve the morale of the Year 12 cohort before the stressful final examination period. We arrived an hour before school started and managed to write and place a note on every Year 12 student’s locker, as well as placing messages on windows, desks and tables throughout the common room and study hall. 

This experience demonstrated to me how a simple act of kindness can have a meaningful impact on others. The legacy I hope to leave for future student leaders is the belief that a little bit of kindness can go a long way and can make the difference between someone having a good or bad day. I hope future leaders continue to create a positive and supportive school environment through both their large contributions and small everyday actions. 

How has being a student leader prepared me for my future beyond school? 

Being a student leader has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. Despite my fear of public speaking, I have gained confidence through delivering speeches and communicating with larger groups of people. While public speaking was initially something I found challenging, being a prefect gave me opportunities to push myself and become more comfortable in situations that were outside my comfort zone. 

Beyond school, this experience has prepared me for the workforce by improving my communication and interpersonal skills. I have become more comfortable speaking with others, expressing my ideas and asking for help when needed. Most importantly, being a student leader has taught me to have greater confidence in myself and to embrace opportunities that challenge me, which I believe will continue to benefit me in the future. 

Ivy H  | 2026 School Vice-Captain  

What have been the most significant lessons you have learnt about leadership this year? 

The most significant lesson I have learnt this year is that leadership isn't about doing everything alone. It's about collaborating with the people around me and making sure everyone's ideas are heard and included. It also doesn't mean being the best public speaker or the most confident person in the room. Instead, approachability, compassion and care towards students are far more important qualities. Finally, leadership also means stepping out of my comfort zone and speaking up when nobody else will. When one person goes first, it gives others the courage to follow. 

What achievements are you most proud of as a student leader? 

The achievement I am most proud of is every opportunity I have had to speak at an event or cohort. I put my heart into every speech because I feel privileged to share my opinions and advice with younger year levels, especially the Year 7s, in the hope of easing their transition from Year 6 to high school. I am also proud of leading school tours. I loved meeting parents and children, and it was rewarding to watch curious or hesitant faces turn to reassurance and excitement! Talking with Year 6s about their hobbies and worries, then seeing them become eager to start high school, is something I will always remember. 

How have you made the school a better place? What legacy do you hope to leave for future student leaders? 

Since becoming Vice-Captain, I have found that students often come to me with questions or for advice, almost like a second teacher. Whether in classrooms, the common room or across year levels, I try to balance fun and learning so everyone feels included and safe to share their ideas. To ease study pressures across different subjects, I created platforms where students share essays and give each other feedback, helping them prepare for exams and strengthening connections across the cohort.  

For future student leaders, I hope to leave a legacy where leadership feels less scary and more about being kind, understanding and supportive. I also hope my art, from decorating the common room for Valentine's Day to designing the Year 12 magazine cover, shows that leaders have diverse skills and inspires others to pursue their creativity. 

How has being a student leader prepared me for my future beyond school? 

Being a student leader has given me the confidence to be myself, believe in my abilities and share my opinions. It has also helped me build connections with people across different age groups. Thus, working with the school and communicating with other leaders has shown me what leadership involves, and it has pushed me to pursue other leadership and speaking roles in the future. 

Whether or not I hold the title of captain, I will continue to look out for others and be a role model for younger students. I want everyone to become the best version of themselves, and I hope my words and influence can make a positive difference.