Student Leadership 2026

Mansha Rajasekhar and Ned Vasey | Campus Assistant Principals

We are delighted to share an exciting start to the year in Student Voice and Agency across our college. Term 1 has already seen our students actively stepping into leadership, contributing their ideas, and making a positive impact within our school and wider community.

The year began with the selection of our Year 7 Student Leadership Panels, following a thoughtful and engaging process. Alongside this, our 2026 Student College Leadership Team was formally recognised and presented with their badges at a recent whole-school assembly. To welcome and congratulate these students, the College Principal Team hosted a Leadership Pizza Lunch on 24th February, providing an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and discuss leadership aspirations for the year ahead.

Our senior student leaders (Years 9–12) have also begun their leadership journey beyond the school gates, attending the Bayside Youth Summit. This valuable experience enabled them to strengthen their leadership capabilities, contribute their perspectives on emerging community issues, and consider how they can make a meaningful impact locally.

A key highlight of the term has been our celebration of Cultural Diversity Week, including Harmony Day on Thursday 19th March. Students across the college participated in a vibrant out-of-uniform day, choosing to wear cultural attire or orange, symbolising inclusivity, respect, and a sense of belonging for all. As part of this celebration, we raised funds through a gold coin donation to support the Big Group Hug charity, an organisation that provides essential items such as clothing, nappies, and baby equipment to vulnerable families with young children. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are proud to share that approximately $400 was raised.

Student leadership played a central role in shaping these celebrations. At the Bluff Road Campus, student leaders initiated culturally focused Year 7 and Year 8 Mentor Group (Step Up) lessons. These sessions encouraged students to explore the meaning of culture, recognise Australia’s rich diversity, and understand how respect for different backgrounds fosters a sense of belonging. Students engaged in case studies, whole-class discussions, and shared their own experiences, helping to build understanding, acceptance, and connection within their classrooms.

At the Holloway Campus, students organised a multicultural bake sale, where members of the community contributed dishes representing their cultural heritage. This initiative not only celebrated diversity but also raised an additional $270, which was doubled by the Big Group Hug charity as part of their Double Donation Day Wednesday March 18th scheme.

Our Year 12 leaders have also been actively involved in School Council meetings, contributing thoughtfully to discussions around key updates and future planning. Across the college, student leaders have begun taking on important roles in year level and whole-school assemblies, confidently leading and supporting these events.

Another standout experience this term was the Year 7 Camp at Forest Edge CYC Camp in Neerim East, where our Year 8 Campus Captains and some of our Peer Support Leaders played a vital role. These were: Mona Hamilton, Airlie Harkin, Ben Ludecke, Ethan Bertovic, Dan Cunningham, Orlando Edwards, Damon Malins, Piper Murray, Mila Muscat, Ella Nieuwenhuizen, Patrick Olechnowicz, Jade Poppleton, Alisa Tasenko, Patrick Walker, Amelia Wills and Raphael Wylie.

Prior to camp, these students attended a leadership meeting to prepare for their responsibilities, including understanding expectations, planning activities, and developing strategies to support Year 7 students in building connections and a sense of belonging.

During camp, our Year 8 leaders demonstrated exceptional leadership by running activities such as dodgeball, trivia, chuck-a-chicken, and musical chairs, as well as organising and hosting a highly successful talent show. Their efforts extended beyond activities. They were outstanding role models, consistently demonstrating our college values through their behaviour, attitude, and participation.

They also took initiative in recognising positive behaviour through a raffle ticket system, rewarding students who demonstrated kindness, courage, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones.

Overall, our Year 8 leaders should be commended for their commitment, enthusiasm, and care. Their contribution ensured that our Year 7 students felt welcomed, supported, and connected throughout the camp experience.

We are incredibly proud of the way our students have embraced leadership opportunities so far this year. Their voices, ideas, and actions continue to shape a positive and inclusive school culture, and we look forward to seeing their impact grow throughout the year.