New Student Leaders' Induction
Principal's Address
By Dr Andrew Parry
On Friday 19 September 2025 it was my great pleasure to present our new school leaders to our school community. Below is the message I shared with them on that day.
Before turning our attention to our new leaders, I wish to pause and recognise the fine work of our outgoing team over the past year. You have been superbly led by our Head Prefects, Grace Simpson and Nick Tancred, who have shown us that real leadership is not about title or position, but about service, example, and an unwavering commitment to others.
They have led with respect, kindness, and initiative—qualities that will remain as part of their legacy in our school.
Many others among our senior students have also given generously of themselves to help our school flourish. You have shown courage and commitment, often putting the needs of others before your own, and by doing so, you have made our community stronger and warmer.
It is fitting that this “changing of the guard” comes in spring—a season of renewal and fresh beginnings. It’s a time for growth and possibility, and in that spirit, our new leaders step forward, ready to build on Kinross Wolaroi’s fine traditions and shape the future.
Our school’s heritage is one to be treasured, but leadership is not about simply repeating the past. It is about listening to the needs of the present, understanding the challenges of today’s students, and setting in motion initiatives that will benefit those who come after you.
This is the essence of leaving a legacy—improving the lives of others not just for now, but for years to come.
The challenge of leadership is complex. It demands a balance of qualities that do not always sit easily together:
• Be strong, but not rude.
• Be kind, but not weak.
• Be bold, but not a bully.
• Be thoughtful, but not lazy.
• Be humble, but not timid.
• Be proud, but not arrogant.
• Have humour, but without folly.
This is not easy work. Let us remember: a badge is a symbol, not the substance of leadership. True leadership lives in actions, not in titles.
Leadership is service.
It is about giving of yourself, using your time, your skills, and your influence to make a positive difference in the lives of others. It is about strengthening our school community, making it a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and encouraged to do their best.
To be chosen by your peers and teachers for such a role is a privilege, but—like all privileges—it carries with it a responsibility.
We are all fortunate to belong to this school. Around the world, many young people do not enjoy the quality of education, resources, and opportunities we have here. That privilege must inspire us to give back.
The French have a phrase for this—noblesse oblige—the noble are obliged. Those who have been given much have a duty to serve, to improve the lives of others, to stand up for what is right.
I am proud to see so many current and former students living out that responsibility in their communities—leading, mentoring, advocating, and volunteering.
To our incoming leadership team—congratulations. Your induction today is not just a ceremonial moment—it marks a turning point in your journey. It is both an honour and a test.
We are surrounded by leaders in the world—some in politics, some in business, some in sport—but we know all too well that not all who hold leadership positions are good leaders. True leadership is never about self-interest. It is about vision, courage, and service. It unites rather than divides. It uplifts rather than exploits.
History is full of examples—some inspiring, some cautionary—of leaders who shaped the world for better or worse. The question you must ask yourselves is: Which kind will you be?
Our school values—Courage, Respect, Inclusiveness, Resilience, and Commitment—are your compass. They are more than words on a page; they are signposts to guide your decisions, actions, and relationships.
We can see these values in action in the lives of many contemporary Australians. Let me share two examples.
First, Dylan Alcott. Many of you will know him as a Paralympic gold medallist and multiple Grand Slam tennis champion. But his leadership extends far beyond sport. Alcott has used his public platform to change the conversation around disability in Australia. Through the Dylan Alcott Foundation, he works to create opportunities for young Australians with disabilities to access education, employment, and sport.
His leadership is marked by courage in confronting stereotypes, inclusiveness in ensuring every person is valued, and resilience in turning personal challenges into platforms for positive change. Alcott reminds us that leadership is about creating a world in which more people can thrive.
Second, Dr Fiona Wood. Many will know her as one of Australia’s most respected surgeons and researchers, internationally recognised for her work in burns medicine. After the 2002 Bali bombings, Dr. Wood and her team worked tirelessly to treat dozens of critically injured Australians, using her pioneering “spray-on skin” technology to help burn victims recover faster and with less scarring.
But beyond her remarkable medical expertise, her leadership has been defined by service—building teams, training future surgeons, and advocating for better prevention and care for burn injuries around the world.
Her career is a reminder that leadership can be quiet, steady, and deeply practical—changing lives not through speeches or titles, but through dedicated action and an unwavering commitment to others.
Both Alcott and Wood exemplify leadership grounded in service and driven by a clear moral compass. They remind us that the power of leadership lies not in personal gain but in lifting others up.
To our new student leaders, I say this:
Your role is not to do everything yourselves, but to inspire and enable others to contribute their best. You will succeed when the whole school feels that they have a voice, that they belong, and that their efforts matter.
You will need courage—to speak up when it is easier to stay silent.
You will need resilience—to keep going when the path is hard.
You will need respect—to listen to others and value perspectives different from your own.
You will need commitment—to stay the course, even when enthusiasm fades.
And you will need inclusiveness—to make sure that everyone in our community feels part of our shared story.
Remember—leadership is not the responsibility of a few. It is a shared endeavour. Every one of us leads in some way, every day—by how we speak to each other, by the choices we make, by the example we set.
So, I encourage all of you, not just our formal leaders, to think about your own sphere of influence. Whose life can you make better today? How can you strengthen our school community? What legacy will you leave?
If you lead with courage, serve with humility, and stay true to our values, you will leave this place better than you found it. And that is the mark of a great leader.
To our new leaders—thank you for having the courage and desire to lead. I look forward to working alongside you next Term and following your contribution from afar next year. I have every confidence that you will make us proud.
2025/26 Prefects and Captains
Head Prefects
Ivy Askew
Angus Hunt
Deputy Head Prefects
Julia Bligh
Charlie Miller
Senior Boarder Prefects
Lucy Philipzen
Hugh Shannon
House Prefects
Blackman - Bukunmi Adetifa
Brown - Ruby de Graaff
Dean - Jessica Woods
Douglas - Felix Kairaitis
Gordon - Milo Mages
McLachlan - Brody Steele
Richards - Harper Shaw
Williams - Ebony Inman
House Captains
Blackman House Captains:
Toby Buckland, Abbey Cunial, Luca Popa
Brown House Captains:
Edie Campbell, Charlotte Ferguson, Eliza Tozer
Dean House Captains:
Lucy Reidy, Fergus Whittle, Bianca Wong
Douglas House Captains:
Jock Casey, Olive Glover, Katie Lawler
Gordon House Captains :
Archie Fergusson, Phoebe Hunter, Kaiti Smith
McLachlan House Captains:
Audrey Pearce, Olive Quigley, Julia Ungemach
Richards House Captains:
Lulu Nash, Ollie Schofield, Olivia Wilson
Williams House Captains:
Hamish Hall, Katie Ivey, Spencer Williams
Girls' Boarding House Captains
Loader House Captain - Ruby Leigo
Loader House Vice Captain - Charlotte Ferguson
Miller House Captain - Marli Shipp
Miller House Vice Captain - Catie Harding
New House Captain - Eva Bonnington
New House Vice Captain - Zoe McKay
Stuart Douglas House Captain - Giselle Brogan
Stuart Douglas House Vice Captain - Gemma Blattman
Boys' Boarding House Captains
Weymouth House Captain - Hugh Williams
Weymouth House Vice Captain - Fergus Attenborough
Wolaroi House Captain - Oliver Wilson
Wolaroi House Vice Captain - Charlie Zell
Trathan House Captain - Pio Sinisa
SUO of Cadets
Jackson Davis
Full Program
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Watch the Ceremony