Meet our College Captains

Mikaela Gardner

Sport Captain, Cranbourne Campus

When did you start your studies at St. Peter’s College?

I started at St Peters in 2014 as a Year 7 student. 

Tell us about your family?

My family consists of my amazing Mum, Dad and my sister Leilani, who is currently in Year 10 here at the College.

Tell us about your other interests?

I have been working at Dandenong Stingrays for the past 3 years as a trainer, assisting with training and game day requirements for the U18s. It is something I love doing and I am gaining valuable experience on the football field, with Physiotherapy being one of my preferences as a career choice. 

Year 12 Studies:

I am currently completing VCE, my subjects this year are; English, Health and Human Development, Further Math and Food Studies. I am also completing two units at Deakin University as an accelerate subject; Health Practice and Research. 

Have you already completed any of your VCE Studies prior to this year?

Yes! I completed Physical Education; it was definitely an eye opener to what VCE was like, but I really enjoyed the subject.

2019 College Annual Theme 

Take courage, it is I; be not afraid

What does this mean to you?

Throughout my primary school years, I can definitely say I was very shy, I was definitely the quiet one in my group of friends. However, throughout my journey at St. Peter’s College, I have been able to break that shell and open up to others, forming a great group of friends and doing things that I never thought I would be able to do; a prime example is getting the courage to go for the role of College Sports Captain. I didn’t feel that I had a chance as the other girls were amazing! But I took the plunge and gathered up the courage to just do it, I chose to “be not afraid”. And if I didn’t get it that was okay, and I would be happy with knowing that I had the courage to give it a go. So, I feel that I relate closely to this verse and see it as a great motivator.

How will you live this statement throughout the year in your role?

Taking on challenges that I experience at school; such as the amount of work that I will need to complete this year not only as College Sports Captain but also for my Year 12 studies. As well as putting everything I have into all opportunities that I may get throughout the year. 

For yourself in your Captains role?

As College Sports Captain what I would really love to see in 2019 is an increase in participation across all sports and SIS carnivals/tournaments. Along with getting people involved in House Sport activities that occur during recess and lunch; such as more student vs staff matches!

For yourself as a Year 12 student?

As a Year 12 student, my goal this year is to work on creating a balance between study, work and now my university subject. I really want to achieve the best I can, and the only way I can do that is by putting in as much effort towards school this year.

Personally?

At the end of Year 12 I want to be able to look back on not only my last year of school, but in its entirety and say that I loved every minute of it and that I achieved everything that I wanted to. 

What would you like your legacy be for St. Peter’s College?

I would love for my legacy to be inspiring others. People that know me know that I am not the best sports player.  I don’t actually play that much sport, however what I do love is ‘behind the scenes’ of all types of sports such as; helping out with the teachers in organising and running events and basically just being there as a helping hand whenever they need it. So, for future students that would like to go for this position, remember that you don’t need to be the sportiest person ever, you just have to have a love and passion for sport! 

What are your immediate life ambitions and aspirations once you complete your studies at St. Peter’s College?

I have been hoping for such a long time to get into a Physiotherapy course, however over the course of Year 11 and up until now in Year 12, I am heading more towards thinking that I want to go down the path of teaching. This is because I value all of my teachers so much, I have so much respect for all of them as they are amazing! But more importantly, besides myself they are the people that are helping me get to where I want to get in life, and I couldn’t be more grateful for them. 

What are your long term life ambitions and aspirations?

One of the most important things to me is being happy, so if I am to get a job or find something that I love doing I will be happy with that.

In one sentence what would you like to say to your fellow students to convey your pride in your College?

Reflecting on our school motto that is mentioned so many times, you need to have the courage to “Be Not Afraid” don’t worry what other people think of you, only worry about yourself because one of the most important things is to love yourself.