Student Leadership

Leadership Recognition

Year 11 - Kokoda Trek Representative

My name is Theo Heinjus, and I have been given the very extraordinary opportunity to participate in the 2017 Police Legacy Anzac Day Kokoda Trek. I have been a police legatee since my father, Evan Heinjus passed away in 2007. NSW Police Legacy is the NSW Police Force Charity.

Their commitment is to build on the care and support of over 20,000 serving and retired police officers and their families during times of tragedy and need. Initially founded to support bereaved families following the loss of their loved one, their support now extends to include police officers and their families experiencing challenging times in their lives. Police Legacy has been there for myself and my family every step of the way, and for this I can’t thank them enough.

The Kokoda Trek is a significant challenge within itself, the treacherous 96 km hike through the thick jungle of Papua New Guinea will not only present a physically demanding task, but a mental one too. I’m hoping to get a lot out of the Trek, I would like to take the opportunity to work on my leadership skills, but will also look to see how I can change my life, or even other people’s lives for the better here at the College but as well as in the wider community.

Theo Heinjus (Year 11)

Young Endeavor - Student Representatives - Alice Hartley (OAM Award Recipient) and Jasmine Hutchinson

The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme is a Sail Training Ship that provides sail training to the youth of Australia. Jasmine Hutchinson and myself were lucky enough to land a spot on voyage 06/17: Sydney to Eden voyage. The two of us and 17 other youth crew members all boarded on the 14th of March, where we were split up into three watches. These would be the people who we would spend most of our time with.

Throughout the 11 day voyage, we learnt everything from sail theory to navigation, sea laws and nautical knowledge. We experienced so many amazing things, like climbing up the masts and manning the yards, (climbing out onto the sides of the yard), going to shore and doing nature walks, using the rope swing off the boat, setting & furling sails, going out onto the bowsprit, taking control of the helm and eating the chef’s fabulous meals.

Teamwork and leadership exercises were also woven into our days. Everything was in preparation for command day, which was when the Youth Crew would take full control of the ship without staff help for 24 hours. Command day ran smoothly and we got all 22 tasks completed before the day was out. Some highlights were having the chance to go on board the HMAS Darwin naval vessel, which had anchored in Eden the same time we did, and also hosting a half day community sail, where a local disadvantaged group came and sailed with us for three hours. The final day ended with tears, hugs and a goodbye ceremony, where I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of the Young Endeavour Medallion. It was a truly amazing experience, one myself and Jas won’t ever forget. The friendships forged and memories made were truly life changing.

YEYS motto: Carpe diem - seize the day.

Alice Hartley (Year 11)