From the Deputy Head of Senior School – Wellbeing: Developing Leaders

Empowering Future Leaders: Student Leadership Development at MLC School

Our school values inspires students to act with courage, compassion, respect, and growth. These values are not abstract ideals; they are actively integrated into school daily life, guiding students to develop self-awareness, empathy, and a sense of purpose.  

Leadership at MLC School takes many forms, both formal and informal and can be seen in daily behaviours and interactions. It is framed as an action rather than a position, empowering students to take initiative, collaborate, and make responsible decisions. We see students demonstrating leadership every day, thorough supporting a friend in need, advocating for a cause, standing up and calling out injustice or helping a teacher with a task.

Leadership is more than a badge or title, it is a lived experience woven into the fabric of school life. Through intentional leadership programs, values-driven education, and a culture of respect, courage and compassion, we support young women to become fearless thinkers and agents of change. 

Our approach to student leadership is structured, holistic and inclusive. Through combining structured roles, formal and informal opportunities and a focus on mentoring, training and support, we empower students to become capable, compassionate changemakers ready to shape their world with courage and conviction. This approach starts early, our Year 8 students engage in structured leadership teaching through their engagement in the International Coalition of Girls School (ICGS) leadership program: ‘lean in leadership’,  delivered as part of the wellbeing program.

From Year 7 through Year 12, leadership opportunities are embedded into school life and our framework. Students have the opportunity to engage in initiatives that foster responsibility and collaboration in various contexts: 

• Year 12 School and House Captains 
• Sub Captains and Prefects 
• Student Representative Council  (Years 8-12)
• Year 9 Middle Years Leaders 
• Year 10 Peer Support Leaders 

There are also a range of further opportunities central to leadership at MLC School, encouraging students to lead through action by supporting peers, contributing to community events, and engaging in spiritual life including: 

• Committee and club members  
• Years 11 and 12 Big Sisters
• Luminary representatives 
• New student buddies 
• Supporting with tours, orientations and whole school events. 
• Speaking or presenting at Chapel, Assembly, Year meetings and House meetings 
• Experiential and service based leadership: Immersions, Cadets and Round Square IDEALS 

2026 SRC 

Led by School Vice Captains Crystal Huang and Sophie Winnall, our newly appointed 2026 SRC gathered for their first meeting to share student voice and discuss ideas and plans for positive impact at MLC School.

Year 8  

• Isobel Dean 
• Olivia Eddy 
• Ashwini Kanesalingam 

Year 9 

• Cailise Campbell 
• Chelsea Keomanivong 
• Eloise Wong 

Year 10  

• Nikhita Kumar 
• Sabine Rezaina 
• Matilda Shipard

Year 11 

• Anika Gupta 
• Lily Smith 
• Isabel Warusavitarne 

Year 12  

• Grace Bettar

2026 Middle Years Leaders 

– Andrew Taylor
Deputy Head of Senior School – Wellbeing