From the Head of Senior School

Leadership 2026

I was very privileged to be able to launch the Year 12 2026 Leadership process to Year 11 this week. The main messages that I gave to the students were that this is their opportunity to give back to our community and be part of creating culture and leaving a legacy. There are so many opportunities to lead with and without badges and to develop leadership and I am looking forward to seeing their journey through the process.

Kate Schurch (Acting Head of Year 11) and I spoke to the students on Tuesday in their year meeting along with Year 12 students Evie Papamanuel (Vice-Captain Years 10-12) and Lefki Papadopoulos (Vice Captain Years 7-9) who reflected on the responsibility and privilege of leadership. We also discussed approaching the whole process with kindness and looking after one another.

As part of the process, students have this week and next week to ‘seek endorsement’ for their nomination for a particular role. The students have been asked to write a letter listing their contributions to a particular portfolio and have this signed by an appropriate leading staff member in the area (in person not by email!) to show that they have engaged in thinking about their suitability for the role.

Formal nominations will be in by the end of Term 2, voting will occur in early Term 3, and interviews will occur throughout the term with announcements in Week 8.

Following this process, in Term 4, there will be more opportunities for leadership, including portfolio sub-captains and prefect appointments. For our younger years, the girls will be provided with opportunities to develop their leadership skills in the Student Representative Council, in portfolio committees, and as Middle Years Leaders.

Study Hub

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School