​​​​​2024 College Captains

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Harry Jeffs

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?​

In 2024 I would aim to achieve a sense of trustability within the student body, and a greater feeling of community.

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

Being a leader to me is all about listening to what others have to say and respecting everyone, no matter what.

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

My advice for any future leaders is be yourself. You can be the smartest or the most athletic, but all of it means nothing if you’re not the best that you can be.

Molly McDonald

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

In 2024, I hope to strengthen the relationships between primary and secondary students, continuing to foster the welcoming, supportive, and close-knit school community that is Saint Mary's. By making the most of every opportunity, and surrounding myself with my peers, I hope to create lasting memories in my final year of school.

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

To me, a leader is:

• A positive role model, who encourages, inspires, and empowers those around them to be their best.
• Someone who never gives up.
• Someone who is willing to go above and beyond for their peers and school community.
• Someone who immerses themselves in all aspects of Saint Mary’s College life.
• Someone who is respectful and just, helping others to realise their dignity.​

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

My advice for students who want to be future leaders is:

• To surround yourself with supportive peers.
• To embrace new opportunities that arise.
• To challenge yourself through everyday activities.
• To be kind and respectful towards everyone,  as it can go a long way. ​

​​2024 Mission Captains

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Karl Schick

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

I aim to support all the students in Saint Mary's community with whatever their endeavours. Specifically leading them in prayer during assemblies and major events.

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

A good leader is someone who conveys and acts upon the views and ideas of their followers.

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

Listening is more important than speaking.

Michaela Taylor

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

What I hope to achieve in 2024 is to build a strong relationship between primary and secondary students is so important to me having the opportunity to be an inspiration to the young leader of our future . By fostering a closer friendship with my peers, I can create a supportive and inclusive environment. Encourage collaboration, organize fun activities, and be a good listener. 

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

To me being a leader means taking charge, inspiring others, and guiding them towards a common goal. It's about setting a positive example, making tough decisions when needed, and being a good listener. A leader motivates their team, supports their members, and helps everyone reach their full potential. It's all about leading by example and being someone others can look up to.​

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

1.  Believe in Yourself: Have confidence in your abilities and believe that you have what it takes to be a leader.
2. Take Initiative: Step up and take on responsibilities. Show that you're proactive and willing to go the extra mile.
3. Be a Team Player: Collaboration is important in leadership. Learn to work well with others, value their opinions, and encourage teamwork.
4. Lead by Example: Be a role model by demonstrating integrity, honesty, and respect. Your actions will inspire others to follow your lead.
5. Stay Positive: Encourage and uplift others, even in challenging times. Maintain a positive attitude and inspire optimism in those around you.​
   

​​2024 Inclusion Captains

Daniel Rowberry

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

I hope to make everyone feel comfortable in attending after school activities (such as Vinnies Sleep Out) and be involve all in the fun.

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

To me, being a leader means to support and inspire others to overcome any issues they have. 

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

Be passionate with everything you do.

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Lucy Hobbs

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

I hope in 2024 I will achieve being more inclusive and confident.

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

A leader means to hear and respect others especially those opposing.​​

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

Be you and try your best to do what your passionate about, there's no harm in trying.

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Eliana Meikle

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

I want to achieve a safe place for all members in our community where they can be themselves. I want to help nurture an environment that will allow all students to love coming to school to learn. I want to help to bridge the communication between primary and secondary students to have an all inclusive school environment.

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

To be a leader in today’s society means being welcome to new ideas while working through the process to make everyone feel heard. I want to be a leader where other students can come to me to help them with things them may need help with.​​

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

My advice for future students would be that everyone has a voice and don't be afraid to use it. Even if you are wrong it helps everyone to meet the end goal. ​​

2024 Inclusion Captains

Clair Anderson

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

In 2024 I hope to build a strong relationship between the students, staff and community members. To create an inclusive environment where everyone to accepted and treated with respect. 

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

1. To be a leader it is to show respect to everyone and inspire people to be the greatest version of themselves. I want to help people and guide everyone with passion and kindness. 
   

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

To work hard for what you want and never give up.​

​​2024 Student Voice Captains

Riley Cavanagh

What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

Going into senior in 2024, I hope to be a role model. By being my best at Saint Mary's for my final year, I would like to set an example for younger students to follow. Being part of the community has always been a goal since arriving at Saint Mary's, and I always have tried my best to stay a part of it. As voice captain of 2024, I hope that I can continue to be a part of the community, that both student and teachers can be comfortable to speak to me about any concerns or future ideas. The voice captain is a new position as of next year, and I plan to take full advantage, to make an impact and shape the role for future years. My goal is to make student voices heard. I want students to be able to speak their mind, and list potential ideas that could benefit not only themselves, but the community as a whole. 

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

Being a leader is being part of the community. As a leader, it is your responsibility to set an example for the people around you, you are the person that many, both younger, and older, look up to. By showing mutual respect to those around you, it allows for stronger bonds with peers, as well as a stronger community. A leader is also a source of motivation. By inspiring and motivating the community it around you, it allows for change and the ability to move forward. As a leader, you are a catalyst, you are the component that has the power to make change within your community, which is why it is so important that you understand what it means to be in that position.​

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

Everyone has the potential to be a leader. To those going for captains and other roles in the future, there are certain habits and routines that will allow for your success. A leader is selfless, which means looking out for others before yourself. There will be many instances throughout life where actions you take will benefit others but not yourself. When you understand how important these situations are, you are one step closer to becoming a successful leader. Communication is also required. Effective communication and the ability to listen to those around you is the first step to becoming a leader. When people begin to open up and discuss ideas, it creates strong bonds with those people, which will only benefit you and the community in the long run. I could continue on about different ideas, but being selfless, serving the community and having the ability to listen, are all you need to begin your journey as a future leader. 

Mia De Guzman

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

As Student Voice Captain, I would first and foremost love to listen to others' voices to act as a bridge between our students and school. To any Saint Mary's students reading this, please feel free to reach out with any ideas you have — I'll do my best to learn about your suggestion, work collaboratively through any refinements, take them to staff, and update you on their potential implementation! I've also been working with my fellow Voice Captain, Riley, to hopefully implement a 2024 Student Voice Channel where students can express any suggestions or concerns with the option of anonymity. As this will be Saint Mary's first year with official Student Voice positions, I see this role as an open opportunity to trailblaze and innovate student-directed novelties. I hope that we can foster a space for our community to realise that their input is valued and that anyone can make a difference.​​

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

A true leader is someone who inspires others towards a shared vision, with a purpose to create an environment where everyone feels safe to express their ideas. By actively striving towards mindful self-actualisation, leaders can empower their peers to find their authentic selves, too. This position encompasses service, equity, and working closely with the community to uphold core values. When individuals collaborate with collective yet diverse efforts, positive outcomes follow in the wake of their team spirit. To be a leader means to embody the qualities and passionate attitude necessary to see these goals through.

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

Don't be afraid to take that first big step! It's okay to be nervous; please know that we support you. One year ago, I never could have envisioned myself stepping into a leadership role. Growth is a persistent journey and you have so much to give to others. Don't forget to be kind to yourself during the process, too. Follow your dreams and give it your best shot — remember that your voice matters more than you could know!

​​2024 Polding House Captains

Nicholas Howard

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

As Polding House Captain, my goal for 2024 is to increase overall team spirit, promote a culture of sportsmanship, organize successful sporting events, and ensure active participation from all house members to create a healthy and competitive atmosphere. I also aim to make 2024 a very memorable and fun filled year for all.

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

Being a Sports captain involves motivating teammates, fostering a strong sense of friendship and teamwork and leading by example on and off the field. It's about encouraging fair play, dedication, and fun times to achieve collective success in sports.​

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

Develop not only your athletic skills but also your ability to inspire and support others. Embrace challenges, stay resilient in the face of setbacks, and prioritize teamwork over individual achievements. Create a passion for the role and encourage a positive and inclusive culture within your community.

Kate Howard

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

I hope to see a lot  more participation on sports day along with every other day as one of the Polding House Captain. As well as that I would like to see a lot more encouragement and motivation from peers. 

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

Being a leader is an important role in the school community, they encourage, motivate, and inspire other to do their best, whilst also giving everything a go, which is what I would like to achieve during my year of being the Polding House Captain​.

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

My advice to the future leaders is to always be positive, always be yourself and always cheer for Polding.

2024 Quinn House Captains

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Xanthe Vout

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

I will strive to lead our team to success in my role as Quinn sports captain. My goal is to establish a team atmosphere that is encouraging and upbeat, allowing everyone to bond deeply. I will also put a lot of emphasis on the personal growth of each Quinn player, assisting them in realising their greatest potential. By leading by example and encouraging my teammates, I want to encourage them to put in their best work and accomplish greatness as a team. 

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

The duty of inspiring and directing others towards a common objective is a hallmark of leadership. It all comes down to leading by example both on and off the field and becoming an inspiration to others. A leader fosters teamwork by listening to their teammates and appreciating their opinions. They help each member of the team flourish by inspiring and supporting them. In addition, a leader leads by example, exhibiting traits like resolve, tenacity, and honesty. They also keep an optimistic outlook despite difficult circumstances. In the end, a leader must set an example for the team and promote a spirit of cooperation and solidarity.​

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

Here's what I believe you should do if you want to be a leader in the future. Start by practising speaking and listening to others. It's critical to communicate your thoughts and listen to others. Secondly, assume leadership roles and participate in groups or teams. In this manner, you might gain experience and learn how to lead. Lastly, set a positive example for others. Demonstrate to them your kindness, honesty, and concern for them. Finally, never stop growing and learning. Try new things and don't be scared to make mistakes. 

Sidney Curtain

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

I hope to be successful in all academic and sporting endeavours through hard work and commitment.​

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

In order to be a leader, you must positively influence others through motivation and leading by example.

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

My advice is to be a person who can positively influence others.

2024 Rush House Captains

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Benji Whalan

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

I aim to achieve inclusivity for all and to demonstrate achievement through hard work and commitment.

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

To demonstrate and convey the correct messages and ideas through concise communication.

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

Try your best.

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Chrystina Byrnes

​​​​What do you hope to achieve in 20​24?

In 2024 I hope to be a positive role model within the community and hopefully become someone that younger students can look up to and come to with any concerns or ideas they may have or just someone to talk to when they're having a bad day.

What does it mean to you to be a leader?

Being a leader means having the ability to include everyone and allowing everyone to feel heard while still maintaining the idea that not every idea can be implemented, and some people's ideas won't be considered. It is important to do this is a way that is kind so as not to hurt anyone. You also need to make sure you aren't simply leading the decisions but guiding other people to make them with everyone's voice.

What advice do you have for students who want to be future leaders?

My advice for future leaders would be to be kind to as many people as possible as it will go a long way. It can be a simple hello or a short conversation with someone because what doesn't seem like much to you may make someone else's day so much better. It is also important to be yourself. Focusing on what everyone else thinks of you will only make your life harder and you won't be able to focus on being a good, kind leader to other people. 

© Brisbane Catholic Education, Saint Mary's Catholic College (2023)​​