News

St Joseph's College Captains think big for 2018

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 10:13:00

The 2018 St Joseph’s College student leaders are set to be voices of change in the school community.

College captains Iman Westhead and Rinaldo Pender, and vice captains Esperance Fyfe and Lachlan Knight, were elected by staff and their fellow students at the end of last year.
Principal Marg Blythman said the four students were chosen based on their ability to lead and relate to people, their resilience, and their capacity to cope with the demands of schooling.
“Leadership can be challenging,” Mrs Blythman said.
“These young people are in a position of high trust, and other students will be looking to them as role models.
“Leadership is also about stewardship – it’s not what leadership can do for you, it’s what you
can do in your capacity as a leader.
“The college captains are an important link between the students and the executive team, and we rely on them to talk to us about the needs of the student body.”
Mrs Blythman said the captains would be more prepared to take on leadership roles after finishing school.

“The year and leadership will have an impact on them,” she said.
“Each person brings their own gifts to the role, and as it unfolds through the year, they grow and change.”
Iman, 17, is the first Koori student to be elected as college captain.
“I like the idea of being a leader in the school, speaking on behalf of other people and helping them, and sharing my opinions on how to better the college,” she said.
“I can also be a voice for Indigenous students, and hopefully others will think that it’s worth having a go at opportunities like this.”

Rinaldo, 17, said the role was a step up from his sports coaching responsibilities outside of school.
“I didn’t get any leadership role in primary school, so it’s good to know I’ve changed and improved,” he said.
“I hope to bring everyone together and make sure they enjoy their time at school, no matter what their interests are. If you enjoy school, you’re hopefully going to do better.”
Esperance, 17, said she hoped to develop her communication skills, create connections, and help other people in her role.
“I want to work with the other captains to bring attention to important issues,” she said.
“I believe in transparency – making sure everyone knows what’s going on, and constantly improving the college.”
Lachlan, 17, said he wanted to build on the work he did last year as house captain.
“I’m all about trying to get everyone together and help them have a good time,” he said.
“I’m not afraid to stand up and say what needs to be said or help people out if they need it.
“While I’m at school, I want to make it easier for the other kids – it’s not about everyone fighting for themselves.”