By Eleanor Wilson
Narre Warren South P-12 College’s Year 12 cohort celebrated leadership on Friday 3 February, as the school’s 2023 College Captains were formally recognised in a school assembly.
Supported by staff, peers and proud family members in the crowd, Roja Venkatesh, Caitlyn Smart, Chelsea Wiramanaden and Antonio Castillo-Lopez were ceremoniously presented with 2023 college captain badges and blazers to formalise their roles as student leaders, before reciting a pledge to their ongoing commitment and service to the college.
The assembly also announced the school’s Year 12 House leaders, who, along with the college captains, will be entrusted as representatives for the school cohort throughout the 2023 calendar year.
College principal Peter Thatcher said the process of choosing the four captains was competitive and challenging.
“We had 12 applications for the role of college captain, with each applicant submitting a written application which addressed a set of criteria, followed by a formal interview,” he said.
The chosen students displayed exceptional maturity, humility and respect for the school’s multicultural community, Mr Thatcher said.
“These students have embraced the college pride values and they set the tone through their student voice, capacity and agency through to the other 2600 plus students that attend the school.”
This year’s college captains will benefit from a series of new elements to their leadership, including a formal meeting with the college principal twice a term to give feedback and suggestions on student satisfaction.
Brooke Wiramanaden, mother of Chelsea, said her daughter has always been self driven.
“She sets a high bar for my family. She strives for greatness every time she tries something, we’re extremely proud of her,” Mrs Wiramanaden said.
Caitlyn had the support of mum Bronwyn Smart in the assembly crowd, along with her grandparents Lesley and Doug Hutchinson, making for a treasured family memory.
“We’re so proud of her. She’s put in a lot of work over many years, she always pushes herself to be the best that she can be and she puts in 100 per cent everywhere she goes,” Bronwyn said.
“We’re very proud of her, she’s a special girl,” Lesley added.
The students remarked inclusivity as a common goal they would like to see enriched at the school during their captaincy.
“My goal is to make the school an inclusive space and make it as enjoyable for future students and current students as possible, so that everyone can have access to new opportunities,” Caitlyn said.
Similarly, integrating more sports and arts programs into the school is a large goal for Chelsea.
“I want to look at more inclusivity in regard to sport and art programs because I dance and do a lot of sport as well and hopefully i’ll be able to mix a bit into the school this year and make sure all students have the opportunity to do something they love, regardless of what it is,” she said.
