“A great leader’s unique achievement is a human and social one which stems from his understanding of others.”

W.C.H. Prentice

Leadership takes many forms, at TIGS the pinnacle of our formal leadership positions in the Senior School are the School Captains and Vice-Captains. In a rigorous process students are elected to these positions by their peers and staff followed by a panel interview. Throughout their year of service they undertake many important roles and functions across the School, including major fundraising for their Year 12 charity.  

Isabel was inspired to run for her leadership position by the actions of outgoing School Captain Harry Ledger. During the recent Northern Rivers floods Harry generously donated his car to Chinderah resident Mr Dylan Simpson who had lost all of his possessions in the natural disaster. While Harry’s generosity was deeply meaningful to Mr Simpson, the impact of this act has been far reaching, providing inspiration to many like Isabel. 

Similarly Luc was inspired by his brother Xavier Do (Class of 2021) who previously held the Vice-Captaincy. Having seen the work and impact of the leadership roles up close, Luc knew that the Captaincy was his chance to make a difference. 

Grace believes that leadership is a team effort and that “you can’t lead by yourself, every leader has people helping them behind the scenes”. With a key part of their role coordinating the cohorts fundraising initiatives, our new leadership group has already been shown that they are supported by an exceptional team. In their short time at the helm $400 has been raised in a bake sale, High Tea Tuesdays have become a hit amongst seniors and staff, and the Senior Study Room food locker has generated a steady stream of donations during study breaks. 

This year the Year 12s voted to support the Forever Projects as their official charity. The Forever Projects mission is to help women break the cycle of poverty in Tanzania. Over the coming months our Year 12 students will be initiating and running fundraising projects to support their charity partner, with more bake sales planned and the traditional Year 12 Trivia night next year. 

The whole captaincy team will also be attending TIGS SONY Camp this weekend. In partnership with the Disability Trust, TIGS students attend the weekend camp alongside children with disabilities from around the Illawarra to form new friendships and create lifelong memories. Jack and the rest of the captains all agree that the camp is a great opportunity and said they were all excited to be attending, adding that it was a chance for everyone to “get out of their bubble” and attain a new perspective on life. 

We look forward to seeing the initiatives and impacts of our new leadership team and the Year 12 cohort supporting them over the next few terms.