Leading With Purpose: Reflections From Our 2025 Co-Captains

Vision for the Future
Article by Monty Brown, 2025 Co-Captain
Looking ahead, I envision a future at Grammar where leadership continues to grow as something rooted in authenticity, courage and connection. I hope that students, no matter their role or grade, feel empowered to step forward and make a difference, not just by being given a title, but through small, everyday acts of integrity and kindness. My time as a leader has taught me that the strongest communities are built when people feel seen, valued, and supported. I hope Grammar continues to foster an environment where every student feels they belong, where diverse voices are not just heard, but celebrated. 

I also imagine a future where vulnerability is not seen as weakness but as a strength that allows students to grow and lead with heart. Where collaboration is encouraged, and students lift one another up, celebrating achievements, learning from setbacks, and striving to leave the School even better than how they found it. As I prepare to leave, my greatest hope is that the culture of kindness, humility, purpose, and pride we’ve continued to nurture will continue to shape the next generation of Grammar students. 

The future of Grammar is not defined by tradition alone but by the bold, compassionate, and thoughtful leaders it continues to inspire.

 

Challenges of Leadership 
Article by Gwyneth Loane, 2025 Co-Captain
Commencing Grade 12 bought with it feelings of exhilaration, nostalgia, and uncertainty. After spending 13 years at School, it suddenly hits you that moments left at Grammar are finite. Everyone told me to make the most of my final year at school, so when the chance to apply for a leadership role came up, I took it without hesitation. 

Stepping into a leadership role has allowed me to grow. Through this experience I have taken away many highlights, most notably, having the opportunity to collaborate with others to help lead the School, build meaningful connections with people in the community, and leave a lasting impact. The role has come with many challenges such as public speaking, balancing responsibilities, and managing the pressure that comes with being a leader. 

One of the biggest challenges I have had to overcome is accepting that leadership is not about having the right answers and being confident all the time. Real leadership means being vulnerable. It is about sharing your ideas even when there is a risk of criticism or failure. Not every idea will land, and not everyone will agree with you. This is difficult to accept at first, but it has taught me resilience, and I have found this challenging aspect of leadership to be a key part of my growth. I have also found that when I am vulnerable, it creates space for others to connect and feel comfortable to approach me. 

Leadership is extremely rewarding, but it is far from easy. As I navigate this final year of school, it is challenging me to grow in ways I never expected.

 

Working with Others 
Article by Jamari Lockhart, 2025 Co-Vice Captain
Leadership is a word that people interpret in many ways, yet my version is: a leader doesn’t try to show off, but steps up, willing to put their own needs aside, and lending an ear to listen or a hand to help in the service of improving our School community. Leadership is not about standing on a pedestal, but about working alongside others to bring ideas to life and make people feel valued and known. 

Throughout this year I’ve been extremely fortunate to meet and get to know many brilliant people, but the most rewarding part is seeing different perspectives come together to create something stronger than any one person could achieve alone. This year’s leadership cohort strongly embraces the values of voice and agency as we continue to elicit ideas from the wider community. 

 

Advice for New Leaders
Article by Ava Farquhar, 2025 Co-Vice Captain
During my time at Grammar I have reflected on what being a good leader looks like. The conclusion I have come to is that small acts matter. What you do when no one is watching matters. Good leaders endeavour to demonstrate initiative and to be authentic even when no one is watching. The choices you make, and how you treat people away from an audience will inevitably determine the leader you will become. 

Small acts of leadership can have a profound impact and can create meaningful change. You can’t do it all – believe me, I have tried! What you can do is embrace the little moments when you actively decide to be a positive leader. Small moments like saying hello to a new person in the hall have more of an impact than making a grand speech. 

Another lesson I have learned is to be authentic. There is no one else in the world like you so don’t waste your time trying to be anyone other than yourself. Your superpower is who you are, so take advantage of your strengths and don’t be limited by your weaknesses. People can tell when you are putting on a mask and hiding who you are. 

So my experience as a leader has taught me that small moments matter, that it’s important to learn from your mistakes, and to take every day as it comes, acting with humility, authenticity and kindness. My advice to future student leaders is to embrace who you are. There is no one on this planet like you, so be the leader you are made to be.