Isabella Kent – Head Chorister
What’s been the most exciting musical adventure you’ve had this year?
Playing with our school’s Chamber Ensemble (a.k.a. ‘Fitness Orchestra’) —a small group of passionate, slightly unpredictable, but incredibly talented musicians. It may not be a grand performance or a major competition, but it’s something I genuinely enjoy and look forward to every week. There’s something special about the way we connect through music, and every rather chaotic rehearsal brings its own surprises and moments of brilliance. On top of that, getting Music Scholarships at Queenwood and PLC Sydney and getting into Rising Stars at the Sydney Conservatorium has made this year feel like something big.
Can you share a performance that pushed you out of your comfort zone or felt especially meaningful?
Performing at the Sydney Town Hall for the IPSHA Music Festival was definitely a moment that stood out to me. Side note: It was also the day my fingerboard fell off- don’t worry, that was in the rehearsal! Together with the Chamber Ensemble, I accompanied the choir, played in the combined orchestra, and performed Bach’s Double Violin Concerto with my friend. It was a big moment-not just because of the venue, but because I got to be involved in different roles throughout the concert. It was a great experience!
What has being Head Chorister taught you about leadership and teamwork?
Being Head Chorister has taught me valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork and various virtues that have shaped me as a more confident, responsible, and thoughtful person. I’ve learned how to guide others while still listening, how to support a team where every voice matters, and to stay composed even when someone is singing confidently out of tune. Overall, being Head Chorister has not only helped me grow as a leader, but also that guiding and supporting others can be just as challenging —and rewarding — as hitting high notes on Monday mornings.
Grace Christie – School camps
The biggest adventure I have experienced was learning how to abseil. This was at Leadership camp at Collaroy. I had to go up to such a high point and swing down really fast. I definitely overcame my fear of heights!
All the camps have challenged me with managing teamwork, learning new activities, getting to bed on time and being organised. Being away from my parents meant that I had to be independent and do things for myself and help my friends. This was both fun and scary.
I think the time I have spent with my friends at camp is most memorable, because we do fun things, look out for each other, and stay up late chatting!
Jessie Li – Art Prefect
What art project this year felt like a real adventure to you?
Definitely my major work. Although it is still a work-in-progress, it has been an adventure so far as this is the first artwork that I organised myself. Not only is it a project but also a demonstration of my art skills. There are lots of stages in order to make the project successful. Collaborating with my art teachers and planning what to do has made this project a real adventure. I also discovered many new things about myself like how I could do some tricky things and also trying new things that nobody in my class could try!
How did you encourage or support others in their own creative journeys?
To do all I can into help them and encourage them by giving them some tips and allowing them to do most things by themselves without doing it too much for them unless they are totally desperate. I also support them by being positive and letting them have a go.
Have you discovered anything new about yourself through your role as Art Prefect?
I have discovered my passion for art was stronger than I thought and numerous projects have surprised me.
Adam Dobraszkiewicz – House Captain
How has your leadership role shaped the way you work with others?
Being the House Captain for Flinders helped me become better at working with others. I learned how to talk and listen to people more clearly, like when I had to plan a sports day or help organize a team. I also started asking for other people’s ideas instead of just using my own.
Talking to teachers and even the Headmaster taught me how important it is to explain things clearly. I also realized that listening is just as important—especially when my friends or other students had different ideas. For example, during a house meeting, someone suggested a new game for the carnival, and at first I didn’t agree, but after listening, I saw it was actually a fun idea. If I didn’t listen to others, I wouldn’t be able to help my team do their best or feel included
What has been your biggest adventure as a House Captain this year?
My greatest adventure—and at the same time, my biggest challenge—was definitely the John Colet Swimming Carnival. We really wanted to win both the swimming competition and the chanting competition, but since our house had the fewest people, it was really hard. We felt like the underdogs.
I worked hard with my teammates to choose the best chants, teach them to our younger house members, and make amazing posters for the big day. On the day of the carnival, we cheered as loudly as we could and gave it our all. With a lot of courage and sportsmanship, we climbed the ranks and came second, just behind Macquarie.
We went home with our heads held high, proud of everything we achieved. Everyone had so much fun and joy that day—it’s a memory I’ll never forget.
What was one fundraising project that really stood out to you, and why?
Since I’m very passionate about the environment and raising awareness about recycling, I led a fundraising project in Year 5 to purchase All-In-One Recycling Bins from TerraCycle. I really enjoyed creating a mind map for the fundraising plan, doing the calculations, working with my teachers and TerraCycle, and organising all the details. I was very lucky to have my parents’ support and the school’s enthusiasm for the project. Getting my classmates involved in the initiative was so much fun—and it all paid off! We raised enough money to buy not just one, but two TerraCycle All-In-One Recycling Bins. One of them is now proudly displayed in the school corridor. This experience inspired me to create a website to help raise awareness among kids about caring for the environment. It’s called: KIDZwhoCAREareAWARE.com
Darius Hooshmand – Buddy Program
What was the most memorable adventure I have had as part of the buddy program?
I think my most memorable adventure with my buddy was the special Easter egg hunt, when we had to do five activities around various positions in the school. It was a lot of effort trying to think of a challenging but fun program for my buddy, but I was determined to make it a memorable experience for her. On the day of the hunt, my buddy rejoiced at the sight of the Easter eggs, and I started feeling positive that everything would go to plan. At the end of our little adventure, I was relieved that it all went well and happy that my buddy and I had a great time.
How did being a buddy help me grow as a leader?
Being a buddy has taught me that I can assist in times of need and that I can lead multiple activities. It has also taught me persistence as well as showing me that I can handle young children. I think the buddy program is an excellent program that helps us get to know each other, and teaches us about the importance of leading through service and friendship. I am very proud to be a buddy to Lower 1st.
Can I describe a moment when I had to support or guide my buddy in a challenging situation?
One time I’ve had to support my buddy was during the Walkathon, when we had to walk in laps on a hot autumn day. I had to keep on encouraging my buddy to push through and keep on walking, she persisted and kept on doing laps while we had fun with water sprays and other activities. She showed great determination and we managed to do 12 laps. This was my most favourite Walkathon ever; we made a great team! I hope she looks back fondly at her time in Lower 1st (Kindergarten). I hope that she is excited to one day be in my position and help lead her own buddy. 😃