School Captains

Why did you put your hand up to be captain?
For the past 13 years, I have been a member of the Pulteney community, consistently inspired by the impact, leadership, and influence of the Pulteney captains on our school. In Year Six, I attended Pulteney’s annual Speech Night, where I vividly recall the final address delivered by one of the captains. Her heartfelt reflection on her time at Pulteney and her aspirations to inspire future students deeply moved me. I guess it was that moment that led me to follow in her footsteps and take on a leadership role myself. Additionally, I want to inspire others to get involved and show that we can all contribute to making our school a better place. Becoming captain is a chance for me to grow as a leader, help lead a team, inspire the next generations of leaders, and leave a legacy at Pulteney.

How will you approach your leadership role?
Leadership, I believe, is not a title or a badge; it’s a responsibility, a purpose, and a chance to make a difference. It’s the quiet art of making others believe in their own greatness. When I think about leadership, I don’t picture someone commanding attention from the front but rather someone who listens, guides, and inspires from within. The greatest leaders are not remembered for their titles or positions but for their impact, vision, and unwavering commitment to others. Ultimately, leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about being the voice that brings out the best in others. It’s about leaving every place, every person, and every moment better than you found it.

As a school leader, what skills are you developing?
I hope to promote the Pulteney school values not only to develop my own skills but also to create a positive influence within our school community. By focusing on authenticity, I aim to be a genuine representative of my peers, fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves and their ideas. I believe that true leadership is based on being real and relatable, which can inspire others to do the same. Embracing boundless opportunities is essential in today’s rapidly changing world, and I hope to encourage all students to explore new avenues for growth and learning, whether through extracurricular activities, community service projects, or other educational opportunities. As a school leader, I aim to serve, support, and empower. I hope that through these skills, which I will develop throughout the year, I will aspire to create a legacy that not only upholds the traditions of our school but also paves the way for future cohorts, ensuring that the values we cherish continue to thrive.

What makes Pulteney special to you?
Pulteney has been a place of growth, learning, and community. Throughout the years, I have formed special bonds with peers and teachers that have helped create a supportive network that feels like a second family. Since the age of five, I have been fortunate enough to be part of the Pulteney community, and as I reflect on my journey, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities I’ve been granted. The countless memories made in classrooms, the quad, and various school events have shaped my identity and provided a foundation for my values and aspirations. Pulteney has always fostered a sense of belonging, reminding me that I am part of something larger than myself. Additionally, the guidance, support, and encouragement from my teachers have inspired me to pursue my passions and overcome challenges. When I graduate at the end of the year and reflect on my time at Pulteney, there will always be a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the experiences that will remain with me for a lifetime. Once a Navy Blue, always a Navy Blue.

What are some of the school events you are looking forward to this year?
Year 12 is a pivotal transition that is filled with so many “lasts” before we embark on the next chapter of life. So, for me, I am very much looking forward to the “Last Sports Day,” “The Last Swim Carnival,” and, of course, the “Last Day.” Over the past decade, I’ve watched the Year 12 students walk through the guard of honour, linked arm in arm and each holding a balloon to celebrate this significant milestone. It’s always been a bittersweet moment as they leave school for the last time. I would often look up to the Year 12s, hoping they would pass me a balloon, and when I finally did receive one, it brought me immense joy. Little did I know how significant this ritual would be in shaping my perspective. While I don’t want to rush through my final year, I’m certain there will be times when I wish time could stand still. Yet, as I walk out of the school gates and pass my balloon to an eager younger student, I know that moment will stay with me forever.

What do you want to do after school?
I am eager to pursue a career in the medical field, driven by my interest in science and an industry that is continuously evolving with new breakthroughs and opportunities. I am also passionate about giving back to the community and would love to partake in some foreign aid abroad as part of my commitment to making a difference. I hope to continue travelling to further open my eyes to diverse cultures and unforgettable experiences that will enrich my life and broaden my perspective.

Why did you put your hand up to be captain?
I put my hand up to be School Captain because Pulteney is a huge part of my life. I love every minute of every day, from when I go through the gates in the morning to when I leave them at 3:30 pm. I realised I wanted to be a Pulteney leader in the Christmas holidays of Year 9, when all I could think about was getting back to school, seeing my friends, and catching up with my teachers. Throughout Years 10 and 11, I had made up my mind and was eager to be a leader of the school in Year 12. Being appointed as the School Captain for 2025 was a dream come true, and I plan to cherish every second of it this year!

 How will you approach your leadership role?
As I step into my new role this year, I plan to approach the start of the year with enthusiasm and lead by example in all that I do. I will listen to my peers and value their opinions.

 As a school leader, what skills are you developing?
As a leader of the school, I am developing my time management skills along with my organisation skills, which I have been told by previous leaders is a crucial skill to have in Year 12! I am expecting this year to be hectic at times, which is when I hope my organisation and time management skills will assist me.

What makes Pulteney special to you?
Since I started at Pulteney in 2019, I have been swept away by the number of incredible opportunities that have been presented to me. In my early years of Middle School, I wasn’t a big fan of school. However, this changed when I was approached by Mr Rice (Head of Performing Arts) to join the Senior Concert Band. Fast forward six years, I am still in the Senior Concert Band and have always loved it. It’s the teachers and staff at Pulteney, like Mr Rice, who make it one of the most incredible environments for students. That’s why Pulteney is special to me.

What are some of the school events you are looking forward to this year?
This year, I am looking forward to the tennis and footy seasons and the house events such as the Athletics Carnival and Swimming Carnival. I find that these days are filled with Navy Blue spirit and truly represent what it means to be a student at Pulteney Grammar. These events are also a great way to meet students in other year levels and form new friendships. But I can’t forget about events such as Cabaret in The Lane, Generations in Jazz, the ABODA Music Festival and Gig @ the Gov. The musical events scattered throughout the year have all been and will continue to be major highlights, allowing me to live my passion for music and drumming.

What do you want to do after school?
I have never been completely set on a career—except as a star full forward for the Adelaide Crows. That’s my real dream, but I eventually realised my chances of playing for the Crows were getting away from me. So in recent years, I have considered joining the police. I believe a practical job like a police officer would suit me because I would be able to work with and around different people and utilise my social skills, which is what I love to do.

Why did you put your hand up to be captain?
I put my hand up because being a captain is an opportunity to give back to our school. Our Pulteney community has shaped me into who I am today. I have been inspired by our school leaders since I was an ELC student, and now I am grateful for the opportunity to continue this legacy as a Vice-Captain.

How will you approach your leadership role?
I am interested in interacting with all parts of the school. I believe that a good leader is active within their community, listens to the people, and is considerate of the effects of their actions. They are passionate about what they are leading and will encourage, motivate, and inspire the people around them.

As a school leader, what skills are you developing?
Although the school year has only just started, I have further developed many skills such as communication, liaison, public speaking, and time management.

What makes Pulteney special to you?
To me, Pulteney is a second home; it’s where I’ve grown up and where I’ve made so many memories. I have been taught not only by my teachers but also through my peers and the wider community. I have been supported to find where my passions are and empowered to pursue them.

What are some of the school events you are looking forward to this year?
In addition to all the Year 12 celebrations, I am looking forward to events like Generations in Jazz, Gig @ the Gov, Sports Day, and Swimming Carnival. I am also eager for the upcoming Navy Blue Formal and Year 12 Retreat. I intend to enjoy every moment of this last year of schooling.

What do you want to do after school?
I am keen on pursuing tertiary education at university.

Why did you put your hand up to be captain?
I applied for the role of School Captain as I wished to give back to the school that has given so much to me. Ever since I walked through the Pulteney Grammar School gates for the first time, I knew that I was going to enjoy my time here, and oh was I right. The amount of support that all members of staff offer at this school is something that I have not seen anywhere else. The sheer amount that they care about their students and not just their academic lives, but also their personal lives, has had a lasting impact on me and motivated me to do all I can to serve the school. Further, my cohort, and the many others that make up this school, have brought me so much joy, so many memories, and provided so much support over the years, that I thought it only fair that I try to do everything I can to give back.

How will you approach your leadership role?
I am to be viewed as a welcoming and approachable leader. As a leader of the entire student body, this is an essential quality as the students you lead need to feel as though they can talk to you, raise any concerns they may have, or share their appreciation for things they feel the school is doing well. However, this also extends to all staff. I hope they all feel as though they can raise issues or praise the student body for the way they are progressing. With these qualities, I then hope to communicate the problems of all parties to each other, striving to create the best Pulteney community we can for each and every student and member of staff.

As a school leader, what skills are you developing?
Being a school leader is an exceptional privilege that I am incredibly lucky to have. Being nominated to my role has filled me with a sense of humility that encourages me to be the best person I can be, and to also do my best as this school’s Vice-Captain for 2025. This role has led to my work ethic reaching levels that it has not been at before as now, more than ever, the effort I invest is crucial to my own success and the progression of the school. Further, my social skills are rapidly improving as I take on many new tasks as part of my role. From meeting all the new students to speaking with teachers and parents, and leading school tours, my social skills are quickly expanding to encompass many new areas.

What makes Pulteney special to you?
When I came to the school in Year 7, I was immediately welcomed by the incredible and warm cohort that was the class of 2025. Throughout my entire schooling experience at Pulteney, I have felt welcomed by everyone who I have had a conversation with, a trait of the school that I do not take for granted. Relationships with teachers are also something that makes Pulteney unique to me. The relationships that I have built and sustained with my teachers, some since I first arrived in 2020, are ones that I will treasure for my lifetime. These connections make school so much easier and enjoyable for me, whilst also, subconsciously, encouraging me to try harder and do better in every aspect of my life.

What are some of the school events you are looking forward to this year?
Since I began at Pulteney, I have always had a passion for representing my house, Moore-Sunter. This has led to an ongoing excitement year-round for any and all house events. Though, notably, my talent lies in sports, leading to my ever-present excitement around those events, I still have a large appreciation for the House Performing Arts tournament. Participating in this new event over the last two years has led to me creating many fond memories with my friends and bonding over our coordination, which suddenly disappears when we are asked to dance. On the topic of performing arts, the school’s yearly musical production is something I am very fond of. Whilst I have never been a part of a school production, I’m always thoroughly entertained by them and my peers’ exceptional talents. Further, I would be lying if I said that I was not excited for our summer and winter Intercol matchups against Scotch College. Being an avid sports fan, I can’t help but get excited when these matchups come near. The rivalry, intensity, and effort that all teams, from both sides, bring to the competition is something that is rarely found elsewhere.

What do you want to do after school?
After school, I hope to pursue a double degree in Law and Commerce locally in South Australia. This would combine my passion for both the law and finance, hopefully leading to me continuing a career in one of the two later in life. I hope to also continue pursuing my passions and hobbies, such as AFL, where I intend to play for the Pulteney Old Scholars Football Club, and cricket, where I also intend to play for Pulteney Old Scholars. I also hope to eventually find my way to the ski fields of Japan, where I hope to spend a season working and skiing, one of my greatest passions, whilst also experiencing a new culture.