Leading with Purpose: Meet Our 2026 Student Leaders
At St Peters Springfield, student leadership is about more than a badge or title, it's about service, connection and preparing young people for a life of purpose.
In 2026, our Year 12 Student Leaders are helping shape life at the College across the Academic, Faith and Service, Arts, Sport, Culture and Wellbeing portfolios. Led by College Captains Tamika R and Kayden G, these students are working alongside their peers to strengthen community spirit, support initiatives and contribute meaningfully to the life of the College.
Central to this approach is St Peters Springfield’s portfolio model, which gives students in Years 7–12 a genuine opportunity to lead in ways that build on the College’s strengths, by students and for students. Guided by staff, each portfolio focuses on developing a specific area of College life, fostering College spirit through the values of Care, Dignity, and Respect, and recognising the achievements of students within that area. The introduction of Junior High Portfolio Assistants has further strengthened this model, Year 9 students selected to support the Year 12 Leadership Team and contribute to the College’s broader leadership framework. Alongside this, Year 6 Student Leaders are also selected, providing students with opportunities to develop confidence, build leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to College life from an earlier stage.
Our College Captains, Tamika R and Kayden G, see leadership as an opportunity to build on what has come before while setting a positive example for others. Speaking about the year ahead, they shared that what excites them most is “the opportunity to improve upon the legacy left from other leaders” and “to set new traditions that others want to follow and get excited about.” They also reflected on the close-knit nature of the Springfield community, particularly the relationships formed across year levels, noting that these connections are one of the things that makes St Peters Springfield so distinctive.
“The opportunity to improve upon the legacy left from other leaders and to set new traditions that others want to follow and get excited about.”
— College Captains, Tamika R. and Kayden GThis emphasis on connection also comes through strongly in the Wellbeing Captains, Lola J and Ethan H. Their reflections were practical, reassuring, and deeply student-centred. One of the most valuable pieces of advice they shared was simple but powerful: “Look after your wellbeing by keeping a healthy balance, making time to rest, and not putting too much pressure on yourself when things feel busy.”
“Look after your wellbeing by keeping a healthy balance, making time to rest, and not putting too much pressure on yourself when things feel busy.”
— Wellbeing Captains, Lola J and Ethan HThey also highlighted the importance of the small everyday actions that shape a healthy school culture: “Small acts of kindness like checking in on someone, listening, or simply being friendly can really support someone’s wellbeing and help them feel cared for.” For students new to St Peters, Lola and Ethan encouraged building strong connections: “Don’t be afraid to ask teachers for help, they’re here to support you. Find a motivated, funny group of friends, stick with them, lean on them, and help them back whenever you can. Getting involved, participating in activities, and showing support for others will help you feel part of the community quickly.”
In the Academic portfolio, Academic Captains Sarah K and Kayden G spoke with honesty about what success can look like and the habits that support it. Their advice was grounded and encouraging, from practical tips such as starting assignments early and using active recall, to the reminder that “prioritising sleep, especially when it comes to the night of the exam” can make a real difference. They also offered perspective for students feeling pressure around assessment. As the Academic Captains shared, “Your best is enough. In the end, a few assessments won’t forever change the course of your life.”
“Your best is enough.”
— Academic Captains, Sarah K and Kayden GThe same spirit of aspiration and encouragement is evident in the Culture Captains, Akshara P and Rachel A. They described Springfield as “a very welcoming and supportive environment, where people genuinely care about each other,” and emphasised the importance of helping every student feel a sense of belonging while celebrating the richness of a culturally diverse community.
Their portfolio focuses on highlighting and sharing cultural events, giving students opportunities to celebrate their own heritage and explore others. As they shared:
“We celebrated Holi by participating in the Colour Run and observed Multicultural Week by watching cultural movies", gaining insight into different traditions and stories. The captains also noted that they are planning upcoming cultural celebrations for next term, ensuring students continue to have new opportunities to engage and learn.
These experiences allow students to celebrate their own cultures with friends while exploring cultures they might not be familiar with, creating a more inclusive and connected school community. By taking part, students can deepen their understanding of others, showcase school spirit, and help build a positive, welcoming culture at Springfield.
“Springfield has a very welcoming and supportive environment, where people genuinely care about each other.”
— Culture Captains, Akshara P and Rachel AThe Faith and Service Captains, Isaac K and Reuben R, spoke about the ways faith and service are lived out at St Peters Springfield. They described faith as being “people living out their lives, showing kindness to others around them,” alongside participation in weekly chapel services led by the team.
Serving others is central to the College community and reflects the Plus Ultra mindset of striving to be a better person by helping those around you. Students can engage in service opportunities such as the World’s Greatest Shave, ALWS Walk My Way, and other fundraising initiatives.
When asked how being part of this community has shaped their sense of purpose, Reuben R reflected on the collective impact of involvement: “Seeing everyone getting involved and being part of change around the school for the better.” Isaac K focused on individual influence, noting that “something small I can do can potentially influence someone else’s day and the way they live their life.” Together, their insights show that purpose comes from contributing to the community, serving others, and seeing the positive difference these actions make.
From left: Reuben R and Isaac K
The Arts portfolio Captains, Hannah T and Ali D, shared how the Arts support leadership, creativity, and belonging at St Peters. Hannah T explained that the Arts allow students to be inventive, release stress, and find a community where they can have fun and feel a sense of belonging. She highlighted Art Club, where every Wednesday after school, students can create anything they imagine, from long-term projects to small, playful pieces with friends.
“The Arts play a massive role in allowing students to be inventive, release stress, and find a community they can have fun in and feel a sense of belonging to.”
— Arts Captains, Hannah T and Ali DAli D encouraged students to explore the Arts with a simple message: “Enjoyment and inspiration are all that you need for getting involved in the arts.” Whether it’s painting, writing, playing an instrument, or another creative medium, she says choosing something that inspires you is key.
Students also reflected on memorable experiences. Georgia, for example, described her favourite Arts moment: participating in the Performing Arts Showcase in Year 8, where she played in four bands and ensembles. She said this experience expanded her knowledge, skills, and enjoyment within the Arts.
In Sport, Sports Captains Tamika R and Indiana P reflected on the way participation builds both confidence and community, while also opening doors to new experiences. They shared that “St Peters has opened up many new opportunities in sports that we would not necessarily go out of our way to try.” As both Track and Field athletes, they explained that they have since taken part in mixed netball, basketball and touch, and are keen to try volleyball and soccer in the coming terms. Their reflections reinforce the idea that sport at St Peters is not simply about results, but about resilience, teamwork, school pride and the confidence to embrace new challenges.
From left, Tamika R and Indiana P
The Leichhardt House Captains, Varad P and Jack M, highlighted their House’s competitive drive and inclusivity. They encouraged younger students to participate in events and cheer on teammates, noting, “Anyone who steps forward is met with encouragement and quickly becomes part of the vibrant energy that makes Leichhardt special. ”They’re particularly excited about Cross Country and the Athletics Carnival, where teamwork, resilience, and House spirit shine.
From left: Jack M and Varad P
The Cunningham House Captains, Rahul K and Zack R, spoke about the unity and support that define their House. They said, “Cheering on anyone in Cunningham, wearing house shirts, bringing other accessories to match the house colour, participating in house chants and most importantly, giving everything a go.” They advised new students: “Always participate and support others along the way. The better spirit we build as a House, the more people will be inclined to participate.”
From left: Rahul K and Zack R
The Mitchell House Captains, Isaac K and Indiana P, reflected on House pride and memorable moments. Isaac K recalled the cross-country relay victory last year, saying, “The feeling of running past everyone in Mitchell cheering and screaming, having come from behind to win, was the best.” Indiana P highlighted another favourite from last year: the swim carnival floaty race, which captured the fun and camaraderie of Mitchell House. They encourage students to get involved, give their best, and support peers in all events.
From left: Isaac K and Indiana P
Our 2026 Student Leaders demonstrate how passion, service, and commitment can shape life at St Peters. Whether through academics, sport, the arts, culture, faith, or wellbeing, they show that leadership is about connection, contribution, and striving for excellence.
Students interested in making a difference are encouraged to speak with our leaders about opportunities to get involved in a portfolio, where they can contribute, grow, and develop their own leadership skills while supporting the College community.
Back row, from left: Rachel A, Jack M, Indiana P, Rahul K, Hannah T, Zack R, Sarah K, Varad P
Front row, from left: Ethan H, Akshara P, Reuben R, Tamika R, Head of Springfield - Mr Craig Brown, Kayden G, Lola J, Isaac K, Ali D
