Leadership and Character Development

Leadership begins early at our School, and in the Junior School years, it’s cultivated through everyday experiences.

Every student is encouraged to develop responsibility and a sense of purpose within their immediate community, and from Kindergarten, students are encouraged to nurture their own curiosity, confidence and character, through simple actions such as:

• Noticing a classmate on the ‘Buddy Bench’ and warmly inviting them to join in playground play

• Supporting a peer with patience and encouragement as they navigate a new challenge

• Demonstrating curiosity and confidence by asking a thoughtful question or sharing a creative idea in class

• Showing empathy by comforting a friend who is hurt or unwell

• Taking initiative and responsibility by caring for shared classroom spaces and learning materials without prompting

• Fostering inclusion by sharing resources and making space for others during an activity

• Building personal resilience by persisting through a challenge before seeking teacher guidance

From Year 2 onwards, students begin exploring the power of student voice through the Student Representative Council (SRC), where they share ideas, represent their peers and help shape initiatives that both enrich our School life and enhance their local citizenship.

A diverse range of leadership pathways allows students to discover and develop their strengths throughout their Junior School years. Whether leading through service, sustainability, innovation, culture or community engagement, students are empowered to contribute, collaborate and inspire others.

Leadership opportunities in the Junior School include:

• SRC for students in Years 2 – 6, championing student voice and initiatives

• Class Captains elected each term in Years 3 – 6, building confidence and responsibility within the classroom

• Leadership portfolios (24 positions) across citizenship, sustainability, service and social justice, student voice, House spirit, innovation and STEM, and community and culture

• Year 6 Buddy Program, where senior students welcome and guide new Kindergarten students

• Co-curricular leadership, with captains leading sporting teams and performing arts ensembles

• House Families, where older students mentor and support younger students, strengthening connection and belonging across year levels.

As a student progresses through the Senior School, leadership increasingly focuses on service, mentorship and community engagement.

From Year 7, students can represent their peers on the SRC and contribute ideas and initiatives that enhance School life.

Just some of the ways in which they contribute include assisting with whole-school events such as R U OK Day, Wear it Purple, Wear it Yellow, Bullying No Way Week, Wellbeing Assemblies and HICES Pastoral Meetings.

They also participate in the National Young Leaders Day conferences, and our buddy system for students in Years 7 – 10.

In Year 9, students undertake a School-based community service project for at least 10 individual hours.

In Year 10, students must then undertake a minimum 20 hours of community service, supporting organisations such as Riding for the Disabled, Surf Life Saving, local churches and aged-care facilities.

Students in Year 10 can also participate in the Strive to Lead Leadership Diploma – a structured program of workshops, seminars and service experiences designed to develop practical leadership capabilities and a deeper understanding of service.

A central component of the diploma is the design and delivery of a student-led community service initiative. Students present their project to their House Family, providing an opportunity to share their learning, demonstrate leadership in action and inspire younger students.

Many students also choose to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, developing resilience, independence, and a spirit of adventure.

Other leadership opportunities across the Senior School include:

• Student Representative Council for Years 7 to 9

• Year 9 Portfolio Captain positions focused on citizenship, sustainability, innovation and STEM, and service and social justice

• An inclusive Prefect body, including Head Boy and Head Girl, House Captains, Co-Curricular Captains and Portfolio Leaders

• Mentoring and leadership within House Families, where older students guide and support younger students

• Co-curricular leadership, mentoring younger students in sport, drama, dance, public speaking and debating

• Service to the School community, including assisting at Junior School events, carnivals and assemblies, welcoming prospective families, and supporting School functions.