What inspired you to nominate for Captain?

LM: I have always felt so proud to be a St Andrew’s student and was inspired to make a greater contribution to the life of the College through the role of Captain.

JL: I applied for College Captain because I want to leave a positive mark on the school before graduating in 2023, and I want to know that I have helped encourage the already existing great community of St Andrew's.

LL: Since arriving at the College in Year 7, I have always accepted every opportunity that comes my way, no matter my knowledge or skills in that area. By nominating for the position of College Captain, I saw the opportunity to influence all students to do the same, to take part in all aspects of St Andrew's life, and to be humble while doing so. I also saw the leadership position as an opportunity to build the College community further, where there is no division, each student feels accepted, and is proud to wear the St Andrew's uniform.

WM: I was inspired to nominate for captain to lead the St Andrew's community in the upcoming year and to leave a positive mark on the school but also for the challenges that would present themselves throughout the year.

What does being a leader mean to you?

LM: To me a leader is someone who listens to those around them, showing kindness and compassion always, while also being able to stand up for what they believe is right. A leader is able to make a difference by inspiring those around them through their actions and attitude.

JL: I believe being a leader is more so about leading from the back, rather than the front. I push myself to encourage everyone from the ground up, so I can help them become the best version of themselves.

LL: I strongly believe that a leader does not celebrate their own achievements, but conversely uses them to encourage others to succeed. A leader is consistent and disciplined in their treatment of others, showing everyone respect regardless of their position, role, or title. A leader has the confidence to listen to those who are not in leadership roles across the school community while being a voice for all.

WM: For me, being a leader means you are someone people can look up to and talk to, as well as being able to create a positive change within the community.

What do you love about St Andrew's?

LM: From the very first moment I became a St Andrew’s student in Year 7, I have always loved the vibrant and inclusive community that St Andrew's provides. The positive and supportive relationships between the staff and students is what I believe makes St Andrew's such a special community to be a part of. Every individual has a sense of belonging and feels valued by the people around them.

JL: I’ve been at St Andrew's for my whole life, and I’ve enjoyed every day of schooling here. I really enjoy spending time at the school because the community is so kind and caring, which has helped me become a better version of myself.

LL: Before joining St Andrew's in Year 7, I would continually look up to my sisters who were a part of the College community, and couldn’t wait to become involved across the sport, music, and art faculties by trying new experiences. Opportunities are constantly being presented to us, and I love the support and encouragement from my peers and teachers. This support and encouragement contributes to the sense of belonging to a team, all working together to achieve our ambitions.

WM: I really love the sense of community within St Andrew's, no one is afraid to try something new and there is such high participation throughout the school, especially on our carnival days and inter house competitions.

What do you hope to achieve?

LM: I would love to leave a legacy that inspires both my own peers and younger students within the College to be the best versions of themselves and encourage each student to pursue their passions whatever they may be. I would also love to further build upon the connections between older and younger students and continue to develop the spirited culture that is so much a part of the College life.

JL: I believe the St Andrew's community is already very strong and supporting of everyone in it, and my goal is to help encourage that more into the future.

LL: Since accepting the leadership position, we have already been successful in implementing a Buddy Program for the Secondary School, commencing a trial run in Term 4. I am extremely passionate about this program as I believe it provides students the opportunity to build relationships with students in younger and older cohorts and will ultimately achieve a more unified College community.

WM: I hope to achieve better connections throughout the grades within the Secondary school as well as continuing to grow the culture within the school, especially with it playing such an integral part of our community.

If you were Prime Minister, what would you change?

LM: The wellbeing of the Australian people in all areas would be a priority to me. I would work to shorten the gap between the wealthy and poor by providing all Australians with affordable housing and stronger job and work opportunities. I would also ensure Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islanders achieve proper recognition in our Constitution.

JL: I would reduce the amount of coal mining in the country, and make renewable energy compulsory for everyone.

LL: If I were elected as Prime Minister of Australia, the first issue I would address would be endeavouring to mitigate the poverty crisis currently affecting 13 million Australians. Prominent issues influencing this crisis include, unemployment, inequalities in the structure of society, education opportunities, housing, infrastructure, and health care services, therefore by strengthening and targeting these factors, I would hope to see the poverty rate decrease.

WM: If I were Prime Minister, I would propose initiatives to further help Australia families that are struggling to compete with rising food, fuel and housing costs.