Gabriel Way Stamatellis’ journey at St Andrew’s Cathedral School exemplifies how a supportive environment can transform uncertainty into confidence.
Starting out as a student who felt unsure of his place, he grew into a leader and performer, discovering the value of perseverance, collaboration and self-belief. Through every challenge and opportunity, he found joy in learning and sharing his talents with others.
When did you join St Andrew’s Cathedral School? What was your first impression?
I joined in Year 5. I was intimidated. I felt that because I wasn’t the brightest student, I would not find my place. I soon found that to be wrong.
I received as much help as I needed, I was pushed in the areas that I struggled, while I also enjoyed the freedom and opportunities to do the things I was good at.
What was the best part about going to the School?
The opportunities. There was something for everyone. You could try out new things in a safe space where you were free to make mistakes.
You were involved in a wide range of activities, including being a Principal role in the musical, The Little Mermaid. What was a highlight?
I was involved in every musical I could be. The highlight was getting up on that stage and making everyone laugh, smile and bringing joy to their world. After working for months to put a show on, it was great to see all that hard work pay off in the end.
You were also a School Prefect. When did you start to develop your leadership skills at the School?
I would say in class—in group projects I always found myself getting things moving which started to develop my skills in leading a group.
You chose to study the HSC but completed the IB Middle Years Programme. How did that help you in your senior years?
Study habits and planning. Completing the Personal Project helped me understand how to plan big projects so that they could be done without too much stress. Developing those skills early made the senior years so much easier.
What advice would you give to students about to start the HSC?
Do everything you can. There are so many things you can do, so do them. Some might put you out of your comfort zone, but who knows, you could come out of it a changed and better person. You will never get a chance to do so many different things in such a safe space, so take all that you can.
What do you hope to do next year and in your future?
My hope is to go to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. I hope I can work in the realm of musical theatre or music in some way. It brings me so much joy in life.
