Grace Patching’s passion for theatre and leadership blossomed through the vibrant and diverse community at St Andrew’s Cathedral School. As Crusaders Co-Captain, she learned that true leadership is about authenticity and selflessness. Now Grace is focused on deepening her faith and plans to pursue outdoor education ministry, continuing her journey of personal growth and service.
What did you enjoy about your time at St Andrew’s Cathedral School?
I loved that everyone came from so many different places. This made for a beautiful community with a merge of cultures and perspectives. I was also involved in a number of theatre productions and I really looked forward to rehearsals. The theatre community at St Andrew’s Cathedral School was full of a range of people from different year groups that all came together to have fun, creating a space free of judgment in which anyone and everyone could express themselves through the catharsis of theatre. Being a Crusaders (Cru) Co-Captain was also special.
Tell us about your role as Cru Co-Captain.
I helped to run Middle School Cru, leading discussion groups with Year 7-9. The questions of Middle Schoolers always challenged me and reminded me to ask questions myself. I also started new initiatives such as a student directed Year 9-12 Bible Study. The community we formed was incredible as we all noticed the power of the underlying connection that united us all: our love and desire to know our Creator more.
What did you learn from being a leader?
In the younger years of Primary School, I never saw myself as a leader. Moving to St Andrew’s Cathedral School I noticed that teachers encouraged everyone to represent the School by being a role model to other people.
I learnt that leadership is not just a gift, but a skill that can be developed and nurtured through the practice of putting aside your own interests for the interests of others. I also learnt the importance of authenticity.
The best leaders are not those who are removed from the general population or immersed in their own world, but those who are open and transparent.
What do you hope to do next year and in your future?
When I was younger, my plan in life was always to go to university but at the moment I want to follow what I enjoy doing. I hope to join Cru on Summit: a traineeship in outdoor education ministry because my priority in life is to have a concrete understanding of what I believe in.
