When did you join St Andrew’s Cathedral School? What was your first impression? Did that change? In what way?
I joined the School at the start of Year 5 in 2018. From the moment I first walked through the doors, feeling both nervous and excited, I was welcomed with open arms and beaming faces. In that moment, I knew that this was the place I wanted to be. And that love only grew over the next eight years.
“From the moment I first walked through the doors, feeling both nervous and excited, I was welcomed with open arms and beaming faces.”
I became immersed in every opportunity I could find, every music ensemble and drama production. And at every step I felt supported, encouraged and seen for who I truly was.
What struck me the most wasn’t just the School itself, but the people—the way they lifted each other up, celebrated each other’s achievements and made even the smallest moments feel special.
When you go to school each day what do you most look forward to?
The people, without a doubt. Whether it’s my friends, my teachers or even the younger students I pass in the halls, their kindness and energy brighten my day.
It’s the little things – the teachers checking in on me, someone I don’t really know passing me a piece of stationary, Mr Simpson’s daily greetings outside St Andrew’s House – that just create such a close-knit community.
You are now School Captain. When did you start to develop your leadership skills at the School?
When I first came to the School I didn’t feel like a leader at all. I was shy, I stayed away from big responsibilities and I didn’t care too much for leading other people.
But on my first day, a girl in my class came up to me and asked if I wanted to sit with her. It was a simple, seemingly effortless action, but it opened my eyes to how even the smallest actions can make such a huge difference in someone’s life. That girl is now one of my best friends and has stayed with me through all of my hardest moments.
Through High School, I started looking for opportunities where I could go out of my way to help others. I got involved in as many co-curricular opportunities as I could, and that’s where I met many of my close friends.
“Every day I’m becoming more of a leader and realising just how large an impact small actions can have, not just on someone else’s life, but also your own.”
But it was only when I was given the role of School Captain that I realised these actions I had taken without even thinking had not gone unnoticed. Every day I’m becoming more of a leader and realising just how large an impact small actions can have, not just on someone else’s life, but also your own, because those actions are never forgotten.
Has being a leader developed your character? In what ways?
One of my favourite quotes is: “It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” To me, this perfectly captures how powerful the little actions can be in making others feel comfortable, valued and seen.
Over the past few years I’ve come to realise how much impact I can have upon someone’s life. I now consistently try to go out of my way to bring joy to other people, even if it’s just by complimenting someone on their solo or remembering a Year 7’s name.
Being a leader has also given me so much confidence in myself, as I’ve had to push myself to feel like I can be a good role model to others.
Regarding leadership, what has been most challenging? How about the highlights?
It’s really challenging having to consistently feel confident and sure of yourself, particularly under pressure. There are a lot of speeches and talks you have to give without a lot of notice, but you can’t go up there expecting it to go badly. You have to have faith in yourself when you step out on the stage, and that’s often tiring, sometimes exhausting, but it gives you so much confidence.
One of the highlights has definitely been all the younger kids and people I don’t usually talk to coming up to me, unafraid to ask me a question or just chat.
When I was in Year 7 I would have been terrified of the Year 12s, so it makes me smile when I realise that I’ve helped contribute to this loving and supportive community.
Did you bring any particular skills to senior studies from undertaking the MYP in middle school?
The MYP taught me discipline and strategic thinking skills that I carried with me into my senior studies. Although the HSC is very different from the MYP, both courses have challenged me in unique ways and pushed me think more deeply and independently.
Is there a particular HSC subject you most enjoy? Why?
My favourite subjects are Drama and Music Extension, as I love how they allow me to fully express myself through performance. I enjoy the strong focus on the practical side, which really helps me extend my skills and try new things.
I also really enjoy Maths Advanced, because it challenges me in a completely different way compared to my other, more practical and written-based subjects.
All of my teachers are incredibly supportive, and having such encouraging classmates makes every lesson even better.
You are involved in a wide range of activities. What’s been a highlight? How do you achieve balance?
I’ve been involved in so many activities that it’s hard to pick just one favourite moment, but a few definitely stand out. Both the Major Drama Production, Treasure Island and the musical, The Little Mermaid, were incredibly meaningful experiences, where I truly discovered my love of performing.
During the production weeks, I made so many amazing friends and the memories we created will stay with me forever.
I’ve also loved being part of the Music Tours, where I experienced music in a completely different culture alongside people who share the same passion as me. This year’s European Music Tour, which I was incredibly fortunate to have been able to go on, was especially unforgettable — it really deepened my love for music, strengthened friendships, and reminded me of everything I treasure about both the School and music.
Being involved in such a wide range of activities really taught me how to stay organised. With a full schedule, I couldn’t afford to fall behind on homework or miss assessment deadlines, so I quickly learned how to manage my time and stay on top of everything. It also pushed me to maintain a consistent sleep routine and to prioritise both my physical and mental wellbeing as I had to be ready to show up each day with energy, focus, and a clear mind.
Do you have a few lasting memories of St Andrew’s Cathedral School or a story you’d like to share?
I have so many beautiful memories from my time at the School, each one shaping me into who I am today.
“I kept coming back, year after year, excited by the chance to be part of something so creative, so full of joy and surrounded by people who shared the same passion and spirit as me.”
One of my earliest and dearest memories is from Year 5, performing in the musical RATS. It was my first time being part of a production, and it truly changed my life. From that moment on, I kept coming back year after year, excited by the chance to be part of something so creative, so full of joy and surrounded by people who shared the same passion and spirit as me.
Another memory I’ll never forget happened this year, during the final performance of the European Music Tour. Standing in the middle of the choir, it suddenly hit me that this was the last time I would be singing my heart out with people who had become such a huge part of my life. Later, as I sat down in the orchestra as concertmaster for our final song, I felt tears welling in my eyes.
In that moment, I realised I wouldn’t change a single thing about my journey through the School. It hadn’t always been perfect — there were solos I missed out on, results that sometimes fell short of what I’d hoped for — but the win of being part of such a wonderful, supportive community far outweighed all of that.
“Everyone around me mattered, each person just as important as the next, and together, we had created something truly unforgettable.”
Everyone around me mattered, each person just as important as the next, and together, we had created something truly unforgettable.
What do you hope to do next year and in your future?
I would love to continue performing, and I’m currently auditioning for acting and musical theatre courses at a few universities.
I also hope to pursue teaching, because I love being able to contribute to someone else’s story — to watch them grow and share everything I’ve learned, in the hope that they can find the same joy and appreciation for life that I have.
Who knows — maybe one day I’ll be back here, teaching and inspiring the next generation, just as so many teachers have inspired me.
