From our Student Leaders
What attracted you to become a Student Leader?
Natasha Gillam – 2023 School Captain
I was attracted to this leadership role through the idea of being able to give back to the School and our community. I’m very grateful for the experiences throughout my journey here and to be given the opportunity to represent our School this year. I am really looking forward to continuing to work with our team to make changes for the good of the School and assist in improving everyone’s journey at Tintern. The team and I aim to behave in the way that contributes to students in letting them know that leadership can bring an element of fun and enjoyment as well as being a good role model simultaneously. Hence, it’s imperative to be a leader that loves one’s community and brings everyone together.
Sean Harris – 2023 School Captain
When I was in Year 7, I was still struggling to find my way in the school. I was introduced to the Big Brother Big Sister program, where Year 7s have the ability to interact and learn from a Year 12 ‘Big Brother/Sister.’ I was appointed to a Year 12 named Jack. Jack happened to be the School Captain. Jack was everything that a leader needs to be. He spoke to me as if I was an adult, he listened when I spoke and he generally cared about my health and wellbeing. Meeting someone like Jack has forever inspired me to care for my community, and being appointed the role of School Captain is a dream come true.
I believe that my role enables me to show students what’s expected of a student at Tintern. To role model and set an example to the younger year levels is what I want to achieve. I need to be the person that students feel comfortable talking to. Whether it be suggesting new ideas that may better the livelihood at Tintern, or giving feedback from a House Event, my role at this school is to listen and present the given information. I understand it can be daunting to approach a teacher and offer an idea or give feedback, and if that’s the case, come find me! I’d love to have a listen!
What do our Student Leaders have planned for 2023?
Our most recent event was Valentine’s Day, where we raised money for the Heart Foundation through selling serenades, roses and chocolates. We filled the air of the 14th of February with love, decorating the Senior College with love notes, decorations and our ‘love shack’ photo booth and serenading beloved friends and teachers.
The team and I have numerous exciting things planned such as the Big Freeze and other events coming soon. For the year ahead, we are motivated to strengthen connection and community throughout the School. We’re also aiming to channel our focus on mental health as it is paramount to address solutions and consistently reinforce looking after the wellbeing of ourselves and those around us, especially due to the fact that mental health concerns are prevalent in young people these days. We are looking forward to developing and navigating ways to provide an avenue for the student voice and implementing ideas and running events that are beneficial towards the wellbeing of everyone at the school. Our aim is to foster a warm, welcoming, and supportive atmosphere within our School community, and be there for the students. It has been a positive start to the year, and on behalf of the Leadership team, I hope all staff, students and families have a wonderful 2023!
Natasha Gillam | School Captain
Sean Harris | School Captain
