Meet our Senior School Captains
Get to know our 2012 School Captain, Katie Cameron, and Vice-Captain, Philippa Sutherland, pictured with Principal Dr Sylvia Walton AO
Katie, pictured right, and Philippa, pictured left, share their thoughts and plans for the year ahead and their leadership roles.
What are the duties you will take on in your roles this year?
Katie: As leader of the General Committee I work with the Year 12 leaders, this includes House Captains, Debating Captain etc. Basically I oversee the school leaders in areas such as organising fundraisers, school events and gate duty.This is a really fun and important part of the position as I get to work with the girls in my year! I am required to make public appearances to represent the school at various events and make speeches both inside and outside of school throughout the year. As well as this, a major part of the position is a lot of behind-the-scenes organisation which leads to the running of the year 12 year level.
Philippa: The basic duties I have taken on as Vice-Captain for 2012 individually are that I am the liaison to the Old Girls' Association, which includes communicating with members and attending meetings when they arise. This is something I have been extremely excited about because my great-grandmother, my grandmother, two of my aunts and my older sister attended St Catherine's. During assemblies, Katie and I are responsible for some formal proceedings and also are able to address the girls if we wish. Katie runs the General Committee meetings and I take notes and make sure all members are informed of anything that needs to be done. Katie and I also attend all main school functions such as music performances, church services and fundraising events.
Any special plans now you are School leaders?
Katie: Pip and I both have a strong desire to cherish the strong sense of community that has been developed over the years at St. Catherine’s. The general committee is really excited to work together as a team to achieve our goals, as well as within our own specific captaincies this year. This will hopefully be achieved through specific events that we are will run together as a group, we are currently in the process of planning these. I also want to really make the most of my last year and take part in as much as possible, whilst hopefully finding the time to have fun even in the stressful periods!
Philippa: Katie and I wish to work very closely together this year with a focus on the cohesive nature of the school and community service. Each term we hope to work with the General Commitee to organise a fundraising event such as the Breast Cancer Morning Tea last year. Living in the Boarding House with Katie is great as it means we can meet easily to organise things.
Why did you want a leadership role?
Katie: When anyone asks this question, they always assume it was because of the blue blazer! But the motivation for any leadership role within the school really comes out of a love for St Catherine’s and the incredible community here. If I had to pinpoint the best thing about the role, it would be that through this formal position you are given the opportunity to immerse yourself completely in this unique community, to involve yourself with the most incredible parents, students and staff – this is what really attracted me to the position. I also found I had a strong desire to give back to this school, to try and repay it for everything it has given me over the years, however, I could never have fathomed how special this experience really would be.
Philippa: I see it as a great way to give back to the community that has provided me with so much. I have been at St Catherine's since Year 5 and love the School. To have the opportunity to lead is an honour. It is a fantastic way to get to know all girls and work with them as a team; developing these friendships and encouraging participation is one of the best experiences within School life. I also believe being in such a role teaches me so much.
What qualities are needed in a good leader?
Katie: John Quincy Adams, despite his short-lived US presidential career, had an incredible view on leadership. He once said, “ If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
Philippa: In my opinion a leader must be someone who stands equal with a group and who shows compassion. Working with those you lead is the most important part. To be a caring listener and to be able to reach a compromise are also integral qualities because being in a leadership role often means that you are faced with conflicting ideas.
Who are the leaders you most admire?
Katie: I will always be in admiration of the previous leaders of St Catherine’s. To be honest it has taken me quite some time to get over how daunted I am at the thought of following in their footsteps. They have inspired me throughout my schooling, always perfectly juggling their Captaincy and schoolwork. What I most appreciate them for is that they have all, along with the staff, created the unique environment that exists within the walls of St Catherine’s.
Philippa: The leaders I admire most are those around me. My parents and teachers, the people who work tirelessly for the benefit of others and who are always willing to listen and help. Often, just how much they give goes unnoticed.
How do you feel about your School?
Katie: St Catherine’s is such a unique school, it is honestly the most incredible environment to both live and be educated in (I am also a boarder). Being a relatively small school, a girl’s identity is not squashed by large classes and year levels but is instead cherished. Girls know one another and the sense of community that exists is unbelievably strong. The staff are the most incredible and caring people you will ever come across, going above and beyond to support and assist you with anything you need.
Philippa: St Catherine's has given me endless opportunities and showed me what can be achieved with persistence. I have loved my time here, made great friends and through my classes and co-curricular activities such as rowing, been able to be involved in so much. I am honoured to be in a role of leadership because it means I have the opportunity to give back and promote what I love about St Catherines. leaders I admire most are those around me. My parents and teachers, the people who work tirelessly for the benefit of others and who are always willing to listen and help. Often, just how much they give goes unnoticed.
Your personal aims for Year 12 and next year?
Katie: I am hoping to maintain a balance this year between school work, socialising and my Captaincy position.Obviously, this is a big year but with the help of the staff I hope to achieve my personal best in all aspects of school life. I am still figuring out my plans for next year, but I really hope I will maintain the friendships I have made here at St Catherine’s.
Philippa: In Year 12 my aims are to work hard to achieve my best in my subjects and to have a positive influence through my leadership role. Year 12 is a challenging year for everyone and being there to support my year group and working together is something I think is really important. For next year, I am unsure exactly what I wish to do, but I would love to possibly move interstate to Sydney for university. Throughout the coming year and the following, I hope to maintain close friendships with the girls at St Catherine's.