Langley Templeton, Co-Captain, Olivia Cunningham

What do you hope to accomplish in your role as House Captain this year?

In my role as House Captain, I hope to create and build the Langley Templeton House culture, where all the girls feel excited and determined to compete in House events with enthusiasm and passion for Langley Templeton.

I think the culture within the House is what can help make us competitive amongst the other Houses, as everyone will hopefully want to strive to accomplish more, as they have the entire House behind them in every race or event. I believe the inter-House program at St Catherine also carries great value. Being challenged within a competition such as House Athletics or Swimming, working towards a common goal of doing our best, and possibly winning, makes the connection between the girls even stronger.

How did you become interested in a student leadership role?

Ever since I have been in Langley Templeton, I have always looked up to, and admired, past Captains and how they have led the House through highs and lows. This inspired me to want to apply for this role, in the hope that I can continue on with their legacy, and help build Langley Templeton up, to reach its full potential as a House.

What are the key responsibilities of being a House Captain?

My understanding of the role of House Co-Captain is to be a leader and role model for Langley Templeton. To work with the teachers and girls to ensure all House activities, events and meetings run smoothly, and to lead all the Langley Templeton girls to participate and do their best in House-related activities.

The role is also about being a person the girls can come to for non-House-related purposes, and connecting with all the girls to ensure their needs are met. I believe the role of House Co-Captain involves showing concern and awareness, uniting all the girls in spirit, and ensuring all students are involved in all activities.

I think the role of House Co-Captain also involves implementing activities to bond the girls across all Year levels, to ensure a sense of inclusivity and belonging in the Langley Templeton community.

Do you think COVID and the last two years of Learn@Home will influence your leadership role this year?

I think Covid has definitely played a role in how Rosie and I will utilise our roles as House Captains. It has revealed to us the value of being together. I also think it has helped us to appreciate the time we do get together as a House, and see the value in the strong bond all the Langley Templeton girls have with each other, regardless of Year level or other factors.

I know that Rosie and I will make the most of the time we get to spend together as a House, and even bring in new traditions such as a movie night we are planning for next term and other fun activities that we can do together.

What is one word that best describes the kind of leader you would like to be?

Passionate!

Describe the most enjoyable aspect of being part of a House?

I think the most enjoyable aspect of being a part of a House is that you always know that there is a team behind you that supports you in all that you do.

Through being in Langley Templeton, I have met some of my closest friends, who I may have not had the opportunity to connect with otherwise. I have loved wearing green and representing Langley Templeton in all House events, be it Sport, Drama, or Music.

Being in Langley Templeton provides a unique bond, and sense of community and belonging for everyone, across all Year levels. I think the challenge of competition also adds to the enjoyment and camaraderie, especially if Langley does well. First and foremost though, it is the friends and connections I have made as part of House activities that will remain with me forever.

What is one quality a good leader needs to have?

I think one quality a good leader needs to have is the ability to communicate. This involves listening to others, being able to clearly pass on information, and ensuring that messages get across clearly and effectively.

What is one thing you would like to take from the experience of being House Captain once you graduate from St Catherine’s School in 2022?

When I graduate from St Catherine’s this year, I will take with me the value of teamwork and how each person in a team plays an important role. I have learned the value of teamwork through the House Arts program, where it is highlighted how everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, but it is about how you use each individual’s skills that can make or break the target you are trying to achieve.