News

Leadership returns to the forefront at St Mary’s

By Pip Turton

Oct 15, 2025

Back: Faith and Justice captains Anesha Bhatti and Ajooni Kaur, school vice captains Charlotte Armstrong and Oliver DeMaria and school captains James Sibio and Ariana Vourgaslis. Front: Ryan House captains Bayden Newman and Emma Lee, Archer House captains Annabelle Barillaro and Ethan Prygod, McAuley House captains Logan Anstice and Ruby Woods, Marian House captains Indiana Tamburro and Ava Fisher. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

St Mary’s Primary School is reigniting its leadership spirit with the reintroduction of student leadership positions for 2026.

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Principal Elaine Vertriest said the decision was inspired by the school’s strong graduate outcomes and a desire to prepare students for future leadership opportunities.

“We brought back leadership positions because our graduate outcomes are so strong, and we have leadership groups like social justice, fire carriers and a tech team,” Ms Vertriest said.

“Some staff members felt our students weren’t growing enough in resilience and confidence to take on leadership. This program will hopefully give them that pride and readiness to apply for further leadership in the future.”

The Year 5 students were required to submit applications, followed by interviews and surveys involving staff and peers before appointments were made.

Ms Vertriest said the new house captains would help “drive real house spirit”, with traditional banners, badges and a formal blessing ceremony planned for next year.

Vice captain Oliver DeMaria said being among the school’s first captains felt “special” and “a bit nerve-racking”.

“It’s cool knowing we’ll be the first names on a plaque,” he said.