Introducing the Crookwell High School leaders for 2021

The captains step into the role in the final term of 2020, having faced the challenges Covid-19 had on education, however, they remain positive about their final year.

"Covid-19 restrictions prevented year 12 from having their graduation assembly with the whole school, family and guests. Therefore, this prevented the official handover to 2021 captains until this term," Koen said.

While students were dogged by school closures and online learning, the Upper Lachlan Shire has dodged the worst of the pandemic.

"We have been quite lucky to live in an area where it hasn't been greatly impacted except for little changes which we have handled in our stride," Emily said.

Australian Community Media interviewed the new captains about activities, strategies, sports, and even changes to the current school uniform.

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Most of the captains would like to see more interaction between the senior and junior years.

"It is essential for them to feel accepted and comfortable to adapt and achieve their best results in the sometimes-challenging school environment," Victoria said.

Emily added, "I would also interact with the younger years at recess and lunch to form new relationships between seniors and juniors making it a happier environment for everyone."

"I would like to implement more respect within our school community and to grow stronger with those involved in our school and the wider community," she said.

Meanwhile, avid athlete Josh hopes that students could gain more access to a wider range of sports, which would promote further engagement in physical activity.

And Koen would like to see the introduction of beanies to the school uniform.

Temperatures in the region can fall into the minus figures in the blustery winter months, with many mornings impacted by hard frosts. With the P&C, Koen has proposed a winter addition to the current school uniform and presented a sample to the principal Vero Joseph.

Next year, they will use the experience of 13 years of secondary schooling to further their skills for the future.

"In the future, I plan to study Business Management - Human Resources at university," Victoria said.

"The skills and knowledge I will develop throughout the year will benefit me in having valuable experience, therefore helping me to establish my first job in the business industry."

They all agreed captaincy would help develop public speaking skills and confidence, as well as leadership, time management, and team work.

"This role will provide many learning opportunities in a team environment which is very beneficial as most jobs lean towards more teamwork activities these days," Josh said.

He added, "the public speaking duties will lead to confidence when attending formal events and interviews."

Mr Joseph, CHS principal had previously praised the applications for the roles on the school's Facebook page, "I was very impressed with the quality of the 12 students who applied for the positions. They all did a wonderful job in demonstrating our school values and impressing on us their suitability for the position. I am so proud of the wonderful leaders our school and community produces."

Australian Community Media interview with the new captains:

Why did you apply for the role?

Emily: "I applied for the role of captain because I wanted to be more involved in both my school and local community. I wanted to become a respectable role model for my younger peers and to be an approachable person for those that were after someone to talk to."

Koen: "I applied for school captain because I have been a student representative council member for four years, participated in many other school activities like MADD night, school band and also involved with the Hume Conservatorium. This has given me confidence in public speaking and performing in front of an audience. Crookwell High School has provided me with these opportunities, I will lead with pride and this will strengthen my leadership skills."

Victoria: "I applied for the role to learn and further develop my leadership skills as well as improve my ability to speak in front of audiences. I also saw the opportunity to help voice important opinions of fellow students and support and fundraise for relevant global issues such as genetic diseases and human rights through Jeans for Genes day and Amnesty International."

Josh: "I decided to apply for the role of school captain for a few reasons; To build stronger leadership skills within myself, be able to overcome challenges with my fellow captains that may occur within our school community and strive towards a healthy and well-respected school community. A second reason was to enhance my public speaking skills and be able to communicate different ideas with my peers on the school representative council and the fellow school community."

What was some of the new advice you have received in your new role?

Emily: "To speak loud and clear, always have open body language when speaking and to give everything my best shot. And, most importantly to have fun."

Koen: "That I am a role model for my peers, school and the community. I am proud to be captain for 2021 and I will do the very best job."

Victoria: "The most common advice I have received is to be confident and embrace it as it is a massive honour. Also to be honest and approachable and always be yourself."

Josh: "Embrace the role and take it as a learning experience for future endeavors, and to use what I learned in the process of applying for the position, such as the interview process, and then use that experience in applying for a job. Finally, the last piece of advice I received was to enjoy the leadership responsibility, but most importantly have fun!"