Introducing Liz, Maya, Xavier and Kevan, Our 2026 School Captains
Congratulations to our School Captains and Prefects for 2026, who were officially inducted during their Oath Signing Ceremony led by Principal Gerad Foley and Heads of Campus.
Now formally introduced to the School community at dedicated assemblies, it marks an important milestone in their leadership journey, a tradition of honour celebrating student leadership at Ivanhoe Grammar School. Below our School Captains share their vision for 2026, what makes a young person of character and some highlights of their time at Ivanhoe Grammar School so far.
School Captain Liz
My vision for 2026 is to see our school continue to grow as a welcoming and inclusive environment, a place where everyone feels they belong. I want to see people coming together, supporting one another and putting a genuine effort into everything we do. Most importantly, I hope our community keeps building a culture of kindness and connection, where every student feels valued and involved.
What are three words to describe yourself?
Friendly, reliable and determined.
To be a young person of character means being kind and respectful. It means not being afraid to stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. It’s about showing determination, staying true to your values and never giving up when things get tough. Having character means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
A good leader is a person who is respectful, understanding, and approachable. They can not only listen to others but ensure people feel heard and supported. They lead by example, displaying empathy and integrity in everything they do. Most of all, a good leader inspires others to be their best and helps create a positive environment for everyone.
One of my favourite highlights has been being part of the Girls’ Firsts Volleyball Team. We have an amazing sense of community and teamwork. It has made me create unforgettable memories and everlasting friendships. I’ve also loved getting involved in so many co-curricular activities. Being able to meet people I might not have met otherwise and building memorable friendships that have made my time at Ivanhoe really special.
School Captain Maya
My vision for Ivanhoe in 2026 is one where the students are connected within and between their year levels, as well as cross-campus. This looks like building stronger house spirit, encouraging co-curricular involvement and an overall focus on wellbeing and leadership to create these connections. As Plenty Campus adapts to a new vertical House system for the Senior Years, this will be a great opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zone and make new friendships within their houses. With the leadership team planning wellbeing sessions, friendly competitions and opportunities for cross-campus events, we are excited to see the growth of students as they get involved, make friends and most of all have fun. Through this, I would love to see 2026 as a year defined by involvement, connection and community in which students can acknowledge the importance of the School in their development as young people of character and make the most of the opportunities they are presented.
What are three words to describe yourself?
Thoughtful, kind and motivated.
To me, a young person of character is about respect; respect for yourself that drives your work ethic and respect for those around you that ultimately builds gratitude and compassion.
I believe good leaders are those who have strong respect and empathy, as it is a core trait that allows them to empower others. When someone demonstrates this compassion and approachability, they show that they listen, value different perspectives and treat everyone fairly, which automatically encourages others to feel supported and inspired. This provides motivation for people to follow their example, leading them to cultivate a similar sense of kindness and support with those around them. Respect, along with integrity, determination and collaboration, create a role model who has genuine care for those they are leading and they seek to promote these values in the school community.
A highlight from my time at Ivanhoe has undoubtedly been the 2025 Cambodia Service Trip. This experience provided opportunities for compassion, courage and reflection, with a mix of service work and immersion in the rich history and culture of the country. Building connections and teaching the children in small villages was a transformational opportunity that made us all more grateful and allowed us to have lots of fun and collaborate with each other. The way every student on the trip connected deeply with the communities we were involved in was inspirational, I really do believe the trip and everything it stands for reflects the character of Ivanhoe Grammar School Students, it provided me with memories I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Other highlights at Ivanhoe have included.
– Cadet Program
– Musical Crew
– Debating
– Big Group Hug
Being involved in these opportunities has built my skills in fun and encouraging environments with a strong sense of community.
School Captain Xavier
My vision as a School Captain is to work as a team with the other prefects and student body to foster a connected and involved school community where every student feels valued and inspired to achieve their best. This will be achieved through prioritising wellbeing, allowing us to build more engagement in co-curricular activities and providing more leadership opportunities to different year levels.
What are three words to describe yourself?
Approachable, energetic uplifting.
A young person of character is a person who upholds their integrity, doing the right thing even when it’s not easy or nobody is watching.
A good leader is an excellent communicator, someone who can inspire people through their words and actions. But above all, a good leader puts others’ needs above their own to benefit everyone.
My biggest and favourite highlights so far at Ivanhoe have been taking part in the Cadet Program, contributing to service and outreach events, participating in House events and being a part of Ivanhoe’s AGSV Swimming Team.
School Captain Kevan
My vision for 2026 as School Captain is to build the culture of the school through more community days and events, as well as House challenges and co-curricular involvement.
What are three words to describe yourself?
Hard-working, involved and caring.
A young person of character is resilient; they continue no matter what adversity they face without complaint.
A good leader is a compassionate person; they are driven in their work and motivating to their peers.
My favourite highlight of my time at Ivanhoe Grammar School is my trip to Oxford for The Big Baraza run by Round Square, the Cambodia Service Trip and preparing with my team before debating on Monday nights.
We celebrate and support all our student leaders as they begin their journey to inspire, collaborate and create positive change within our school community.
