Leadership Forum 2025 – Leaving a Legacy
As 2025 Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl, we (Annika and Scarlett) have had the privilege of leading an incredible group of students.
Our goal, as Year 12 leaders, was clear: how can we make a real difference at Santa Maria College? A key part of this was building community, creating connections across year groups, and strengthening school spirit. But leadership doesn’t just belong to Year 12. Every year group has students who lead in their own way, with passion and purpose.
Rethinking Leadership Beyond the Badge
This year we introduced a new Leadership Forum. This grew from our reflections on what we have done, what we could have done better, and how we have grown. More importantly, we asked ourselves: how can we still lead without a badge or title? Leadership isn’t about a label.
The girls answered beautifully to the question of what is leadership? Sharing that leadership is about how you act, about being open and friendly and more than anything about being a true active listener to those around you.
The forum was guided by two big questions:
- What does leadership really mean, and how can we lead without a badge?
- How can we pass on what we’ve learned to the 2026 leaders?
Across seven mixed-year groups (Years 6 – 12), student leaders shared thoughtful responses to these questions. Each group brought fresh insights, showing our strengths as a leadership team and identifying areas where we can grow. These reflections will guide future leaders in shaping their own legacy within the school community.
Passing the Torch to 2026 Leaders
The forum ended with the ‘Legacy Letter’ activity. In small groups, students wrote advice, reflections, and encouragement for the 2026 leaders, passing on lessons from this year to inspire the next and create a legacy that connects all of us.
Scarlett and I are incredibly proud of what the 2025 Leadership Team has achieved. Your courage, compassion, and commitment have built something that will last far beyond this year.
Student Reflections
“The most impactful thing I took away from the afternoon was continuing to build connections within the whole SRC & SLC. Hearing everyone’s thoughts helped me reflect on how we can improve next year, with or without a badge.” Chloe, Year 11
“The forum was engaging and meaningful. It connected me with leaders across year groups, helping create a more cohesive community. I reflected on what I achieved, and what I didn’t, and what I want to improve, whether I have a title or not.” Lenna, Year 11
“The session was fun and inspiring. It brought together students from all year groups and houses. It helped us reflect on the year and left us feeling motivated to grow and improve as a team.” Ella, Year 11
“It was a valuable and enjoyable experience. I learned how leadership is expressed in different ways, and that each leader brings their own strengths and goals. I took a lot away from the session.” Sacha, Year 11
“The leadership forum was a great experience. It was amazing to connect with girls from different year groups, reflect on our year as leaders, and set future goals. Writing letters to the 2026 leaders was especially meaningful. It reminded me that a badge doesn’t define leadership, compassion and listening do.” Genevieve, Year 9
“The forum had a meaningful impact on me. It helped me reflect on my goals, recognise my achievements, and see where I can improve. A big takeaway was knowing I’m not alone, other leaders share the same challenges. We can collaborate to find solutions.”
Gia, Year 9
“The most impactful part was talking to other leaders and answering questions together. I learned that you don’t need a badge to be a leader, and you should always strive to be your best self.” Ella, Year 7
A Legacy of Connection and Courage
We have learned that the most powerful influence comes from listening, encouraging, and showing up for others every day.
As we hand over to the 2026 leaders, our hope is that they will continue to lead with the same spirit of courage, compassion, and connection that has shaped our journey. To every student – with or without a badge – thank you for being part of this legacy. Together, we have built something that truly belongs to the whole Santa Maria College community.
Annika, Head Girl & Scarlett, Deputy Head Girl
- BuildingSchoolLeadership, Featured, HeadGirlReflections, LegacyinLeadership, MercyValuesinAction, PassingtheTorch, SantaMariaCollege, StudentLeadership, StudentVoice
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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