2025 SENIOR SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Catherine Bashford School Captain

Catherine joined CGS in Year 7 and has evolved into an outgoing member of the School community, immersing herself in all CGS has to offer, from concert bands to water polo and mentoring and coaching younger student teams. She has enjoyed exploring the wide range of opportunities that CGS offers her, both inside and outside the classroom. She loves the sense of belonging and connection that CGS fosters in every student and values the strong relationships she has formed with her classmates, peers and teachers.

Catherine has always aspired to contribute to the inclusive culture and give back to the School that has given her so much. She hopes that her time as a School Captain will allow her to continue this process and strengthen the bonds within this diverse School community. While in a leadership role, she wishes to be a voice that empathises with and empowers her peers.

Over the next year, Catherine looks forward to working with a strong student leadership team to innovatively reinforce CGS's core values and emphasise a sense of belonging and teamwork among the student body.

Sidney Zhang School Captain

Sidney's time at Canberra Grammar School was defined by the close-knit relationships he formed with friends, students, and teachers. His desire to lead stems from his dedication to helping others and contributing to student growth. With a passion for debating, service, and tennis, Sidney strongly believes in and understands the importance of connection as a powerful tool to nurture support and inclusivity in an environment where all students can thrive.

CGS has served as a remarkable journey for Sidney, shaping his perspectives through providing numerous opportunities. Exchange in Japan, fundraising for Nepal and co-curricular enrichment are all core experiences that build up the skills Sidney utilises daily, especially in 2025. He is grateful for the opportunities he has received, promising to incorporate compassion and responsibility in leadership and to re-create and return the favours that CGS has given him back to students.

In 2025, Sidney wishes to foster teamwork amongst all grade levels by providing specific project opportunities to the SRC. This vision aims to strengthen student growth and involvement while placing students in a position of service to the betterment of the School. Working as a team, Sidney ensures a streamlined link between students and teachers, focusing on positive development in 2025.

WINNIE HERRING SCHOOL VICE-CAPTAIN

Winnie commenced her journey at CGS in Year 7, following graduation from Garran Primary School. Although a little overawed by CGS in the first few weeks, Winnie immediately connected with the School's values and community, and soon, she felt a deep sense of belonging and pride in being a CGS student. She immersed herself in CGS life, guided by seniors and staff who greatly encouraged her in all pursuits and whom Winnie admired. Winnie's appreciation for the School Leaders and the influence of her senior mentors inspired her to pursue a leadership role so that she, too, could have a strong positive impact on the School community.

Winnie is a person of great integrity with a strong sense of social justice and a positive attitude. Alongside her fellow Captains, Winnie aims to build a community that promotes kindness and compassion so that all students feel supported, heard, and like they belong. Winnie hopes to broaden the service opportunities available at CGS, recognising that giving back strengthens the bond within CGS and enriches personal growth. Winnie is incredibly honoured and excited to be a School Leader in 2025.

JOEY MINOGUE SCHOOL VICE-CAPTAIN

Joey began his journey at CGS in 2020, transitioning from a small primary school of only 120 students to what seemed to be the biggest school he had ever seen. He immediately strongly connected with Canberra Grammar School's people, values and community. By admiring the leadership and accomplishments established by previous captaincy teams and actively immersing himself in every opportunity the School offered, Joey knew he wanted to become a leader. Joey is a highly disciplined and driven individual who will work hard toward what he loves and truly cares about. This courageous work ethic works with his un-tarnish-able kindness, empathy and generosity toward those around him, making him an excellent leader. Joey hopes to continue building a strong school community that promotes happiness and wellbeing by constructing exciting and fun initiatives with his fellow captains. Joey would also like to spread messages about what he holds dear aiming to give the student body of CGS insight into the importance of going out of their comfort zone, trying new things and, most importantly, having a positive outlook on life.

ETHAN MURPHY SCHOOL VICE-CAPTAIN

Ethan began his journey at CGS in Pre-K and has been an active and passionate student. He believes that one of the greatest things about CGS is the opportunities it provides to students, and through those opportunities, he has developed some of his greatest passions.

Ethan genuinely loves CGS and was inspired to take on a leadership role by the School leaders before him, whom he has seen support, counsel, push, and motivate the students of CGS to be their best. He is also grateful for the opportunity to give back to CGS, a place that has given him knowledge, skills, incredible opportunities, and, most importantly, amazing friendships.

Ethan believes there is power when the CGS community comes together. Power to support, inspire, and uplift the young men and women across the School. Ethan plans to use his role to harness that power across year groups, boarders, and day students and the wide range of co-curricular activities the School offers so that every student feels the support, respect, and pride he feels for CGS.