LEADING WITH TENACITY AND WARMTH Introducing our 2023 School Co-Captains

‘We are sure that our last year of Senior School will be a difficult year, however, we do not doubt that through our kindness and enthusiasm, it will also be one of our best.’

Throughout our Senior School years, we have been fortunate enough to watch and be inspired by the many incredible Co-Captains before us. We have been able to admire their determination, energy and individuality when stepping into the role. As your Co-Captains for 2023, we hope to carry on the legacies which have been left, whilst also bringing forth our own dreams and visions.

As a cohort, we have committed to lead the School with Tenacity and Warmth in 2023. Tenacity, by definition, is the quality or fact of being very determined. We chose this word as we believe it accurately reflects the energy and motivation of the Class of 2023, whilst also highlighting our ability to persevere in the face of adversity. Over the past few years, we have been faced with many hardships caused by the global pandemic, such as lockdown with its constantly changing regulations, and the feelings of isolation that ensued. However, these moments shed a light on our tenacity and strength to come together in pursuit of the common goal of reigniting School spirit and reconnecting our community.

To accompany Tenacity, our year level has also chosen Warmth. For us, this represents our year level’s affection and inclusion. We believe that through radiating Warmth and being open and understanding, we will rejuvenate connections and relationships in the School. Furthermore, Warmth indicates our loyalty to one another and our tendency to be there for each other through the highs and lows. We are sure that our last year of Senior School will be a difficult year, however, we do not doubt that through our kindness and enthusiasm, it will also be one of our best.

Our chosen colour, 'deep pink', combines the sentiments of both our words. A combination of red; representing passion, and white; representing peace, deep pink reflects the strength of the Class of 2023, while also portraying our caring and generous spirit. We believe that finding a balance between enthusiasm and support will play a key role in how we will lead as a group this year. Many students in younger year levels have been deprived of opportunities to see the Ruyton spirit in full force. Because of this, we want to lead by showing them the way with fervour while also being their safety net, ready to listen and encourage from the sidelines. It is by this means that we aim to rediscover, as a community, exactly what it means to be a Ruytonian.

We would like to express our gratitude towards the many talented and passionate leaders of Ruyton who have come before us, for creating such a tight-knit, generous and inclusive community. The Class of 2023 as a collective, and individuals, aim to further these relations and continue to restore the School's dynamic spirit.

The year ahead will undoubtedly present new challenges, but by leading with Tenacity and Warmth, we have confidence that the Class of 2023 will embrace this year with full force and inspire others to do the same.

Zoe Barnett and Ella Janes School Co-Captains 2023