Captains’ Corner This year’s school captains have had a long association with St Margaret’s with Isobel Barry attending since Year 5 and Alice O’Driscoll first attending in Pre-Prep and Year 1, before returning to the school in Year 4. The Flyer asked them about their St Margaret’s experience. Q: What things about the school have you enjoyed the most? Isobel: The broad nature of all the opportunities offered; there’s everything from A to Z – music, sport, cultural activities, exchange, leadership conferences, SRC student leadership. There are such a diverse range of activities so everyone has a place and it’s very special to have that place where everyone can belong. Alice: Something we talk about a lot is the community and it’s one of my favourite reasons about being at St Margaret’s. Just recently, for example, the student music performances at the Soaring Upwards Festival where everyone came together to support each other. Isobel: Yes, and the spontaneous war cry at the end where you could really feel the school spirit – it’s powerful and really beautiful, especially those spontaneous moments where everyone is coming together – it’s really special. Q: How has the school helped you find your passion, and supported and developed that passion? Isobel: One of my greatest passions has always been drama and theatre and that was a big passion of mine before I came to St Margaret’s. Mrs Drysdale asked me where I would be in 20 years and I said something like “I’m going to win an Oscar”! My passion for drama and theatre has always been recognised and supported at St Margaret’s. Alice: Sport has always been a very big part of my life. I started playing netball here in Year 1 – as part of the Net Set Go program and have always played netball here. Being a part of the Flyers Program has allowed me to push it even further, making state teams and having those experiences while still supporting my academic work. My other passions are science and maths which have always been super supported – I have been able to take STEM in Year 10, and always had access to a range of opportunities. Q: Will you use those passions in your future as part of your career? Isobel: My work in speech and drama has allowed me to become more confident and also just a better public speaker and I think that’s one of the things that empowers you most as a leader – my ability to get up and speak in front of people and express my opinions. I will always credit speech and drama with helping me to be who I am.
Alice: I want to go into medicine or some kind of maths/ science degree and I feel like my Maths and Science subjects will help me get there. I definitely want to continue playing team sports – there is so much you can take from them in terms of teamwork, leadership and communication which are really important. Q: Favourite Memory? Alice: When we were both announced school captain, we were especially excited to do it with each other and I remember that moment so clearly. Last year’s netball grand final was another special memory – so many girls came out to support us, many who didn’t even play netball. Even the rowing coaches came out and that was great to see. Isobel: Global Exchange. My exchange wasn’t perfect and amazing the whole time, but it was integral to my development at that time. I turned 16 in New York City and just felt like I grew up so much. It was so different and parts of it were really unexpected, but I learned to be resilient and learned a lot about myself. Sony Camp was eye opening and inspiring – I loved seeing all the boys and girls having a common goal and working together in this caring atmosphere learning to help others – it was really special. Q: What have you learned about leadership in your time at St Margaret’s. Isobel: I have learnt that as a leader you need to be able to understand a whole range of different perspectives from your position. You also need to be able to show others how to understand those perspectives. I think it’s important to both convey and understand different perspectives. Alice: The importance of recognising when it’s your time to step up and lead or when you need to step back and let others say their piece. We have large prefect group of 19 people and it can be hard for everyone to have their voice heard and I feel like it’s really important as leaders that everyone has that opportunity to say something. Q: What would you say to your younger self starting out at school? Isobel: Don’t ever stop being your confident self. When I first came to St Margaret’s I was shy and it took me a little bit to find my groove. Once I did, this school has done so much for me and I would say just take advantage of every opportunity with confidence and courage and maintain your passions. Alice: Treasure every moment and be so grateful for the time you’ve had – I was able to make such a strong group of friends from Pre-Prep who I am still friends with now. Seize every day and be happy you get to come to a school like St Margaret’s and be grateful.
Spring/Summer
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