Carinity Education schools across Queensland have proudly welcomed new student leaders for the 2026 academic year.
Carinity Education Southside's new school captains are Taya and Birra-Li, two young First Nations women. Both started at the Brisbane school in 2024, while in Year 10.
Taya strives to "make a difference" and have "a positive impact in this school", including promoting new clubs and hobbies for students.
"I wanted students to see a kind, safe and stable role model and someone they could trust and talk to. That's something I wished I had when I was younger," Taya said.
Birra-Li aims to make Carinity Education Southside a place "where everyone feels welcomed and proud to be at".
"As School Captain, I want everyone to feel heard and included. I want to set a good example to people as a young, proud First Nations woman," she said.
"People can run to me instead of them bottling up their feelings and thinking no one is there for them."
The new student leaders at Carinity Education Rockhampton are Caitlin, Jim (School Captains), Josh and Brandon (Vice Captains).
"Before coming to Carinity, I experienced bullying and struggled with my education. Since joining Carinity, I have felt safe, supported, and able to succeed," Caitlin said.
"As School Captain, I want to make sure no other student has to experience bullying and that everyone feels included and respected.
"As a leader, I will set a positive example for younger students by showing respect, encouraging engagement, and using positive attitude and language at all times."
Now in his fourth year at Carinity Education Rockhampton, Jim was inspired to become School Captain after witnessing his mum succeed in her leadership role.
"Seeing her lead with responsibility and care motivated me to develop my own leadership skills," Jim said.
"As School Captain, I will demonstrate strong leadership to younger students and set positive examples through my behaviour, attitude, and respect for others."
The student leaders at Carinity Education Glendyne for 2026 are Leyah, Sienna (School Captains), Lachlan and Charlotte (Vice Captains).
Leyah wishes to lead students in the younger grades at the school, noting "I am good with other students, I can show empathy and I'm a great listener".
Sienna wishes to "achieve my goal of helping my peers flourish".
"I know high school can be hard, so if I can help make it easier for others it would be my goal completed," Sienna said.
Now in his third year at Carinity Education Glendyne, Lachlan was inspired to become a student leader to "learn new things and help and inspire others".
Charlotte says she will strive to "be a role model for all grades".
"I wish to help provide ideas within the school and make them happen, as well as make Glendyne a more welcoming place for everyone."
