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It’s always a joy to hear directly from the students, and this year’s 6th Class at John Colet School have impressed with the depth of their insight, humour, and heart. Their stories show that leadership isn’t just about titles. It’s about courage, creativity, compassion, and the willingness to step forward, even when it’s hard.
Adam Dobraszkiewicz — House Captain
My greatest adventure as House Captain for Flinders — and at the same time, my biggest challenge — was definitely the Swimming Carnival. We really wanted to win both the swimming and the chanting competition, but since our House had the fewest people, it was really hard. We felt like the underdogs. I worked hard to choose the best chants, teach them to our younger House members, and make amazing posters. We cheered as loudly as we could and gave it our all. With a lot of courage and sportsmanship, we climbed the ranks and came second, just behind Macquarie. We went home with our heads held high, proud of everything we achieved. Everyone had so much fun and joy that day. It’s a memory I’ll never forget.
I’m very passionate about the environment and raising awareness about recycling. I led a fundraising project in Year 5 to purchase All-In-One Recycling Bins from TerraCycle. I really enjoyed creating a mind map for the fundraising plan, doing the calculations, working with my teachers and TerraCycle, and organising all the details.
“I was very lucky to have my parents’ support, and the school’s enthusiasm for the project. Getting my classmates involved was so much fun, and it all paid off! We raised enough money to buy two TerraCycle bins.”
“Leadership is often thought of as a destination, but for our 6th Class students, it is very much an adventure; one filled with discovery, growth, and the courage to step forward.”
— Julian Wilcock, Headmaster
Darius Hooshmand — Buddy Program
I think my most memorable adventure with my buddy was the special Easter egg hunt where we had to do five activities around various positions in the school. I was determined to make it a memorable experience for her. I am very proud to be a buddy to Lower 1st (Kindergarten). One time I had to support my buddy was during the Walkathon. We had to walk in laps on a hot Autumn day. I kept encouraging her to push through and keep walking. We had fun with sprays and other activities. She showed great determination, and we managed to do 12 laps.
“This was my most favourite Walkathon ever; we make a great team! I hope she looks back fondly at her time in Lower 1st and that she is excited to one day be in my position and help lead her own buddy.”
“Every Year 6 student is given the chance to lead and mentor in meaningful ways, creating a culture of contribution, collaboration, and care. These experiences build confidence, compassion, and purpose, preparing them to step into high school as capable and thoughtful young leaders.”
— Julian Wilcock, Headmaster
Isabella Kent — Head Chorister
One of the most exciting musical adventures this year has been playing with our school’s Chamber Ensemble (aka Fitness Orchestra) — a small group of passionate, slightly unpredictable, but incredibly talented musicians. There’s something special about the way we connect through music, and every rather chaotic rehearsal brings surprises and moments.
Getting Music Scholarships at Queenwood and PLC and getting into Rising Stars at the Sydney Conservatorium has made this year feel like something big. Performing at the Sydney Town Hall for the IPSHA Music Festival last year was definitely a moment that stood out to me. Side note: It was also the day my fingerboard fell off — don’t worry, that was in rehearsal!
Together with the Chamber Ensemble, I accompanied the choir, played in the combined orchestra, and performed Bach’s Double Violin Concerto with my friend. It was a big moment. Being Head Chorister has taught me valuable lessons in leadership: how to guide others while still listening, support a team where every voice matters, and stay composed even when someone is singing confidently out of tune.
Being Head Chorister has helped me grow as a leader and taught me that guiding and supporting others can be just as challenging and rewarding as hitting high notes on Monday mornings.
Jessie Li — Art Prefect
The art project that has been a real adventure to me is my major work. Although it is still a work-in-progress, it has been an adventure so far as this is the first artwork that I organised myself. Not only is it a project but also a demonstration of my art skills.
There are lots of stages to make the project successful. Collaborating with my art teachers and planning what to do has made this project a real adventure. I also discovered many new things about myself, like how I could do some tricky things and try new things that nobody in my class could try!
I do all I can to help and encourage others by giving them tips and allowing them to do most things themselves without doing it too much for them unless they are desperate. I support them by being positive and letting them have a go.
I have discovered that my strong passion for art was stronger than I thought, and numerous projects have surprised me.
Grace Christie — School Camps
The biggest adventure I have experienced was learning how to abseil at Leadership Camp at Collaroy. I had to go up to such a high point and swing down really fast. I definitely overcame my fear of heights!
All the camps have challenged me with managing teamwork, learning new activities, getting to bed on time, and being organised. Being away from my parents meant I had to be independent, do things for myself, and help my friends. This was both fun and scary.
The time spent with my friends at camp was the most memorable because we did fun things, looked out for each other, and stayed up late chatting!
We’ve loved hearing these honest, funny, and inspiring stories from John Colet’s 6th Class leaders. Their reflections show how much students grow when given the chance to lead.
To learn more about life at John Colet School, book a tour today. •
