AT THE time when children are still discovering who they are, the opportunity to lead can shape them for life. That is why primary schools continue to appoint school captains. Not simply as figureheads, but as role models and voices for their peers.
At Kilmore Primary School (KPS), vice captain Monty Arnott said being named school captain left him feeling “happy and excited”. When asked what he plans to do with the role, his answer was modest but meaningful: “just try and do my best being a leader.”
Co-vice captain Tess McClinton said she is “happy” and added that it is “good to be a role model for the younger kids”.
It is this early exposure to leadership that makes primary captains just as important as their secondary school counterparts. At a young age, students are developing confidence, communication skills and a sense of responsibility. Wearing the badge is more than just celebratory, it signals trust, accountability and influence.
School Captain Amy Macbeth said she feels a bit of “pressure”, explaining, “because the kids will grow up to be like you, so you have to show them what to do.”
The captains recently received their badges. “We got our badges last week,” Amy said. “We had to talk and everything.”
Public speaking, representing the school and sharing ideas are all part of the growth that comes with the position.
Monty said: “There was six people chosen to get shortlisted for an interview with the principal and then he decided who gets school captain and vice captain.”
When applying for the role, Amy said: “I thought I’d try it but I didn’t fully expect to get the role, so it was actually really surprising when I got it.”
The leaders are eager for a busy year ahead. Monty is looking forward to “getting involved in a lot of events at school”, while Tess highlighted the organisation of athletics days, colour runs, cross country, interschool sports and fundraisers.
Encouraging participation is key. Monty hopes their enthusiasm will mean “making them more excited to do the events and to cheer on (their) school”. They will do this “by getting involved, making sure to try hard and have fun”, Amy said.
Their ambitions do not stop at primary school. All the captains agreed as Monty said: “When I go to my high school, I am going to try to get another captaincy role in Year 12.”
Primary school captains may be young, but the leadership lessons they learn are lasting. Across the region, other primary schools have also announced their student leaders.
At Willomavin Primary School, the school captains are Lucie Hiscock and Ryder Morgan.
Broadford Primary School has appointed Olivia Warren and Fletcher Gough as captains, with Kobe Smith and Chase Watkins serving as vice captains.
Wallan Primary School’s captains are Hashim Aris and Yanias Yeung, supported by vice captains Noah Geary and Ariana Lee.
Pyalong Primary School has named Kiera Maher and Sid Zoch as its school captains.
