Leadership at school can look like many things – helping a new student find their way around, speaking up when something needs to be said, or encouraging your classmates during a tough week. Across our 23 partner schools, more Yalari scholars are stepping into leadership each year – in boarding, on house teams, and as Prefects, First Nations leaders and School Captains. Schools are recognising what families and Yalari staff have seen for a long time: these young people bring courage, care for others and the “stickability” to keep turning up, even when it’s hard.
Leadership looks different in every school community. Some students wear a badge and sit on formal councils; others are recognised within boarding, in sport, music or cultural roles. What they share is a commitment to looking out for others and helping create places where Yalari students – and their peers – can feel they belong.
Our 2026 Honour Roll: Yalari Student Leaders
This year, Yalari scholars are serving in leadership roles across 23 partner schools, including:
- Zane – Boarding Captain, Great Southern Grammar
- Sophie – Vice Boarding Captain, Scots PGC College
- Douglas – Vice Boarding Captain, Scots PGC College
- Nikyla – Co-House Captain, The Glennie
- Demi – House Captain, Abbotsleigh
- Lilli – Boarding Captain, Kambala
- Lexi – House Captain, Abbotsleigh
- Martina – Prefect, Scots PGC College
- Shanina – First Nations Prefect, Geelong Grammar
- Mya – Indigenous Leader, The Glennie School Toowoomba,
- Chelsea, Indigenous Leader, The Glennie School Toowoomba
- Eivannah, Indigenous Leader, The Glennie School Toowoomba
- Ava – Year 7 Board Representative, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls
- Maleya – Year 8 Board Representative, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls
- Jayden- Goodwin House Vice-Captain (Cocurricular) 2026, Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie)
- Codi – Yalari Captain 2026, Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie)
We asked Lilli, Kambala and Zane, Great Southern Grammar, what leadership means in their everyday school life, and what messages they have for the younger students who will follow in their footsteps.
It is not just listening to people but making sure their voices truly matter. When you create a space that feels safe and comfortable, it allows others to be vulnerable and brave, and it really strengthens the connections between everyone. – Lilli
Student Profile: Lilli – Deputy Head Boarder and Yalari Captain, Kambala (Year 12, 2026)
What does good leadership at school look like to you?
One Yalari CORRIE (Compassion, Openness, Respect, Resilience, Inclusiveness and Excellence) value I really like in a leader is inclusiveness. To me, it means making sure everyone feels like they belong, whether it is in class, in the boarding house, or anywhere else. It is not just listening to people but making sure their voices truly matter. When you create a space that feels safe and comfortable, it allows others to be vulnerable and brave, and it really strengthens the connections between everyone.
Who has shown you what leadership looks like?
The first person that comes to mind is my sister. She is always there for me when I need a pick me up or when I am feeling down. She has shown me what resilience looks like, keeping going even when things get tough, and it is something I have always admired in her. I would like to think I am the same for my friends and family whenever they need comfort or support.
What message would you like to share with future Yalari student leaders?
Keep going when things get tough, lean on good friends who lift you up, with not only their words but their actions too. It’s much easier when you surround yourself with good people. You have your Yalari girls who are going through very similar experiences so make sure to talk to them and check-in on them. But also have fun and make great memories, you might do things you’ve never done before so just get involved!
Student Profile: Zane – Boarding Captain, Great Southern Grammar (Year 12, 2026)
Zane, a Year 12 Yalari scholar and Boarding Captain at Great Southern Grammar was also recognised in 2025 with Yalari CORRIE Values award for Western Australia.
What does good leadership at school look like to you?
“Good leadership at school means doing the right thing, being respectful and responsible, and doing the small things that others don’t — the one‑percenters. Those little things add another level to your leadership.”
Who has shown you what leadership looks like?
“My pop has shown me what good leadership looks like. He’s always doing extra work, helping others even when he doesn’t have to, and he’s always been there for me.”
What message would you like to share with future Yalari student leaders?
“Step out of your comfort zone and take the opportunities that come your way. Go on camps, meet new people and be confident.”
Leadership today, leadership tomorrow
These school roles are one part of a much bigger story. When Yalari talks about “generational change”, we picture exactly this: young people who are educated, grounded in culture and connected to community, stepping into leadership in their families, communities, workplaces and across Australia. Behind each of these journeys are families, partner schools and a community of Yalari supporters who help open the door to these opportunities.
Right now, leadership might look like:
- helping a new boarder through their first homesick night
- organising a cultural event at school
- sitting on a student council and raising issues respectfully
- staying focused on study, even when the term feels long
In years to come, it will also look like doctors, teachers, councillors, business owners, parents and community leaders who remember what it felt like to be trusted at school and to look after others.
We are proud of every Yalari student putting their hand up to lead in 2026 – with or without a title.
If you’d like to leave a message for our 2026 student leaders, you can share it with us.
