We are delighted to introduce you to three very unique people who will be leading MGGS in 2026, our School Captains. As the leaders of the Student Executive Council (SEC), School Captain, Xanthe O’Loan, and Vice Captains Jemima Ross and Katherine Ye are important role models within the student body. Let’s find out at a little bit more about them… 

Xanthe, Jemima and Katherine have consistently been active participants in all facets of MGGS school life throughout their years at Merton Hall. They bring warmth, drive and a shared commitment to shaping a school culture that is inclusive, empowering and forward-thinking.

We chatted to them about their fondest memories so far, their advice for their peers and their hopes for next year and beyond. 

Xanthe O’Loan

Xanthe joined MGGS in Year 5 and has grown into a confident and compassionate leader. She recalls her early days at Merton Hall with fondness and pride.

“MGGS has a wonderful ability to support the initiative and passions of its students,” she says. Her favourite subjects include Drama and History, and she credits Olivia Wilson (her VCE Drama teacher) for her unwavering support and humour. “She’s simply oozing with wit and has never failed to push me to create performances I’m proud of.”

Xanthe is passionate about public speaking and performing, she held important roles in many drama productions at MGGS and Melbourne Grammar School. She expresses she will forever be grateful for the Drama department’s extensive role in helping her gain confidence and motivation to tell stories.

Xanthe hopes to inspire younger students to become agents of change and leadership. She wants to strengthen the culture of ethical women of action and build a legacy of sisterhood and compassion.

“Our SEC is a group of brilliant and extremely enthusiastic leaders, who are very excited to leave a positive impact on the students and wider community. It’s our goal to be older sisters to the younger year levels and make school a place of compassion and community,” she says. “If we have a fortified connection with one another, then school is more likely to be a place where adventure and expanding your horizons is met with admiration and support.”

Her vision for 2026 is bold and inclusive: “I want to create more opportunities for students to engage in debating, ethics and performance. These are the tools that help us become strong global citizens.”

Xanthe first got involved in Debating in Year 8 and is passionate about it, she strongly encourages everyone to give it a go, as the skill of public speaking, persuasion and productive arguments are invaluable.   

Looking ahead to 2026, she said she’s most excited to share many special moments with her cohort as they celebrate the ‘last dance’ of high school and, of course, she’s looking forward to lead as Captain and to work with the SEC and all students to build a stronger MGGS in every aspect.   

Jemima Ross

Jemima joined MGGS as a boarder in Year 9, arriving from Hamilton College. She quickly embraced the vibrancy of Melbourne and the opportunities MGGS offers.

She feels that boarding has been one of the best parts of her MGGS experience so far. “Sharing rooms with mates is always fun, and the School’s location is unbeatable, with the MCG just across the river and the Botanic Gardens right at our doorstep. I went on so many walks there when I first arrived,” she adds.

“That’s a tough one,” she replied when asked about her favourite teacher. “I have some pretty good teachers. I love the teachers that make me love the subject.” Jemima’s favourite subject is Geography she says her passion was sparked by her teacher, Allison Bray, and deepened through real-world experiences like the 21-day World Challenge expedition she completed in Borneo last year. “Seeing the impacts of deforestation in person made our case study so much more real,” she reflects.

In terms of co-curricular involvement, Jemima says Rowing is definitely a standout. She explains that “training six times a week builds strong bonds, and working toward that big race at the end of the season is so rewarding. I’ll really miss it.” She also competed in the Snowsports team and says that the ‘”vibes at competitions are always high regardless of the snow’s conditions or weather”.

Her goal for 2026 is to amplify student voice and foster a culture of openness. “I want to be someone people feel comfortable approaching,” she says. “Working with Xanthe and Katherine, I hope we can create more opportunities for students to share ideas and help shape the School.” She’s especially excited to inherit the Common Room and having a space for their cohort to come together bond. 

Jemima also hopes to be a role model for younger students. “It’s about making an impact and being a good representative for the School,” she says. “I want to leave behind a fun, inclusive environment where we’ve made a positive change.”

Katherine Ye

Katherine has been part of MGGS since Year 5 and speaks passionately about the School’s culture of empowerment.

“My favourite thing about MGGS is the encouragement of students to pursue their passion…and to never feel less capable just because they are a woman,” she says. “It meant a lot to me, knowing that my ambitions were taken seriously, and it gave me the courage to pursue male-dominated fields like STEM and debating.”

Her favourite subject is Mathematical Methods, which she describes as fun, satisfying and rewarding, “just like figuring out a puzzle”. She also finds joy in her favourite co-curricular pursuit, Debating, where she can fully express herself. “To me, there’s nothing like the thrill of prep time before a debate, feverishly scratching down notes on the bench and taking that one deep breath before I hit start on my timer… No one reproaches you for being too passionate – that’s what debating is all about.” Katherine’s favourite teachers are Dr Wang and Rev Ross. “Dr Wang was my first Maths teacher at the School…I’ve always appreciated his excellent teaching and his even more excellent sense of humour. He understands my drive to learn and will do whatever he can to support me.” Rev Ross is “never afraid to crack a witty joke”, Katherine “got to know her personally during the Latin Tour to Italy in 2023.” Now, despite never having been taught by Rev Ross in a classroom, she’ll pop by her office for a chat whenever she gets the chance.

Katherine’s focus for 2026 is student wellbeing. “I want to make sure every student is getting the support they need,” she says. This could include running small workshops on stress management, bring in professional advice from psychologists, encourage students to get support with their peers and with wellbeing coaches and create spaces where students feel safe to speak up.

“There will always be someone on your side,” she says. “That’s the message I want every student to hear.”

To Katherine, the Class of 2026 is made up of people who are “warm, energetic and always unapologetically themselves” and she hopes the 2026 SEC will be able to reflect this onto the whole student body through the culture they set next year. 

Katherine says she’s been looking forward to many Year 12 activities and milestones since she started at MGGS, and it all feels surreal to finally have made it, adding, “2026 will be a year not just about traditions, but also about creating memories, sharing laughter and celebrating the journey we’ve all worked so hard for.”  

The advice Katherine has for Senior Years students undertaking exams soon is simple: “set realistic goals”. “When I have specific, small goals mapped out over the next few days,” she says, “I realise that it is possible to get through everything and I feel more relaxed.”