Leadership at Melbourne Girls Grammar School is about more than holding a title. It is about bringing people together, fostering a sense of belonging and empowering others to contribute their ideas and strengths. 

We are delighted to introduce three exceptional students who will lead MGGS in 2027 as our School Captains. As leaders of the Student Executive Council (SEC), School Captain Katherine and Vice Captains Piper and Kelly will work alongside their peers to champion Grammarians’ voices, strengthen connections across the School and help cultivate a community where every student can flourish. 

Following their SEC Inauguration in Term 4, we spoke with them about their fondest memories at Melbourne Girls Grammar, the advice they would share with their peers and their aspirations for 2027. 

Katherine

School Captain  

For Katherine, leadership is grounded in connection, authenticity and making the most of every opportunity. A dedicated Rower and passionate student of English, Latin and Physical Education, she has embraced all facets of life at Melbourne Girls Grammar, developing resilience, discipline and a strong sense of community along the way. 

Katherine shares why her favourite subjects span very different disciplines, “My love of sport has naturally led me to enjoy PE, as I value that the content feels meaningful and applicable to real sporting performance. It often leaves us PE students with “PE moments” during our own training. Mr Fisher’s evident passion for the subject, and his care for our wellbeing and success, allow us to seek frequent feedback and improve, making the class one that I always look forward to.” 

English also ranks among Katherine’s favourite subjects. “It’s hard to pinpoint why; however, I grew up as a reader, and English provides the perfect intersection between structure and creativity. I enjoy studying the feminist lens in texts and plays, with some of my favourites being Sylvia Plath’s poetry and Medea, a Greek tragedy. Similarly, Latin provides an intersection between literature and history, and what truly makes the subject enjoyable is the lively energy of our class.” 

Among her many co-curricular experiences, Rowing has had the greatest impact on Katherine’s growth and development. “I like to think of it as a love-hate relationship. Sometimes it’s genuinely tough with the early mornings whilst balancing VCE studies, but the relationships I’ve made in each season always outweigh these difficulties.” 

Beyond rowing itself Katherine shares, “The main skill it has taught me is discipline. On and off the water, when it gets tough, you must persist because you learn to do things for the sake of others in your crew, not just for your own performance. This shared responsibility with your crewmates is often what gets you through the hardest sessions.” 

Looking ahead to 2027, Katherine shares one of her goals as School Captain, “is to be both an authentic and present leader. This role of course calls for maturity and responsibility, but I believe humour and raw conversations are just as valued by other students, if not more. I want people to feel like they know me as a person, and in doing that I can lead in a more connected way, especially with younger students. I want people to know that I am always there for a chat, and that I have their back.” 

“I almost feel too lucky to be working with Piper and Kelly next year. They are both such supportive and generous people, and they lift others up so naturally. I can’t wait to learn from them, and I know having them by my side will make me a better leader.” 

Piper

Vice Captain  

Piper brings a strong sense of belonging and community to her role as Vice Captain. Since joining MGGS in Year 7, she has embraced every opportunity to grow through learning, music and student leadership. Passionate about the humanities and a longstanding member of the School’s music program, Piper values the people, experiences and connections that have shaped her journey. Piper hopes to foster a culture where every Grammarian feels valued, included and empowered to be authentically themselves.

Pipers shares that her cohort, “is one of the friendliest groups you will ever meet, and I think our yearlevel is unique in how connected to each other we are already, despite not having gone through the trauma-bonding experience of Year 12 together (yet). I often hear people describing Year 12 as the year everyone finally bonds and becomes friends, but I honestly think we’re already there, which excites me for how we will continue to grow even stronger in 2027.”   

Co-curricular programs, such as music, have helped Piper grow in confidence, “Music has defined my life at MGGS. I have been playing percussion and timpani in orchestra since I was in Year 8, and it has taught me how to be braver, quicker, friendlier and more forgiving of myself and others. I love music more than anything, and (fun fact!) I play not only a variety of percussion instruments, including the drums, but also piano and guitar, which help me to de-stress and remain grounded during the busy term. The music department at MGGS is so welcoming, and being part of all sorts of ensembles over the years has allowed me to see special parts of the school I wouldn’t otherwise have access to, such as icy poles during a hot carols rehearsal, watching the rest of the school from the stage at speech night, or even just messing around with my friends in one of the music department rooms.” 

For Piper, creating a school environment where every girl feels welcomed, included and able to be herself is a key priority for 2027. She shares: “Kath, Kelly, the rest of the SEC and I want to further cultivate the culture of belonging at MGGS so that every girl knows she has a place here. I remember how daunting it was to arrive here on my own, but I was able to find my place and thrive, and I want every girl who walks through the red brick walls to feel the same way. Additionally, student voice and inclusion will be key priorities for us next year, along with ensuring authenticity and approaching everything in a way that is true to ourselves. I also want to set an example for the younger year levels by showing that you do not have to compromise any part of yourself to be a good leader. In fact, it is your unique qualities that make you a great leader.” 

We asked our Captains to share a fun a fact to the MGGS community and Piper said, “that three of us, Katherine, Kelly and I, have all been in Blackwood House together since year 7 (which is probably quite rare to have all School Captains in the same house?), and we are proud to not only represent our house together next year, but simply to stand side by side. I am so lucky to be able to serve MGGS next year with the two of them, as they are two of the most incredible people I know and bring all the warmth, energy and humour that MGGS will thrive on in 2027.” 

Kelly

Vice Captain  

Kelly has embraced every opportunity to challenge herself and pursue her interests since joining Melbourne Girls Grammar in Year 7, developing a passion for both STEM and Chinese studies. Beyond the classroom, Kelly has found her voice through public speaking and debating, experiences that have built her confidence and reinforced her belief in the importance of listening to and learning from others. Looking ahead to 2027, she hopes to foster a supportive and connected school environment where every student feels valued, included and proud to be part of the MGGS community. 

Having joined Melbourne Girls Grammar in Year 7, Kelly is deeply appreciative of the opportunities she has been given and is eager to make the most of every experience that comes her way. Reflecting on her journey, she shares: “Being the first person in my family to grow up and attend school in Australia, I have always tried to make the most of the opportunities and experiences that my parents have worked tirelessly to provide for me. Throughout my time at Melbourne Girls Grammar School, I have felt encouraged to embrace these opportunities, challenge myself and discover my strengths and passions.” 

Kelly’s passion for learning extends across STEM and Chinese studies. While STEM fuels her curiosity about how systems work and interact, studying Chinese has provided a deeper connection to her cultural heritage, offering a valuable window into language, history and tradition. 

Public speaking and debating have played a significant role in Kelly’s MGGS journey. Reflecting on these experiences, she says: “Public speaking and debating have been among the most formative parts of my school experience. I love the experience of connecting with an audience, but I also feel inspired by and love listening to the voices and stories of others. I love the idea that so many people can be given the exact same topic, but each person can write and present a completely different speech.” 

Reflecting on leadership, Kelly shares: “When you are little, you always look up to the older girls, the captains and leaders. I remember that, in primary school, I would watch the School Captains sit at the front at every Monday Assembly, and I hoped I could be like them when I grew up. In 2021, I was lucky enough to be a School Captain of Grimwade House, and although I was only 11 and captain of a primary school, that experience gave me my first real insight into the privilege and responsibility of representing a school community. Now that I am older, I still look up to the older girls and the captains who came before me, and to now have the opportunity to serve as Vice School Captain in 2027 is incredibly meaningful, representing something I have aspired to for many years. It is with humility and a profound sense of purpose that I take on this position.” 

Looking ahead, Kelly is excited to work alongside the 2027 SEC: “I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the 2027 SEC alongside Katherine and Piper, who are not only dedicated and inspiring leaders but also two of my closest friends. Throughout the selection process, we were encouraged to stay true to ourselves and lead authentically, which is something we hope to embody in our roles. The 2027 SEC is made up of a diverse and talented group of Grammarians, and I am excited to work together to make a positive contribution to the MGGS community.”