Pictured L-R Front Row: Harry and Sofia – Primary Vice Captains, Olive and Toby – Primary Captains.
Back rowL-R: Matt Macoustra – Head of School, Jack and Shilpi – Vice Captains, Molly and Shanuk – School Captains, Alicha Dyer – Head of Primary School.
At Newcastle Grammar School, leadership is a key focus. The School believes that true leadership is found in service to others. Students are encouraged to lead with integrity, compassion, and a sense of responsibility to their community. By fostering these qualities from the Primary School through to Secondary, the School aims to develop future leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.
The creation of a new staff role in 2025—Head of Leadership and Service Learning, filled by Samantha Jones—demonstrates the importance NGS places on developing these essential skills. As early as Year 6, students apply for leadership positions including Captains and Vice Captains, House Captains, Sport Leaders, Wellbeing Leaders and Round Square Leaders, allowing them to cultivate vital skills in communication, creative problem-solving, and ethical decision-making. The NGS integrated leadership model provides numerous opportunities to empower every student to succeed, grow and have their voice heard. Official leadership roles are offered to students in Year 6, Year 9 and Year 12.
A community of leaders
Leadership involves understanding the broader impact of someone’s actions and decisions. Leaders are expected to be role models, demonstrating respect, inclusivity, and compassion in all areas of school life. By equipping students with the skills to serve others, the School fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their personal growth and achievements and places high value in understanding the importance of community and looking beyond themselves.
Mrs Samantha Jones, Head of Student Leadership and Service Learning (K–12) believes that
“Leadership is about taking responsibility, serving others, and making a difference in the community around you. At NGS, we believe that every student, regardless of whether they hold a formal leadership role, can lead through their character, actions, and the way they support others,” she said.
Celebrating the future
One of the benefits of Kindergarten to Year 6 students on the one site now means there are additional opportunities for students to take up leadership roles. Their leadership will not only shape the future of the School but also prepare them to be the trailblazers of tomorrow, carrying the RISE values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence into their futures.
“Our goal is for every student to leave with a strong sense of who they are in the world and the confidence to step forward when it matters. While leadership roles are important and we encourage these students to represent their peers with pride and belonging, true leadership is found in the everyday moments where individuals choose to make a positive impact,” added Mrs Jones.
