Girls’ School Leadership Activated for 2026

16 February 2026

An official commissioning ceremony, as we hold each year for our new cohort of prefects, carries the same formalities, yet, each group brings a new sentiment and intention. The flavour of every team’s leadership differs slightly, though it is always built upon the foundations of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Love.

Opening the ceremony, Rev Reuben Hardie spoke to the pillar of Service and its necessity in leadership, modelled directly from the Scriptures. In his address, he shared Matthew 20:25-26, where Jesus is asked by His disciples how best to lead. “Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” With that, he implored the students to make the choice to serve in humility.

Principal Marianne Duston added to his sentiments, saying, “Leadership is a responsibility; it’s an action, not a title. As Reverend Reuben Hardie said, it’s about serving others.” She announced that the theme word for the year would be ‘activate,’ describing it as “putting our ideas, our learning, and our values into action.”

Serendipitously, the College Prefects had communicated a week prior, at their own commissioning, that they wanted to be a cohort known for ‘proactive’ leadership. College Head Girl Violet Taylor joined the ceremony to speak to the girls, echoing the remarks from staff about values and choosing to emphasise love. “When we lead with love at the centre, we reflect something much bigger than ourselves; we reflect a glimpse of God’s great love for every person in this community.”

Ultimately, this group endeavours to leave the school better for their efforts, committing themselves to meaningful and lasting impact.

As Violet shared, “Leadership for [women] comes with a special responsibility. For us, it is never just about ourselves; it’s about keeping the door open behind us for other young women.”

2026 Prefect Leadership Team

Head Girl Christine Cooney
Christine joined the Girls’ School as a Year 5 in 2023. She embraces every opportunity and is looking forward to serving the community as Head Girl, representing the school with dedication, pride and humility. Her goal this year is to create a positive environment throughout the school.

Deputy Head Girl Irene Wendt-Latu
Irene has been a dedicated student at our school since 2025, as a Year 7 student. She has participated in all aspects of school life including netball, the school production, and external speech competitions. Her goal is “to lead with kindness and to lead alongside others, because no one leads alone.”

Chapel Prefect Hannah Evans

School Council Prefect Gabriella Croskery

Cargill Prefects Eva Gillespie

Charlotte McGuinness

Chalmers Prefects Ariella Naidu

Harper Papps-Brown

Hamilton Prefects Lara France

Indie Hopkins

Wishart Prefects Mila Henison

Harlow Herrick

Academic Prefect Mia Hendrickson

Arts Prefect Yonglin (Sophia) Chen