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Leadership opportunities start early at CCGS. From taking on the role of Class Captain in Junior School to leading community initiatives in Years 7 to 12, creating opportunities for student voice is an important focus under the CCGS wellbeing framework. Student leadership enhances citizenship, communication, collaboration, representation of the student body and can help model the way for others.

We chatted with Robert Bacon and Taylem Barnard, our CCGS Head Prefects for 2019/2020, to learn a bit more about them and discover their own personal path to leadership.

Name: Robert Bacon
If I was a teacher I would teach Industrial Technology
In my locker you would find screwed up past exams papers and maybe a few packets of chips.
In five years’ time I’d like to be a Civil Engineer in the Defence Force.
Something not many people know about me is I’m a Victorian who doesn’t like AFL!

Name: Taylem Barnard
If I was a teacher I would teach PDHPE
In my locker you would find a hair tie, perfume and a bean bag!
In five years’ time I’d like to be working in ER or as an ambulance paramedic. 
Something not many people know about me is I can play three musical instruments, piano, guitar and drums!

What’s your youngest memory at CCGS where you were given a chance to lead?

Robert: I started CCGS in Kindergarten but I think my first real memory of leadership was in Year 5 when I took on the role as Class Captain. I was given more responsibility in the classroom to help the teacher and students with the different class jobs we had. In Year 6, I was Captain of the Junior Guitar Ensemble which meant helping organise events and motivating students to take part in music activities and performances.

Taylem: I joined CCGS in Year 7. I immediately jumped into my Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) completing Bronze in Year 8 and Silver in Year 9. I love swimming so the adventurous and physical side of DoE was a natural fit for me. For community service I worked in a kiosk at an aged care facility in Gosford. I enjoyed getting to know the residents really well and loved listening to their stories. In fact, I still go twice a month to help out. 

What other opportunities have you had to lead?

Taylem: I was selected to be Captain of the Firsts Netball team, which is quite unusual for a Year 11 student. I love it! When I’m placed in a position of pressure, I can motivate our team and be supportive. I really enjoy the strategic side of play – analysing the opposing team players and working with my team to achieve success.

Robert: In Year 9, I was lucky to be selected for the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment. This was amazing. I discovered more about the importance of being a great communicator and how to listen and talk with a diverse range of people from different cultures, ages and backgrounds. I really think this put me on the path to becoming a good leader. I’ve also been Assistant Stage Manager, and recently Stage Manager for our senior school musical productions. I had to lead, motivate and work with my team to overcome all sorts of challenges. In Year 11, I was given the role as Captain for a range of cocurricular activities from Public Speaking to Stage Band. Now every Thursday I also help out with the Junior School debating workshops as well.

CCGS has a number of fundamental values that underpin our school. Which do you connect most with?

Robert: I’d say Care of Others and Love and Loyalty. Coming into Year 12 things can get pretty tough. You really need your friends and peers to be supportive and caring when times are stressful and difficult. I think that’s really important for the whole year group and our school community as well. 

Taylem: I connect most with Personal Integrity and Courage and Perseverance. I think great leaders have the courage to take on any challenge that is given to them. You need to stick to your values, lead by example and be honest. It’s about walking the talk not just talking the walk!

Robert: As part of the CCGS Leadership Diploma, students are asked to complete Community Service hours inside and outside of school each year. It’s a great opportunity to put the CCGS values into action. I’ve helped out at Coast Shelter in Gosford. I’ve also been part of the Five Lands Walk team. I recently joined the Committee for the Five Lands Walk so next year I’ll be responsible for coordinating all our CCGS student volunteers.

Taylem: Robert and I were also really lucky and humbled to go to Cambodia as part of the annual CCGS Humanitarian Tour. We did a lot of fundraising for that – BBQ’s, bake sales, dinners. In total the tour group raised $30,000 to help build 15 new houses and wells. In Cambodia you’re presented with lots of confronting things. This tour helps you be truly appreciative of what we have here. It makes you put a different lens on the world we live in. And it’s great to continue the work of cohorts before us.

Robert: When we presented the houses to the families it was a very fulfilling and special moment. Even though the locals didn’t have much they were really happy. I think that’s something we can all learn from.

Looking forward to the end of Year 12 in 2020, how would you, as Head Prefects, like to be remembered?

Robert: I’d like people to remember me as someone who made an impact on our school community. Taylem and I really want to build on the CCGS vision so all students can strive for excellence in a happy, caring and supportive environment. 

Taylem: I hope people see me as a happy and ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ person. Robert and I have some great ideas and we’ve got a fantastic cohort and teachers behind us. We want to see an increase in House pride, strengthened links across the three schools and initiatives that help our environment like a recycling project for example.