Queen Charlotte College’s senior leaders take on redefined roles

The new student leaders at Queen Charlotte College have a deep history together. Now, they are making history for the school, too.

This academic year marks just the third time in QCC’s 61 years with pinnacle leadership comprising more than a Head Boy and a Head Girl. Instead, the senior team consists of Head Boy Fergus Colman and Head Girls Aylah Aitchison and Alice Pitt.

QCC selected these three without designating deputies; the wider team includes four other students who hold “portfolios” of leadership. Those are Amalie Bann, William Barclay, Amber Hunter, and Nyala Stevenson.

“Lots of schools are going away from calling it Head Boy and Head Girl, and actually more Head Students or Student Leaders,” explained Anna Colman, Deputy Principal Curriculum. “Now you’re likely to find more teams: two girls and one boy, or two boys and one girl, or just two of the same gender. Schools are more flexible.”

QCC’s trio have long-standing connections. Aylah and Alice have been friends since age five, schoolmates since starting primary school. Fergus became their classmate in Year 5. The three share classes, as well, plus the experience of a 21-day school trip to Japan in 2025.

“I think it definitely came as a little shock to a few people hearing that it was three head students rather than two head students and two deputies,” Aylah said. “But I think it’s important that throughout the year we stay communicating and build off each other’s ideas, just to ensure that we’re working as a three.”

Springing forward
QCC describes Head Students as representing “the heart of student leadership at our school. Their role is to lead through action, connection, and service … [and] are ambassadors of culture.”

The ’26 trio selected individual roles corresponding to a special project which each intends to champion. Aylah, focusing on house spirit and mascots, aims to boost the amount and extent of group camaraderie. Fergus intends to restart a buddy system pairing Year 7 students with juniors. Alice is directing her attention toward planning and supporting community time opportunities.

Collectively and imminently, they are responsible for welcome back activities and the Week 2 of Term 2 senior formal dance.

“I’m excited,” Fergus said, “but more ready than I was expecting.” He and Aylah credited sport participation as competitors and coaches with instilling leadership skills; Alice grew from her role on the Youth Council and mentorship of younger students. They all cited the example set by previous head students.

Their predecessors formally passed along the legacy of leadership at the Senior School Formal Prize-Giving in October. Since that announcement, ahead of their examinations, the team has been actively planning for the year ahead.

Anna, along with Principal Brendan Carroll, expressed that “the school looks forward to seeing what they bring to their roles.”