There are 19 Prefect portfolios. The portfolios are as follows:
● School Captain
● School Vice-Captain
● House Captain (8)
● Captain of Games
● Captain of Music
● Captain of Public Speaking and Debating
● Captain of Drama
● Faith and Social Justice Prefect
● Junior and Middle School Liaison Prefect
● Environment and Sustainability Prefect
● Communications and Publications Prefect
● Senior Cadet Under Officer (SCUO)
TIMELINE
The selection process has four distinct stages.
1. Interested students complete an online application form using their student school email by 4.00pm on Friday 15 August 2025.
2. Students from Years 9 to 11 and teaching staff vote online via DEEDS for up to 10 students from the list of those students who have applied. The voting will take place between Monday 18 August and Wednesday 20 August. Once the votes have been collated, a shortlist of approximately 30 students will be advanced to the next round.
3. All applicants will receive an email from the Principal noting their success or otherwise in making the shortlist. Shortlisted applicants will receive an interview time to meet with the Principal, Deputy Head/Head of Senior School, and their Head of House.
4. Students who do not make the shortlist may appeal via email to the Principal at principal@cgs.vic.edu.au, stating their case for consideration by 4.00pm on Friday 29 August. Successful appeal candidates will be contacted for an interview to discuss their application, vision, and record of service in the School.
All interviewed candidates will be informed of the outcome by email. Successful candidates will be announced at the first Senior School Assembly on Thursday 9 October (Week 1, Term 4). It is anticipated that our new Prefects will attend the Year 8 Camp at Lake Eildon from Monday 1 December to Friday 5 December so they can get to know next year’s Year 9 cohort and welcome them into their Houses. Prefects are also expected to assist at the Year 7 2026 Orientation Day on Tuesday 9 December, attend the Carol Service on Tuesday 9 December and the Prefects Seminar on Friday 23 January 2026 from 4.00pm to 8.00pm.
PREFECT EXPECTATIONS
The role of Prefect is a position of service within and for the School. It is one of a number of leadership opportunities available to students at Camberwell Grammar School. It is a role awarded to students who exhibit leadership characteristics and act with selfless determination for the good of others.
If successful in your application to be a School Prefect, it is expected that you will:
● Be a role model for others, both within the school environment and beyond its gates;
● Undertake cafeteria, gate, and yard duties each week, as coordinated by the Captain and Vice-Captain of the School;
● Attend regular meetings, as scheduled, with the Principal and Deputy Principal;
● Assist at various School events throughout the year, such as School Concerts and Productions;
● Support others in the School;
● Be an effective team member; and
● Uphold and reinforce the aims, values, and rules of the School at all times.
A Prefect should be:
● Honest and trustworthy
● Reliable
● Well presented
● Diligent
● Approachable and friendly
● Respectful towards others.
Qualities of a Prefect:
Prospective Prefects may be asked to describe in an interview how they have already demonstrated the following:
● Upheld the aims and values of the School community at all times;
● Provided leadership to the students in their House or around the School;
● Been a role model for fellow students in word, action, and demeanour;
● Set and encouraged the highest standards of dress and behaviour;
● Acted as a role model for students of inclusive, consultative leadership;
● Been attuned to students’ needs, interests, issues, and concerns, and appropriately communicated these with School staff;
● Assisted in routine duties to help with the efficient running of the School.
A Prefect will be expected to:
● Undertake their share of duties in a timely and effective manner, as coordinated by the Vice-Captain of the School;
● Support members of staff as required by their portfolio;
● Be a role model for students of inclusive, consultative, and caring leadership;
● Set and encourage the highest standards of dress and behaviour;
● Represent the School at functions as required, such as Productions, Open Day, Music Concerts, and the Carol Service;
● Act as an ambassador for the School;
● Assist in routine duties to help with the efficient running of the School;
● Write an article for the School’s annual publication, the Grammarian, relating to their portfolio;
● Be available for:
Year 8 Camp - Lake Eildon (Monday 1 December to Friday 5 December 2025);
Year 7 Orientation Day (Tuesday 9 December 2025); Carol Service (Tuesday 9 December 2025); and Prefects Seminar (Friday 23 January 2026)
● Be attentive to students’ needs, interests, issues, and concerns, and communicate these with School staff as appropriate;
● Meet with the Deputy Principal and other members of the Prefect Body regularly, as coordinated by the Deputy Principal; and
● Perform any other duties as requested by the Principal, Deputy Principal, or relevant member of staff
POSITION DESCRIPTION SCHOOL CAPTAIN
The role of School Captain at Camberwell Grammar School is a very important one within our school community. The School Captain is expected to provide leadership and service to the student body, be a role model for fellow students, and represent the student body in dealings with staff and the wider community. The School Captain is also expected to represent the School at various forums and functions as required. This student must be able and willing to speak in public, address School and Sub-School Assemblies, and chair Prefect meetings. As well as representing the student body, the Captain represents the whole School, its values, its good name, and honour.
The School Captain must be able to demonstrate and sustain:
● Exceptional attendance and exemplary behaviour at all times, in and outside of School;
● Commitment to the School through academic and cultural involvement;
● High-level leadership skills;
● A vision for their leadership; and
● A good example for others to follow.
The Role of School Captain
In addition to the expectations of all School Prefects, the School Captain’s role includes but is not limited to the following:
● Liaison with Staff and members of the School Executive;
● Regular meetings with the Principal and Deputy Principal;
● Represent the student body at formal occasions both within and outside the School;
● Represent the School at official functions as directed by the Principal;
● Address School Assemblies to promote events, activities or the values and good name of Camberwell Grammar School;
● Speak to the whole School about relevant matters;
● Exhibit leadership in activities such as sporting and cultural events and carnivals;
● Represent their cohort through the Captains’ and Prefects’ reports for the School magazine, Spectemur and the annual publication, the Grammarian;
● Organise occasional reports for inclusion in DEEDS updates;
● Chair regular Prefect Meetings as coordinated with the Deputy Principal;
● Work closely with the School Vice-Captain to ensure an agenda is set for meetings and minutes taken and implemented;
● Lead the student leadership team;
● Provide leadership to the student body;
● Be an outstanding role model to all students within the School at all times;
● Be accessible and in touch with the student community and their concerns;
● Accept responsibilities that contribute to the success of school activities;
● Attend school functions;
● Prepare and present speeches for school and community functions;
● Initiate or be involved with school activities;
● Be involved with and encourage other students to participate in service-related activities;
● Represent the student body as required;
● Provide advice, support, and encouragement to the School Prefects;
● Read a lesson at the annual Carol Service; and
● Attend a day at the Year 7 Camp.
Please refer to the School Prefect brief in this handbook for details of the expectations of all Prefects.
POSITION DESCRIPTION SCHOOL VICE-CAPTAIN
The role of School Vice-Captain, like that of School Captain, is a very important one within the School community. The School Vice-Captain is expected to embody the aims and ideals of the School community. The School Vice-Captain is expected to provide leadership and service to the student body, be a role model for fellow students, and represent the student body in dealings with staff and the wider community. This student is also expected to represent the School at various forums and functions as required. They must be able and willing to speak in public, address School and Sub-School Assemblies, organise Prefect meetings, and deputise for the School Captain on occasion.
The role of the School Vice-Captain is primarily to support the School Captain in the carrying out of their duties as part of the student leadership team.
In addition to the expectations of all School Prefects, the School Vice-Captain is expected to:
● Provide leadership to the student body;
● Represent the student body as required;
● Represent the School at various forums and functions as required;
● Address School Assemblies to promote events, activities or the values and good name of Camberwell Grammar School;
● Provide advice, support, and encouragement to the School Captain;
● Deputise for the School Captain as required;
● With the School Captain, submit a report for inclusion in the annual School publication, the Grammarian;
● Set the agenda for and take the minutes of each Prefect Meeting; and
● Coordinate the cafeteria, gate, and yard duty roster for the Prefects.
Please refer to the School Prefect brief in this handbook for details of the expectations of all Prefects.
POSITION DESCRIPTION HOUSE CAPTAIN
The House is the prime provider of pastoral care within the Senior School. As the student leader, directly answerable to his Head of House, the position of House Captain involves considerable responsibility. The House Captain’s fundamental responsibility is to help set the tone of his House and inspire and encourage his peers and younger members of the House. As such, he must be able and willing to speak in public, address School and House Assemblies, organise and chair meetings, and play an active part in the co-curricular life of the School. A House Captain must be self-motivated and able to work independently, and is expected to demonstrate initiative and commitment towards their House and the wider School community
Administration and Organisation
Together with their Head of House, the House Captain should:
● Ensure that rolls are marked for Tutor Groups, Assemblies, and House events; organise seating for Assemblies and House events;
● Organise teams, either directly or by delegation, for House events;
● Assist in routine duties to help with the efficient running of the School and House; and
● Meet regularly with his Head of House, other House staff and other House Captains.
Leadership and Care
● Be a role model for students of inclusive, consultative, and caring leadership;
● Set and encourage the highest standards of dress and behaviour;
● Encourage participation and enjoyment in House activities for every student in the House;
● Lead a management team, including House Prefects, within the House;
● Consult with, and be advised by, their Head of House and other House staff; and
● Be attuned to students’ needs, interests, issues, and concerns, and appropriately communicate these with the House and School staff.
In addition to the expectations of all School Prefects, the School House Captain is expected to:
● Represent the House at School functions as required;
● Act as an ambassador for the House within the School;
● Meet regularly with the Head of House;
● Work closely with House staff in all House-related matters;
● Assume responsibility for the organisation and running of House Assemblies, meetings, and activities in conjunction with the Head of House;
● Assist the Head of House and Sport staff in preparation for, and running of, the Inter-House Carnivals, including:
o running House Assemblies and meetings;
o encouraging student participation;
o ensuring student participation on the day; and
o organising House support on the day.
● Provide support and encouragement to the School Captain and Vice-Captain;
● Submit a report for inclusion in the annual School magazine, the Grammarian;
● Foster a clean and safe environment within and around the House area; and
● Perform any other duties as requested by the Principal or other members of staff.
Please refer to the School Prefect brief in this handbook for details of the expectations of all Prefects.
POSITION DESCRIPTION CAPTAIN OF GAMES
The Captain of Games is the senior student representative for all School teams in all sports. They should be a capable sportsperson with strong leadership skills who can inspire peers and members of the student body to participate in sport to their fullest potential. The Captain of Games works closely with the Head of Sport.
Duties
● Meet regularly with the Head of Sport;
● Prepare a weekly sports report for presentation in School Assemblies and publication in DEEDS;
● Assist the Teachers in Charge with the organisation of Senior School House sporting events;
● Attend the end-of-season Winter and Summer presentation evenings;
● Support the Head of Sport with preparing a report for the Grammarian; and
● Lead and coordinate the formation of a cheer squad for major sporting events.
In addition to the expectations of all School Prefects, the Captain of Games is expected to:
● Promote an ethos of good sportsmanship within the school;
● With the Head of Sport, contribute to the development of strategies to encourage all students to participate in and enjoy sport;
● With the Head of Sports Academy, contribute to the design and implementation of programs to identify and develop elite athletes;
● Promote health issues within the student population; and
● Be attuned to students’ needs, interests, issues, and concerns, and communicate these appropriately with the Head of Sport.
Please refer to the School Prefect brief in this handbook for details of the expectations of all Prefects.
POSITION DESCRIPTION CAPTAIN OF MUSIC
The Captain of Music is the senior student representative for all School Musicians. He should be a skilful musician with strong leadership and performing skills, inspiring his peers and members of the student body to participate in music to their fullest potential. The Captain of Music works closely with the Head of Music.
Duties
● Meet regularly with the Head of Music;
● Prepare reports as required for presentation at School Assemblies and publication in DEEDS updates;
● Assist the Teachers in Charge with the organisation of musical events as required;
● Oversee stage crew and movement of equipment at School Concerts;
● Attend, with the Music Staff, meetings to discuss the awarding of Music Colours;
● Introduce and welcome the audience to the House Music Competition and School Concerts;
● Coordinate weekly musical items at School Assemblies;
● Conduct massed singing at the House Music Competition;
● Read a lesson at the Carol Service;
● Assist with orchestral/band and choir rehearsal setups;
● Attend some of the smaller musical events in the calendar to support fellow musicians;
● Prepare various reports for Spectemur and an annual summary of the year’s music for the Grammarian; and
● Assist in routine duties to help with the efficient running of the School.
In addition to the expectations of all School Prefects, the Captain of Music is expected to:
● Promote an ethos of good musicianship, corporate togetherness, and school spirit within the School;
● Set and encourage the highest standards of dress and behaviour, and presentation in performance;
● With the Head of Music, contribute to the development of strategies to encourage students to participate in and enjoy their musical involvement;
● Be attuned to students’ needs, interests, issues, and concerns, and communicate these appropriately with the Head of Music; and
● Consult with, and be advised by, the Head of Music.
Please refer to the School Prefect brief in this handbook for details of the expectations of all Prefects.
POSITION DESCRIPTION CAPTAIN OF PUBLIC SPEAKING AND DEBATING
The Captain of Public Speaking and Debating is the senior student representative for all School and inter-School Debating and Public Speaking. They should be a highly capable debater and speaker with strong leadership skills who can inspire peers and members of the student body to participate in debating and public speaking to their fullest potential.
The holder of this portfolio works closely and meets regularly with Teachers in Charge of Debating and Public Speaking.
In addition to the expectations of all School Prefects, the Captain of Public Speaking and Debating is expected to:
● Establish and lead a committee to run and publicise debating and public speaking activities;
● Develop and implement strategies to encourage participation in debating and public speaking activities;
● Assist in recruiting debaters at the beginning of the season;
● Assist the Debating Coordinator in compiling the Debating Handbook;
● Organise rosters for pack-up and setup for each round of inter-school debating and supervise these duties (this will require late finishes on some nights);
● Help organise teams, keep track of results across all grades and write reports for the Grammarian, DEEDS updates and other publications;
● Work with the Teacher in Charge in regards to events outside the DAV debates – such as organising teams for BP debating;
● Organise the end-of-season event;
● Work with and assist the Convener of the Gladwyn Cup;
● Coordinate the House Debating Competition, assisted by the Teacher in Charge;
● Support the Middle School Co-ordinator of Debating to promote and inspire students to be involved in debating;
● Meet and speak with first-year debaters at the start of the season and cover aspects such as debating etiquette, School aims and ideals, and appropriate behaviour and manner when representing the School in debates;
● Show a general interest in the novice teams throughout the season, offering encouragement and advice where necessary;
● Adjudicate at year-level debates as required; and
● Speak at School Assemblies (both Middle School and Senior School) as required.
Please refer to the School Prefect brief in this handbook for details of the expectations of all Prefects.
POSITION DESCRIPTION CAPTAIN OF DRAMA
The Captain of Drama is chosen to represent the School and provide leadership in Drama. They are chosen not only for their ability in drama but also for their dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to Drama within the School. They are expected to be a role model to younger students and to promote Drama throughout the School.
Those students who consistently demonstrate a mature undertaking of core study in Drama and extra-curricular production roles will feature in nominations for this position. The cooperative nature of study and work in the theatre arts means that students who prefer to work behind the scenes can also be nominated.
In addition to the expectations of all School Prefects, the Drama Captain is expected to:
● Work closely and meet regularly with the Head of Drama;
● Uphold and reinforce the aims and ideals of the School, particularly as they relate to Drama and dramatic performances;
● Demonstrate a willingness to become involved in all aspects of theatre staging from performance to backstage work, including Front of House duties;
● Participate in the staging of Drama evenings and festivals as required;
● Establish and maintain links with Junior and Middle School Drama students;
● Speak at School Assemblies as required;
● Write brief reports for DEEDS updates as required; and
● Submit a report for the Grammarian on Drama at the School.
Please refer to the School Prefect brief in this handbook for details of the expectations of all Prefects.
POSITION DESCRIPTION FAITH AND SOCIAL JUSTICE PREFECT
The Faith and Social Justice Prefect is a senior student who has a demonstrable commitment to promoting faith and social justice within the School community. This student will need to lead a team of similarly enthusiastic students who can keep these issues before the School and see practical outcomes for both the School and the wider community.
Faith
● Provide outreach to the faith needs of students through Assemblies, Church Services and Voluntary Groups; and
● Provide support and understanding for students of different faiths.
Social Justice
● Develop an ethos of service and responsibility within the School; and
● Develop and implement a practical strategy in consultation with Heads of School and Chaplains for working with charitable organisations and organisations committed to promoting social justice.
In addition to the expectations of all School Prefects, the Faith and Social Justice Prefect is expected to:
● Meet regularly and work closely with the Chaplains, Heads of House and other social welfare groups;
● Meet regularly with the Prefect body;
● Submit a report for the Grammarian on Faith and Social Justice at the School.
● Form and lead a committee to promote and raise issues of faith and social justice within the School community; and
● Encourage participation in faith and social justice activities for every student in the School.
Please refer to the School Prefect brief in this handbook for details of the expectations of all Prefects.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
JUNIOR AND MIDDLE SCHOOL LIAISON PREFECT
Camberwell Grammar School is one school, broken into three distinct sections. The Prefect responsible for this role will help encourage interaction between each section of the School and develop a whole school ethos. This Prefect should initiate social or sporting activities, cross-age tutoring or other forms of interaction, continuing to build positive relationships between the sections.
In addition to the expectations of all School Prefects, the Junior and Middle School Liaison Prefect is expected to:
● Meet regularly and work closely with House Captains, other Prefects, and the Heads of Junior, Middle and Senior Schools;
● Form and lead a committee to promote co-operation and inclusion in cross-school activities, and publicise events and achievements in all areas of the School;
● Submit a report for the Grammarian as the Junior and Middle School Liaison at the School.
● Encourage participation and enjoyment in cross-school activities for every student in the School;
● Initiate and organise activities between senior students and students in the Junior School;
● Initiate and organise activities between senior students and the students in the Middle School; and
● Meet regularly with students in each section of the School and represent them as necessary.
Please refer to the School Prefect brief in this handbook for details of the expectations of all Prefects.
POSITION DESCRIPTION ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY PREFECT
The Prefect responsible for the Environment and Sustainability portfolio will help to oversee the School’s sustainability projects and will promote environmental concerns and sustainable solutions within the School and the broader School community. They will work with the Sustainability Coordinator to develop projects and guide the School’s environmental policies and activities.
In addition to the expectations of all School Prefects, the Environment and Sustainability Prefect is expected to:
● Meet regularly and contribute to the development of new initiatives with the Sustainability Coordinator and the broader Towards 2050 network.
● Take a leadership role in Towards 2050 (includes Friday activities and a lunchtime Year 12 meeting);
● Organise and promote the Towards 2050 presence at Open Day;
● Help to coordinate and lead the annual Green Week initiatives;
● Help to oversee and continually develop the recycling system in the School;
● Assist in keeping students, staff, and parents abreast of sustainability projects through assembly, printed media and other forums;
● Submit a Towards 2050 report for the Grammarian as the Environment and Sustainability Prefect at the School.
● Help to maintain the ResourceSmart Schools program;
Please refer to the School Prefect brief in this handbook for details of the expectations of all Prefects.
POSITION DESCRIPTION COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS PREFECT
The Communications and Publications Prefect is the representative amongst the prefecture from the publications area of the School. He should be a highly capable writer and communicator with strong leadership skills, inspiring peers and members of the student body to participate in publications to their fullest potential. The Communications and Publications Prefect works closely with the Staff in Charge of the Grammarian, Spectemur and ECHO and oversees student writing competitions and publications. He also communicates with students via DEEDS and maintains an overview of online student communication and social media.
In addition to the expectations of all School Prefects, the Publications Prefect is expected to:
● Have significant involvement with at least one of the three major school publications. Ideally, the prospective prefect would be involved with more than one publication;
● Be the Editor of the student publication, ECHO;
● Organise and promote student writing competitions and publications;
● Lead a committee to run the publication portfolio;
● Meet regularly and work closely with the Staff Member in Charge of each publication;
● Encourage students to participate in the creation of, and contribute to, school publications and online discussion and communication forums;
● Ensure publications reflect the values and standards of the School;
● Liaise with Middle School publications;
● Liaise with the Editors of the Grammarian and Spectemur to develop the position of publications within the School; and
● Be attuned to students’ needs, interests, issues, and concerns, and communicate these with the School staff appropriately
Please refer to the School Prefect brief in this handbook for details of the expectations of all Prefects.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
SENIOR CADET UNDER OFFICER (SCUO) - CGS ARMY CADET UNIT
The Senior Cadet Under Officer (SCUO) position is the highest appointment Cadets can aspire to in the School. Their role is to lead the Unit in the planning and coordination of cadet activities, promote Cadets as an activity, provide timely advice to the Officer Commanding (OC) on Cadet matters, and provide cadet input into the Unit headquarters decision-making process.
The SCUO is responsible for planning and coordinating Unit activities, representing the interests of all cadets in the Unit, and advising the OC on Cadet matters.
In addition to the expectations of all School Prefects, the SCUO is to:
● Lead the cadet management team of Cadet Under Officers (CUOs);
● Conduct weekly management team meetings;
● Advise the Unit OC on Cadet matters, both in general and arising from the weekly Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) meetings;
● Plan and conduct the Home and Field Training programs, including Bivouac and Annual Camp;
● Liaise with Platoon Commanders, SM and Quartermaster Staff (Q-Staff);
● Liaise with senior cadets from other Australian Defence Force (ADF) Cadet Units;
● Assist with the planning and running of the Annual Cadet Dinner;
● Prepare and officiate at the Annual Cadet Presentation Parade;
● Submit a report for the Grammarian on Cadets at the School.
● Represent the Unit at AAC BDE/BN Conferences and on other occasions as required; and
● Perform other such duties as directed by the Unit OC.
In addition, as senior members of the School, the SCUO is expected to set and encourage the highest standards of dress and behaviour and assist in routine duties to help with the efficient running of the School.
Please refer to the School Prefect brief in this handbook for details of the expectations of all Prefects.
