Aim High
Stories of Excellence
2024 – 2025
Cover image: 2024 High Achievers with Principal Mark Staker: Laila Thompson, Phoebe MacLaren, James Le, Edward Hill, Enoch Osei-Tutu, Vikram
From Our Principal
Taking inspiration from others and those who have come before us
Taking inspiration from others and those who have come before us is a powerful force in shaping our aspirations and ambitions. People leave legacies and these legacies serve as a source of great inspiration to many.
The Class of 2024 at Pembroke has left an indelible mark on the School’s story – a legacy built on great triumphs, overcoming adversity and the power of staying true to oneself. Their journey has been one of resilience, determination and camaraderie, demonstrating that success comes in many forms and is deeply personal.
At Pembroke, we celebrate a community of achievement – one that extends beyond academic accolades and merit lists. We recognise that personal achievement is nuanced, individual and profoundly meaningful. Some students will be publicly celebrated for their academic results, while others will leave their mark in less visible but equally important ways. Whether it is a student who has found their voice in the Performing Arts, a sportsperson who has embodied the values of teamwork and dedication or an individual who has simply persevered through personal challenges with quiet strength, we are immensely proud of each member of the Class of 2024.
This graduating class has contributed significantly to the culture of Pembroke. They have embraced challenges, set new standards of excellence and led with humility and kindness. Their legacy is not solely measured by grades or awards but by the friendships they have nurtured, the traditions they have upheld and the new paths they have forged for those who follow. They have embodied the Pembroke spirit – a spirit of inclusivity, curiosity and a commitment to making a difference.
When I speak with our graduating students, I am struck by the deep gratitude they hold. They share their appreciation of the sacrifices their parents have made to provide them with a Pembroke education. They reflect on the passion and expertise of their teachers, whose unwavering dedication has shaped their growth. They recall the moments of academic challenge that pushed them to strive for their best and they celebrate the peer culture that has uplifted and supported them.
The confluence of these conditions – supportive families, dedicated educators, a strong peer network – combined with their own talents, hard work and perseverance, have shaped a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. This legacy is not confined to a single year or group; it is a continuous thread woven into the fabric of Pembroke’s history, guiding those who come next.
Our 2024 SACE and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme results inspire all of us – not just because of the impressive merits and high achievements but because they represent something deeper: a cohort that seized opportunities, pursued their passions and remained committed to personal growth. This class played their sport with enthusiasm, created art that moved us, served the community with generosity and inspired younger students to aim high in their own journeys. They understood that true achievement is not simply about test scores but about becoming the best versions of themselves.
This is their legacy – one of courage, ambition and authenticity. It is a legacy that challenges us all to strive for excellence, to embrace every opportunity and to leave our own mark on Pembroke and beyond. As we move into 2025 and onwards, we will carry forward the lessons they have taught us, inspired by their example to lead, to serve and to achieve in our own unique ways.
Mr Mark Staker Principal
Above: Joshua Tziavrangos and Amy Wu (both Year 8) with Principal Mark Staker.
Pembroke’s High Flyers across SACE and IB
10 student ATARs
55 student ATARs
98 student ATARs
Grade Distribution
*Charles Darwin University, CQ University, Macquarie University, Monash College, La Trobe College, University of Tasmania.
Our 2024 SACE Dux
James Le
James Le commenced at Pembroke in 2015, starting in Year 3. His commitment and hard work throughout his schooling culminated in a perfect ATAR of 99.95 – an exceptional achievement.
We congratulate James on his outstanding results and recently asked him a few questions about his time at Pembroke. Here’s what he said:
In Year 12, I studied English, Physics, Chemistry, and the University of Adelaide’s Headstart courses Research Methods in Psychology and Human Anatomy and Physiology. In Year 11, I was able to study Stage 2 Mathematical Methods, Music Ensemble Performance, Music Solo Performance and Activating Identities and Futures (AIF).
I chose my studies on a basis of both interests and consideration for my tertiary studies. I studied the two Music Performance subjects in Year 11 because music is a big passion of mine. However, in Year 12 when I realised that Medicine was the end goal for me, I decided on Science subjects like Chemistry and Physics. I’ve always had an interest in science throughout school, so these subject choices felt really natural to me.
A major aspect of my Pembroke experience was its amazing Music Department. In Year 12, my time playing for Symphony Orchestra, Big Band 1 and Senior Flute Trio was crucial for my emotional health and maintaining balance with studies! It was really nice to have a rehearsal to look forward to during the week in the midst of studying. I especially love the teamwork aspect of music, and I’ve truly made some lifelong friends through this co-curricular.
I plan on starting my medical school journey at the University of Adelaide this year. The scientific and humanitarian aspects of medicine are areas I’m really interested in, and I’m excited to be given the opportunity to make a real difference as a doctor.
For current students, I would say that it’s so important to be ambitious with your goals and truly believe that you can achieve them. In the beginning, my goals for the year felt almost unattainable, until I started imagining myself in this position and started waking up every day with the intention of achieving my goals. You might not achieve beyond your goals, so why not aim as high as possible?
To hear more from our high flyers and School Captains, watch our Commencement Ceremony video:
It’s so important to be ambitious with your goals and truly believe you can achieve them.
Our IB Duxes
Luca Shin
Luca Shin commenced at Pembroke in Year 7. In Year 12, he achieved incredible results and an equal top score for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, receiving 45/45 for his studies. We commend him on this accomplishment and recently asked him about his journey at Pembroke:
My higher level subjects were Geography, Chemistry and Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, and my standard level subjects were English A Literature, Chinese B and Music, as well as Theory of Knowledge and an Extended Essay in English Literature.
My subject choices were based on my passions. The IB allowed me to study a diverse range of subjects with both breadth and depth in learning. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy subjects like English Literature and Music, but they were also critical in developing myself as a more well-rounded and reflective learner.
I loved playing in groups such as Percussion Ensemble, Big Band, Symphony Orchestra and the chamber ensembles. Generations in Jazz and Music Showcase were highlights of my final year. These allowed me to take a step back from the stress of study and instead focus on the terror of standing on stage! Another significant activity was debating. Stepping out of my comfort zone and learning to eloquently express my ideas allowed me to gain skills that I will take with me into my future endeavours. My aspiration is to make a positive impact on the lives of people. I will be studying Medicine this year, which has a massive scope to explore how I will achieve that goal. I could see myself engaging in clinical practice, research and health advocacy.
My advice to current students is to pave your own path by setting ambitious goals and approaching all aspects of your Pembroke journey with eagerness and a positive mindset. Finding your passion in academics and Pembroke’s fantastic co-curricular program, and building supportive relationships, will set you up well for what the outside world has to offer. Also, recognise that life is unpredictable. Approach setbacks not as a barrier but a hurdle to overcome, which will make you a better person in the long run. Having faced numerous challenges, especially in Years 11 and 12, I made sure not to let it pull me down, but rather to motivate me to zoom out, see the bigger picture and focus my energy on reaching my goals, both big and small.
Enoch Osei-Tutu
Enoch Osei-Tutu joined Pembroke in Year 7. In 2024, while Co-Captain of Pembroke, he achieved excellent results with an equal top score of 45/45 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. We congratulate him on this achievement and asked him a few questions about his experience:
I studied Chemistry High Level (HL), Sports Exercise and Health Science HL, Mathematics Applications and Interpretations HL, History Standard Level (SL), Spanish ab initio SL and English Language and Literature SL, along with Theory of Knowledge and my Extended Essay.
I was quite interested in scientific and mathematic type subjects so I selected Chemistry and Maths to supplement that interest. However, I wanted to include a sporting element into my studies and decided to pick Sports Science as it incorporated Physics, Chemistry and Biology in a sports setting. All of the above significantly contributed to my interest in Medicine as my tertiary study.
My future plans are to pursue a Bachelor of Biomedicine degree, continuing on to an MD at the University of Melbourne, and also play high level basketball.
My advice to current students is to be consistent with your study. KEEP AT IT and don’t beat yourself up about poor grades or underwhelming results. Rather, be thankful for them, as now you have identified an area of improvement that you can go away and work on. Make sure you surround yourself with people who ‘make you better’. This includes feeling socially adept and mentally and physically healthy – academic success will very likely follow.
My advice to current students is to pave your own path by setting ambitious goals and approaching all aspects of your Pembroke journey with eagerness and a positive mindset.
Our 2025 School Captains
Dear Pembroke Community
Our names are Finley O’Brien and Tiffany Buchan, and we’re honoured to serve as Pembroke’s School Captains for 2025. We both entered the Pembroke community in 2020 as Year 7 students and have been fortunate enough to experience the School’s incredible range of academic challenges and co-curricular activities. Our favourite memories to date are the Year 10 Beyond the Horizon trip to the East Kimberley, which made a lasting impression, and performing alongside friends in the Middle School Musical in Year 9. We feel sure that these opportunities and unique avenues for personal growth have prepared us well for this prestigious role.
As we embark on our tenure, we commit to promoting an environment that empowers students to express and continually develop their individuality, while understanding their importance and role in the wider Pembroke community. We recognise that authentic human connections are crucial for navigating today’s digital landscape and nurturing lifelong relationships. These friendships within our School community are a powerful catalyst for students to reach their full potential and develop essential skills to cope with adversity that is a given in modern life.
From the ELC students to the incoming Year 12s, our focus will be on initiatives that foster connections between the campuses so that bonds are strong, not only within cohorts but intertwined throughout the whole School. We feel opportunities for mindfulness and gratitude are key to appreciating the advantage of a Pembroke education, maintaining a balanced outlook and building a culture of kindness and service. This, combined with collaborative problem-solving, mutual respect and an awareness of broader sociological issues, also contributes to laying the foundation for positive global citizenship post-schooling.
See more from our Commencement Ceremony and hear from Tiffany, Finley and some of our 2024 high achievers:
Through our approachability, broad interests and ambition to be the best versions of ourselves, we aim to inspire younger generations, support growth in the middle years and guide seniors toward their future aspirations, while ensuring the School remains united under our motto Ex Unitate Vires – Out of Unity, Strength. We see student leadership as a key aspect of student life, both for the opportunity it provides to the individual and for facilitating change through student voice.
As we enter our final year of schooling, although we recognise that this time will bring inevitable challenges and newfound responsibilities, we are truly excited and energised by the possibilities this year brings.
We would like to express our gratitude to Mr Staker, Mrs Piggott, Mr Pascale and the Pembroke staff and students for presenting us this opportunity. We feel privileged to work alongside a proactive, supportive and passionate Student Staff Executive (SSE) group. Through a shared commitment to service and a desire to make a meaningful impact, we know the SSE will represent our community with integrity and pride.
Lastly, we wish everyone in the Pembroke community a fulfilling and prosperous 2025.
Tiffany Buchan and Finley O’Brien 2025 Pembroke School Captains
More Than Just a Title
How leadership shaped our Middle School journey
Being a member of a leadership team does not mean being the perfect leader. It means being your authentic self and staying true to your values.
Leadership is an extremely important, deep-rooted skill that has guided humans to collaborate effectively together for generations. Being a leader is not solely about a title; it is an opportunity to help others and discover new learnings about yourself. We have been involved in leadership positions in the past, but in 2024, we were lucky enough to be part of the Student Voice Executive (SVE) in the Middle School.
Throughout this time, we realised the importance of ensuring that younger students experience a flourishing Middle School environment and the significance of becoming the role models of the campus. We strove to make responsible choices and push ourselves towards becoming the best version of ourselves. As the year progressed, we aimed to help in any way possible, which provided an extremely rewarding sense of fulfilment. Throughout our Middle School journey, we were consistently immersed in the responsibilities of leadership, making it clear that this practice would be an essential skill for our futures.
We also provided a voice or a familiar face for questions and queries. Our leadership position left all 16 of us feeling empowered and inspired to create change.
Our leadership position left all 16 of us feeling empowered and inspired to create change.
During our time in the SVE, we participated in many Open Days, assisted within the Pembroke community, and attended weekly meetings regarding Pembroke events and ways to improve the overall quality of the School. Being able to communicate and collaborate with so many different people from different backgrounds reminded us of the treasures of uniqueness within our community.
It was truly a privilege to have represented the Middle School with such pride. The skills that we used and connections we made through each student event continued to build our confidence. Though our role did not exclusively entail meetings and events.
Throughout the year, the SVE team was fortunate to be guided by the involvement of Mr Staker, Mrs Sheidow, Ms Newgrain and Mr Roberts. We learned promptly from our mentors that hard work pays off. They brought excitement and maturity to what was a year full of success with their knowledgeable guidance and unwavering support. This role was definitely not easy but making a positive impact was always on the top of our minds. Whenever any doubts were raised, this amazing network of teachers was always there to provide the necessary advice and solutions to our questions. We would like to thank all the teachers for their continuous reassurance and care, fostering our confidence in our roles.
We think people are all leaders in their own way, we just need to put ourselves out there to harness it within us. Our advice to the current and upcoming Middle School students is to stay true to yourselves. Do not be afraid to take a chance or even try something new and reach out of your comfort zone. From our personal experience, the more energy and excitement you bring, the more fun it is to be involved in improving the School community. Be courageous to make a change. Remember that greatness is a process and this year is your first step in making a difference. Any service, no matter how big or small, will be recognised. You can always find new ways to make an impact on the School community. Lead with empathy, lead with curiosity and lead with your hearts.
Lia Litchfield and Vito Goco Year 11 Students
Our Junior School Leaders
Patrick Kent (Spencer House)
What does being the leader of Spencer House mean to you?
It means so much to me, especially because of the opportunities I get that some other people don’t get.
What’s your favourite thing about being a student at Pembroke?
The opportunities that I am so lucky to have and the education that the School provides.
Miranda Teng (Spencer House)
What are your hopes and aspirations for the year?
My hopes and aspirations for this year include trying to start fundraisers for some new charities, meet people who can inspire me to do something better, and make myself involved in events like Sports Day and meetings with Mr Staker and Ms London.
What’s your favourite thing about being a student at Pembroke?
My favourite thing about being a Pembroke student is being able to work in such a diverse and rich atmosphere, everyone being so kind and open.
Fred McGee (Flinders House)
What does being the leader of Flinders House mean to you?
Being House Captain means a lot to me because ever since I had my first Sports Day, I have looked up to the House Captains. They are amazing at it and good leaders, and I always wanted to become one of those people.
What are your hopes and aspirations for the year?
I would like to reduce the amount of litter and keep the School clean. I would also like to inspire younger people from Flinders House to be the best version of themselves.
Angelina Zhou (Flinders House)
What does being the leader of Flinders House mean to you?
I think that being a leader means that I should be responsible and kind to the people around me and to be a good role model for those younger than me.
What’s your favourite thing about being a student at Pembroke?
I love all the teachers because they are understanding about all of our problems and they know how to help us in the right way. I also love the Pembroke curriculum because we learn interesting things that will be useful in the future.
Emi Fawcett (Yorke House)
What does being the leader of Yorke House mean to you?
It means I need to be committed to this role by showing up to meetings, contributing to the Junior School and making the Junior School a fun and vibrant place.
What do you want to do when you leave school?
I want to start a doggy daycare business and allow the dogs to run around on a farm and socialise with other dogs.
Ryan Foo (Yorke House)
What does being the leader of Yorke House mean to you?
Being a House leader brings me a sense of pride in myself as I am representing my House and that means a lot to me.
What are your hopes and aspirations for the year?
I’d like to make the School as a whole a cleaner place and more welcoming. I also want to lead by example by doing the right thing. I will try to lift up House spirit by using our chants and other things in the House events.
Emilia Mercer Dally (Torrens House)
What does being the leader of Torrens House mean to you?
Being a leader means I need to honour our School Motto with bravery and service.
What’s your favourite thing about being a student at Pembroke?
My favourite thing about being a student at Pembroke is learning new and exciting things.
Digby Sutton (Torrens House)
What does being the leader of Torrens House mean to you?
It is a very special moment for me, especially being able to share it with my Great Grandma who just turned 90. She’s so proud.
What do you want to do when you leave school?
I want to work hard at university to get a good career as a neurosurgeon and save lives.
Our Boarding Captains
Rachel Leung and James Tenny
Rachel Leung and James Tenny are our Boarding Captains for 2025. We spoke with them about their new leadership roles, their hopes for the year ahead and their advice for our new boarders. Here’s what they said:
→ When did you start boarding, and how did you feel when you first arrived at Pembroke?
Rachel: I joined the Boarding House in 2022 as I entered Year 9. It has been an experience. I had mixed feelings on arrival: I was nervous and anxious due to the adjustment in a totally new environment, yet excited at the chance to meet new people and start afresh.
James: I started boarding in 2023, in Year 10, feeling excited and not knowing what to expect for this new chapter. Pembroke looked like a super busy and overwhelming environment from the multi-campus structures and the team of dedicated staff, but I quickly realised that it wasn’t so intimidating on the inside. These feelings of pressure were also relieved through spending time with staff, especially in the Boarding House, knowing that everyone really is there to care for you.
→ Where are you from, and how long does it take you to travel here from home?
R: My hometown is in Hong Kong; it takes me around 10 hours to travel to Adelaide from Hong Kong.
J: I live on Hindmarsh Island, which is only about a 90-minute drive from school, but it’s still too far to drive each morning and afternoon.
→ What does the Boarding Captain role involve, and what does it mean to you to be a Boarding Captain?
R: The Boarding Captain role involves organising weekend activities, voicing boarders’ concerns and contributing to improvements. It includes providing meal feedback as part of the Food Committee and participating in the Student Staff Executive (SSE) to enhance the Senior School experience. To me, it’s about leadership, responsibility and fostering a supportive boarding community.
J: The Boarding Captain role is different every day, and it’s pretty much just constantly adapting to new tasks or concerns, while always keeping your door open for boarders to voice their opinion. It’s important to keep strong relationships with the boarders and create an
environment where we can openly talk about what’s going well in the Boarding House, and what can be improved upon. My first issue was fixing a breakfast toaster, which quickly advanced to designing leavers’ jumpers and organising competitive events. It really is always different but it’s also very rewarding.
→ What are you looking forward to most in the Boarding House this year?
R: This year, I am most looking forward to new activities in Turner House. I’m also excited to meet new people, build connections and strengthen the sense of community within the Boarding House. I also look forward to hosting a variety of activities that bring boarders together, creating opportunities for everyone to bond and have fun.
J: This year, I’m looking forward to seeing how the reopening of Turner House will impact the boarding experience. I’ve already heard very positive feedback from the Turner House residents and can only see further improvements and developments down the track as the girls adjust to these new boarding quarters. I’m also wanting to hear more from the girls as to how their experience has been different between the two main Boarding Houses.
→ What’s your advice for new boarders this year?
R: For anyone new to boarding, my advice is to stay open-minded, embrace the diversity around you and don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Treat everyone genuinely and always remember to show respect and kindness in your actions.
J: To new boarders, I would simply suggest you participate in as many events as possible and put yourself out there. It’s very easy to hide in your room, but it means you aren’t getting the best out of the opportunities and companionship provided within the Pembroke Boarding House.
I’m also excited to meet new people, build connections and strengthen the sense of community within the Boarding House.
Aiming High and Hitting the Mark
Eddie Hill is the winner of the Ross Family Leadership Award for 2024, awarded to him for leading with empathy, courage and honour, consistently delivering a high degree of service to his peers, for inspiring action and service in others, and for embodying the Pembroke School Aims.
He is acknowledged across the whole School, both staff and students, as honest, fair and principled, never shying away from doing what is right or just. Undertaking the role of School Vice Captain in 2024, he has been an important member of the Student Staff Executive (SSE), willing to take on both behind-the-scenes and upfront organisational and leadership roles, despite his busy workload.
Eddie Hill
We spoke with Eddie about his time at Pembroke, his reflections on leadership and his plans for the future.
→ When did you start at Pembroke, and what were your first impressions of the School? How did you feel in your first few weeks at school?
I started at Pembroke back in 2017 which was Year 5. My first impressions were that Pembroke was much bigger and had a lot more opportunities, which was both exciting and a little overwhelming at first. In my first few weeks, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement as I adjusted to the new environment, met new classmates and got used to the different routines. However, everyone was welcoming, and I quickly started to feel more comfortable and settled in.
→ You were Co-Head Boy in the Middle School in Year 10; how did this experience shape your Senior School years?
Being Co-Head Boy gave me confidence in my leadership abilities and taught me how to work as part of a team, communicate effectively and take on responsibility. The role also helped me build strong relationships with both my peers and teachers, which made my transition to Senior School smoother. It encouraged me to stay involved in the School community, take on new challenges and support others, all of which have been important throughout my senior years.
→ What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being School Vice Captain/part of the SSE?
→ What initiatives during your time at school are you most proud of?
One of my most rewarding experiences was mentoring and teaching Year 5 and 6 students through the Buddies Program. Supporting younger students as they transitioned into school life was incredibly fulfilling, and it was great to build connections and help them feel more confident and included. I was also proud of my work in fundraising for Canteen, where I participated in a fun run |to raise money for support systems for children with cancer. As part of the Student Staff Executive (SSE), I was involved in a sub-committee focused on student wellbeing and lifestyle on campus. This role allowed me to help implement initiatives that improved student life, promoted a positive school culture and supported mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, completing my Duke of Edinburgh Award was a significant achievement. Overall, these initiatives not only allowed me to contribute to the School and broader community but also helped me grow personally, develop leadership skills and create lasting connections with students and staff.
→ What are your plans for this year and your future after that, and how do you see your leadership and service skills playing a role in them?
This year, I’m excited to begin my studies at the University of Adelaide, where I’ll be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. I’m eager to dive into the technical aspects of engineering while also exploring opportunities to develop skills beyond the classroom. In the future, I plan to work in the mechatronics engineering industry, where I can apply my knowledge of mechanical, electrical and computer systems to create innovative solutions. I also plan to continue participating in community-focused initiatives, whether through volunteering or contributing to projects that have a positive impact. I believe that the ability to lead with empathy and a focus on service will be valuable not only in my career but in making a meaningful contribution to society.
→ What advice would you give to Year 12 students this year?
One of the most fulfilling aspects was the opportunity to represent and support the student body, whether it was organising events, mentoring younger students or working with staff to improve school life. It was incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact of our initiatives and to contribute to the sense of community at the School. At the same time, balancing leadership responsibilities with academic work and other commitments was a challenge. There were moments of pressure but overcoming them taught me resilience and leadership qualities that I will carry beyond school. Overall, the experience was an incredible learning opportunity that helped me grow both personally and as a leader.
My advice to Year 12 students this year would be to stay focused and manage your time effectively, but also to remember to take care of yourself along the way. The year can feel overwhelming at times, with the pressure of exams and the transition to the next stage of life, but maintaining a balance between academics and personal wellbeing is key. Make sure to reach out for help when you need it—whether it’s from teachers, friends or family. Make sure to make time for activities and hobbies that bring you joy and help you recharge. Finally, remember that this year is about growth and learning, both inside and outside the classroom, so embrace the challenges and enjoy the journey.
Australia Day Honours for Our Old Scholars
Rosa Hessabi (2024) and Stuart Vass (2023)
Pembroke is proud to celebrate the achievements of two old scholars, Rosa Hessabi (2024) and Stuart Vass (2023). Both Rosa and Stuart were honoured by the City of Burnside on Australia Day for their incredible service to our community.
Rosa was named the Burnside Young Citizen of the Year for her remarkable dedication to a life of service. In her time at Pembroke, Rosa profoundly impacted the School community with her passionate commitment to creating meaningful change, reflecting her profound sense of empathy, courage and leadership.
Rosa is an advocate for Iranian human rights, and was selected as a global finalist in RISE 2023 for her exceptional contributions to this cause. She is a founder of Pembroke’s Service and Justice Committee, earning the Kaye M Michell Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service. She also played a significant role in Pembroke’s VEX Robotics success as part of the first all-girls’ team to represent Australia, where they won awards in multiple world championships.
Among other incredible achievements, Rosa’s artwork is displayed in the Art Gallery of South Australia, she has received her Bronze and Silver in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, was first runner-up in the Medical Dilemma category of the Adelaide MedTech Hackathon competition and she achieved excellent results in the Brain Bee Neuroscience National Finals. She is also the South Australian representative of NAPCAN’s National Youth Advisory Council where she collaborates to enact media action, parliamentary involvement, social media awareness and introduce educational programs in schools to prevent child abuse and neglect nationwide. Rosa was part of the Student Staff Executive in 2024, further exercising her leadership skills and commitment to service.
Stuart received a High Commendation in the Burnside Young Citizen of the Year category for his advocacy in STEM and youth empowerment locally and internationally through advisory boards, leadership and ambassador roles.
He served on the International Robotics Education and Competition Foundation Student Advisory Board (20202024), the UniSA MOD. Youth Advisory Board (2022) and the University of Adelaide Adolescent and Youth Advisory Group (since 2024). As a student ambassador, he represented Australia at the VEX Robotics World Championships in Texas (2023) and the Australian Video Game STEM Challenge (2024). He has presented at education conferences, volunteered at robotics competitions and remained engaged as a National Youth Science Forum alumnus.
Pictured: Rosa and Stuart with Anne Monceaux, Mayor of City of Burnside. Photo credit: City of Burnside.
He has been recognised with accolades such as the Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Awards and Duke of Edinburgh Silver and Gold Awards. Since Year 7 at Pembroke, he has competed in a robotics team, winning state, national and world titles – valuing teamwork as key to their success. In 2023, he served on the Student Staff Executive, representing students and contributing to student life.
Both Rosa and Stuart exemplify what we aim to nurture at Pembroke – young people of exceptional character who seek meaningful change and whose actions shape a hopeful future.
Congratulations Rosa and Stuart.
Old Scholar Reflections
From Old Scholar Madeleine Dunne (2011)
Deputy Content Editor at ITV News, London
Did Pembroke open my eyes to many of life’s infinite possibilities? Arguably, yes. I often wonder if my mere existence would be easier if I knew less. Not in the sense of being clever – I’m rarely useful at a pub quiz – but in the way that the whimsical workings of the world were unravelled and dissected before my hungry teenage brain, propelling me into eternal captivation with what life could show me, if I was lucky enough. My five years in the leafy backstreets of Kensington Park guaranteed that I would never be satisfied with a lacklustre state of being. ‘Sometimes I can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I’m not living’ – Jonathan Safran Foer’s words becoming a simply unmanageable thought. Pembroke gave me so many lives to live.
I would’ve been over the moon if my classes at Pembroke were a constant rotation of English and Drama and absolutely nothing else. They brought me genuine joy and an everlasting love for The Arts. Donna O’Connor, Julianne English, Peter Woon and Wendy Lacoon were standout influences for me and undoubtedly shaped both the person I’ve become as well as the passions I still hold. My fondest memories all lie in creaky eastern suburbs theatres, even if I wasn’t necessarily centre stage – being in the chorus for the Middle School production of Cabaret, writing scenes for our Year 11 sci-fi creation Loki, or controlling the lighting (then writing a disgustingly long IB Theatre essay about it) for our Year 12 production of When the Rain Stops Falling. I’m not sure I’d have the brains nor youthful determination to do anything like it now.
The problem with achieving your dreams prematurely is then having to find new ones. For me, that dream became London.
I was set on being a journalist from an annoyingly young age. An enviable sense of certainty, I know – there was never any doubt in my mind that it’s what I wanted to do. Journalism runs in my family, for one. My lovely Grandpa Barry Hall had a distinguished career on Adelaide’s radio waves, presenting on 5DN for more than 20 years. It’s in my blood. My first foray into television was Year 11 work experience at Channel 9’s North Adelaide studios, decked out in a flashy new wardrobe from American Apparel and stiff new Doc Martens that I still don today. I felt like my whole life had led to that moment – perhaps it did. That newsroom affirmed everything for me. I loved what I saw and 15 years later, I’m still doing it.
I took a much-needed gap year after finishing school, living downstairs and working upstairs at a British pub. It was expectedly brilliant, and it invoked a significant love affair with life abroad. I reluctantly but sensibly returned to Australia to start a double degree in Journalism and International Relations at UniSA, which included a six-month exchange to the University of Twente in the Netherlands – only deepening my desire to pursue a career overseas.
I interned at 7 News Adelaide in the final years of my degree. It was an internship that quickly turned into freelance work, and before long I was a full-time reporter and producer for the station; a career dream I never thought I’d reach so early in my 20s, let alone while still at university. It was a combination of hard work, a little sacrifice and being in the right place at the right time.
The problem with achieving your dreams prematurely is then having to find new ones. For me, that dream became London. At 25 years old, I threw away my cushy job in Hindmarsh and moved to England’s capital in 2019 where I’ve since worked for BBC’s The One Show and Morning Live, ITV’s Good Morning Britain and This Morning, as well as Middle Eastern network Al Jazeera. There’s no better city for this industry, nor to properly grow up in. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
I now spend my working days in central London, just near Chancery Lane, where I’m a Deputy Content Editor at ITV News’ national headquarters. Occasionally I work with our politics team inside the historic Houses of Parliament.
No day is the same in news, which is what I love about it. I work on everything from political scandals to major murder trials, from international disasters to the Brit Awards – whether this is intricately planning our coverage, conducting interviews on the ground or finalising pieces for the nightly news and online platforms.
Personal highlights from a decade in my annoyingly fun industry aren’t in short supply. Producing prime-time bulletins for 7 News, a week of work and play at Eurovision in Liverpool, being a guest at the BAFTAs, launching a now highly-successful BBC morning program during lockdown, being part of the core team outputting Good Morning Britain when the Queen died, working with icons like (cue namedrop) Jamie Oliver, Florence Pugh, Andy Murray, Saoirse Ronan, Daniel Radcliffe and David Schwimmer... And the up-close experiences with some
truly incredible creatures as 7 Adelaide’s self-appointed ‘chief animal reporter’.
It took many years for me to fully grasp just how fortunate I was to dive into adulthood with Pembroke as my platform. These big, flashy moments in my life would never have materialised if it weren’t for the courage and curiosity that this education awarded me. Never forget that you are one of the lucky ones.
My advice is to only make life-affirming decisions if you can tell in your heart of hearts that it’s something you might love. You don’t have to be in love just yet, but please don’t waste such precious years – and every year is a precious year – on something that you instinctively know will never be for you. Allow yourself the time to explore, experiment and evolve. You owe it to yourself to take the time to find those lives you should be living.