4 minute read
Meet the Middle School SRC Executive for 2021
Wilderness School actively cultivates leadership qualities in our girls. We aim to build the understanding and skills of leaders through the many varied activities of school life for each girl to become respected leaders who act with integrity and model ethical behaviour.
We are delighted to introduce our Middle School Executive for 2021. Elena Tsamaidis
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President
What do you enjoy most in your role?
I enjoy being of service, trusted with responsibility and the opportunity to grow while maintaining enjoyment. In particular, I find the hands-on approach to leadership that Wilderness fosters very exciting. We are encouraged to devise new policies, solutions or outcomes, discuss the feasibility, pros and cons and put our ideas into action. There is no rubber stamp here. I feel extremely privileged to be serving in this role and to have acquired such exceptional skills. I also love the amount of public speaking involved in the position. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, I am relishing the opportunity to raise spirits and temper the sometimes-serious approach girls take to schoolwork.
A legacy of believing that anything is possible through application, resourcefulness and fun, rich personal and community experiences. A less tangible legacy I would seek to leave is an approach or mindset of aspiring for greatness, coming together as a community to lift each other up, being kind at every opportunity, working hard, being courageous and taking risks, and above all, perhaps not to take yourself too seriously.
Who inspires you and why?
Inspiration comes from many avenues and is not necessarily limited to people. Notwithstanding, I have been blessed to be surrounded by extraordinary, strong women committed to reaching their highest potential. Impressive human beings who strive for honesty, responsibility, courage, connectedness and flexibility, while also ensuring kindness and service is paramount.
What are three things we don’t know about you? 1. I hate coconut. 2. I am a Jane Austen bonnet drama tragic. 3. I love embroidering.
Livia Podreka
Vice President
What do you enjoy most in your role?
In my role, I enjoy having the opportunity to set an example for those around me and leading the way for other girls through my actions. This involves motivating others to strive for excellence, pushing them outside their comfort zone, voicing their opinions and empowering their accomplishments. Outside of this, I have also enjoyed having the chance to work alongside the other SRC Executives.
The legacy that I want to leave behind focuses on inspiring others to be authentic. Authenticity is when our actions are congruent with our beliefs and values, enabling us to be the best version of ourselves. As part of this legacy, I hope to provide all girls with the opportunity to follow their interests, take risks, apply the School values, overcome their future and current challenges, and think and speak for themselves.
Who inspires you and why?
I am not inspired by a certain individual but rather a type of person. I am inspired by those who challenge their reality and choose to venture into the unknown. Be it the scientists who revolutionised how the world functions today or the great women I am surrounded by at school. These people have taught me to step outside my comfort zone, and in the process, this has allowed me to gain new experiences and engage in activities that I did not even think were possible.
What are three things we don’t know about you?
1. Right now, I’m reading about fast fashion. 2. I’m teaching myself how to crochet. 3. I can locate and name every country in Asia.
Sophie Grice
Secretary
What do you enjoy most in your role?
I really enjoy working with Livia, Elena and Mrs Belinda Arnfield. Our weekly meetings are always a lot of fun and I love the collaboration that comes with my role.
What kind of legacy would you like to leave?
I want to leave a legacy that inspires others. To be a leader who inspires others to not only achieve more and have an enjoyable time, but also to be kinder and authentic in their actions. The leadership theme for this year, ‘authenticity’, is one I truly believe in. I hope we create an environment that nurtures this idea and helps all students be comfortable in themselves at school.
Who inspires you and why?
My Dad is one of the people who inspires me the most. He works incredibly hard and never seems to take a break, yet somehow manages his job, interests, extra projects and fitness all at once. I’m not sure how he fits it all in, but he definitely shows me the type of lifestyle I want to lead - busy and accomplished.
What are three things we don’t know about you?
1. I love to play the guitar. As a self-taught beginner, it may be a slow progress, but I’m definitely getting somewhere. 2. I am the only one in my family who doesn’t attend
St Peter’s College. My brother goes there and both my parents are also teachers there. 3. I was born in a tiny town in Scotland with a population of about 20 people.
