It has been the greatest honour of our time at QAHS to serve as School Council Representatives together. We are extremely grateful for the trust placed in us and proud of the initiatives we achieved.
For those considering this role in the future, remember, you are never in this role alone. The teachers, our QAHS Principal Mrs Rebgetz, and the fellow representative alongside you will be instrumental in creating meaningful change within QAHS.
Sincere advice would be for you to approach it with curiosity, dedication, and humility. Listen actively, speak thoughtfully, and recognise that every action you take has the potential to make a lasting impact. Leadership is less about personal recognition and more about fostering the growth, well-being, and inclusion of those around you.
Finally, never forget that your voice is powerful, but it is most powerful when you use it for others. Step forward. Speak up. Make a difference.
As the famous philosopher Lao Tzu once said:
“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."
We hope our time on the School Council has allowed students to take ownership of these successes and feel proud of what we achieved together.
It has been the greatest honour of our time at QAHS to serve you. Thank you for trusting us with your voice.
Reflections from our QAHS School Council Student Representatives:
When I decided to run for School Council in 2023, I made a promise. I promised to listen, to hear the loud voices and to seek out the quiet ones too. I promised that when I addressed the audience, I would speak not only for myself but on behalf of all QAHS students I represent.
In the last two years, that commitment has directed every conversation, each Council and Student Executive meeting. Pravit and I passionately stood up for student perspectives, sometimes challenging the existing rules, sometimes bridging gaps, but consistently guaranteeing the student voice was included.
And let me tell you, being a School Council Representative is certainly more than merely occupying a seat in a conference room, but also participating in the Gold Coast School Captain Summit, proudly representing QAHS at both school and community events. We have also expanded the audience of the Global Issues Forum by over ten times. And yes, we even rapped during assemblies and filmed promotional videos. Each moment reminded us that leadership isn't about position; it's about action. It's about listening, speaking, and making things happen.
The Global Issues Forum was not just an event; it demonstrated that extraordinary things occur when students' voices are acknowledged. Over 500 students and teachers came together to explore the Cost-of-Living Crisis, learning from each other and shaping discussions about our world. Now, the baton will soon be passed to the next generation of School Council representatives, who will prepare the next Global Issues Forum in 2026. They have substantial expectations to meet, but I have confidence in them. I am confident they will listen, act, and lead with integrity and courage.
Yanyan Zhang
I still remember walking onto the stage, overcome with doubt about whether I would truly be able to secure this role. Seventeen applications for only two positions, each candidate delivering speeches that were thoughtful, articulate, and inspiring, it was easy to question my potential. Yet, something in my approach must have resonated, because I was honoured to serve as a QAHS School Council Representative for the 2023–2025 term, alongside Yanyan.
From the very beginning, this role demanded more than presence; it required engagement, empathy, and a commitment to representing every voice in our school community. It became clear that leadership is not about authority, but about responsibility: To listen, to advocate, and to act. Over the past two years, this role has taught me that the student voice is powerful, and that meaningful change comes from translating ideas into action.
During my tenure, I've had the privilege of participating in School Council and Student Executive meetings, collaborating on initiatives that directly impacted the student body. From addressing practical concerns, such as improving facilities, to coordinating large-scale events like the Global Issues Forum, each project required careful planning, collaboration, and a focus on inclusion. Witnessing the Forum expand to an audience of around 500 students and staff was a reminder that when students are engaged and heard, we can create truly transformative experiences.
Having lived this experience, I can say with certainty that the impact of the Global Issues Forum, and the success of my tenure in this role, would not have reached the heights they did without the energy, dedication, and collaboration shared with Yanyan.
Pravit Tandon
Yanyan Zhang & Pravit Tandon
School Council Student Representatives 2023–2025