Captains ready to lead

Redcliffe State High School’s 2026 School Captains plan to use their roles to strengthen student voice, promote inclusion and continue building a strong sense of community across the school.

Moreton Daily sat down with Nazalia Afoa, Daniel Harlow, Killian-James Toon and Stevie-Ray Schuster to talk about what leadership means to them and how they hope to make a difference this year.

Redcliffe State High School’s Student Leadership Body, comprising Tristan Ellul, Rachel Kelly, Mark Grosert and Rachel Lowe, said each of the captains demonstrated strong connections to community and active involvement in school life throughout the selection process.

“Our leaders at Redcliffe State High School strive for a sense of community and active involvement,” the Student Leadership Body said.

Captains are selected through a multi-stage process that includes written applications addressing selection criteria, interviews with a panel of teachers and executive staff, and a final speech delivered at a leadership assembly where students vote for their representatives.

“We live in an inter-connected world where now more than ever a sense of community is vital to our wellbeing and sense of purpose,” they said.

Leadership roles extend beyond the classroom, with students representing the school at community events including ANZAC Day, Moreton Bay’s March Against Violence and a range of sporting events, while also engaging the student body through assemblies, carnivals and student-led initiatives.

MEET THE LEADERS Q & A

Nazalia Afoa

Why did you want to become a School Captain at Redcliffe State High School? I genuinely care about our school community and the people in it. Redcliffe State High School has shaped who I am, and I wanted the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. I’ve seen how leadership can influence school culture, and I want to be someone students feel comfortable approaching. Being School Captain isn’t just about the title for me, it’s about representing student voices and making sure everyone feels included and valued.

What does being a good leader at school mean to you? Leading by example - it’s about being respectful, responsible, and approachable at all times. A good leader listens before they speak, considers different perspectives, and supports others even when it’s challenging. I believe leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room, it’s about being someone others can trust and rely on. It also means staying positive and motivating others to get involved in school life. 

What is one thing you want to help improve for students this year? Engagement and connection. School can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for younger students, so I’d love to create more opportunities for students to feel included, whether that’s through events, better communication, or more ways for students to share their ideas. I want students to feel like their opinions matter and that they’re part of something bigger than just attending classes.

What are your future goals after finishing school? After finishing school, I plan to pursue further education and continue developing skills that allow me to make a positive impact in my community. I want to build a career where I can lead, inspire, and contribute meaningfully. Most importantly, I want to keep growing as a person and take the leadership lessons I learn here into my future opportunities.

Daniel Harlow

Why did you want to become a School Captain at Redcliffe State High School? I wanted to become a School Captain to be a voice and guide for those who may not necessarily believe they have a platform to be heard and make the change I know everyone can contribute to.

What does being a good leader at school mean to you? Being a good leader to me means positively influencing, motivating, and guiding peers towards common goals while acting as a responsible role model for others.

What is one thing you want to help improve for students this year? This year I want to help improve students’ quality of school life. Through inclusion within the school gates and events where people can come together, I hope to make a lasting impact on students’ time at Redcliffe.

What are your future goals after finishing school? In the future, I want to attend a US College for my track and field endeavours, whilst studying International Business and Property Economics, hoping to own and develop businesses in the long term.

Killian-James Toon

Why did you want to become a School Captain at Redcliffe State High School? I’m passionate about representing students and making a positive difference in our school community. Redcliffe State High has given me opportunities to grow academically, culturally, and personally, and I want to give back to the school that has supported me. I also want to be a strong role model who leads with integrity, respect, and pride. Being School Captain would allow me to help create a school environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

What does being a good leader at school mean to you? Leading by example and treating everyone with fairness and respect. It’s about being approachable, listening to others, and supporting people when they need help. A good leader works as part of a team and encourages others to be confident and involved. To me, leadership is about building people up and creating a positive school culture.

What is one thing you want to help improve for students this year? One thing I want to help improve is student voice and inclusion across the school. I want students to feel comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions and know that they are being listened to. By creating more supportive spaces and encouraging open communication, I believe we can strengthen connections between students and staff. This will help make the school a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

What are your future goals after finishing school? I aim to continue my education and build a career where I can make a positive impact in my community. I’m currently aiming to study Legal Studies after school at QUT, which has helped shape my interest in further study and leadership opportunities. I also want to continue staying connected to my culture and supporting First Nations communities. My long-term goal is to be a strong role model and leader both professionally and personally in the legal field.

Stevie-Ray Schuster

Why did you want to become a School Captain at Redcliffe State High School? My journey represents more than just myself; it represents my family and my community. My family has made sacrifices to give me opportunities, and I carry their strength, resilience, and love with me in everything I do. Stepping into this role is my way of honouring them and making them proud. I also wanted to represent Pacific Islander students in our school. I hope that by being in a leadership position, younger students can see that they can achieve the same. Our culture is a strength, not a limitation, and I want to help break stereotypes by leading with integrity, dedication, and pride.

What does being a good leader at school mean to you? Someone who leads with heart. It’s not about the badge or the title, but about being present every single day and truly caring about the people around you. A good leader is active in the school community, showing up because they genuinely want to make a difference. Being a strong leader means making yourself known in a real and authentic way. It means talking to students from all year levels, checking in on people, listening to their concerns, and celebrating their achievements. It’s about being approachable and creating a space where others feel comfortable and supported. Leadership isn’t about being above others, but standing alongside them. I believe a good leader earns their badge through their actions and leaves their stamp on the school by making it better than they found it. By helping create an environment where students feel seen, heard, and like they truly belong, a leader makes an impact that lasts well beyond their time at the school.

What is one thing you want to help improve for students this year? I want to make a real difference within our school community not only for juniors, but also for new students joining our school. The first few years of high school shape how students see the rest of their journey, and I know how overwhelming it can feel to start somewhere new. I’ve been the “new kid” three times, so I understand what it’s like to feel uncertain or out of place. That’s why I want every new student to feel welcomed, supported, and valued from day one. If I can help create a school environment where everyone feels like they belong, then I know I’m making a meaningful and lasting impact.

What are your future goals after finishing school? I plan to study law and pursue a career in youth justice. I want to advocate for young people, especially those who feel unheard or misunderstood within the justice system. Too often, their stories aren’t fully listened to, and I want to help change that. My goal is to be a voice for children and uncover the deeper issues that often go unseen, such as family struggles, mental health challenges, or lack of support. I believe many young people need guidance and understanding more than judgment. In the future, I hope to make a meaningful difference by standing up for fairness, compassion, and second chances.

2026 Captains 

A total of 24 student leaders were formally recognised at the school’s recent Investiture Ceremony, marking the beginning of their leadership journey for 2026.

Front Row Left to Right: Mrs Kelly, Michael Robinson, Harlan Hawkins, Amie Ito, Jayda Dearing, Mara Hoefel, Edie Hussey Middel Row Mr Ellul, Harvey Longhurst, Sophie Mason, Benji Cake, Lauren Zillmann, Nazalia Afoa, Killian- James Toon. Middle Row Left to Right: Lauren Coutts, Kendal Quelch, PriliaVan Schalkwyk, , Aiden Gordon, Daniel Harlow. Top Row Left to Right: Cohen Cochran, Mr Wallett, Tymia Iafeta, Itulua Toleafoa, Makaidy Boniface, Stevie-Ray Schuster. 

To find out more visit the Redcliffe State High School website redcliffehs.eq.edu.au