The Year 11 student who has boarded at St Margaret’s since Year 8 plans to continue to nurture the sense of belonging in her home away from home.

Gabriella loves the tight-knit community of the boarding house and wants this sense of community and inclusiveness to flourish under her leadership next year.

“It is extremely reassuring to know that if I am ever in need of help there is a team of girls there to support me; I always feel at home,” she said.

A keen sportswoman, Gabriella appreciates the sporting opportunities St Margaret’s offers and enjoys her involvement in rowing, touch football and water polo.

“Attending St Margaret’s has provided me with many opportunities that I never would have had access to at home,” she said.

“These include the Year 10 Global Exchange Program which allowed me to travel to Hong Kong and live in another school community for three months.

“This opportunity allowed me to experience firsthand, a completely different culture and way of life.

“It helped me further develop my sense of independence and gave me the opportunity to connect and make new friendships,” Gabriella said.

Gabriella will share the responsibility of the boarding house captaincy with fellow student Bella Gray.

St Margaret’s Principal Ms Ros Curtis said the students selected for the 2019 senior leadership roles reflected a high engagement in all activities and an alignment with the values of the school.

“Our aim in choosing school leaders was to choose those with the right motivations ̶those who have demonstrated a commitment to our school values of passion, integrity, respect, faith, courage and spirit,” Ms Curtis said.