Leading with purpose

Our 2025 School Captains – Madison Kwok, Alexi Krassaris, Mikayla Wollaston and Ananth Maitra – recently shared their aspirations and reflections in an interview featured in the Herald Sun, highlighting their hopes for the year ahead and the legacy they wish to leave at Caulfield Grammar School. Representing our School with humility, ambition and heart, they’re part of a generation of young leaders ready to make their mark. 

Wha was your reason for taking up role? 

Alexi: As the last of my family to attend the school, I felt it was now my time to give back to the community and being in the role of school captain felt like the most effective avenue to do so. 

Madison: While I was waiting for the doors to my building to open one morning (in Year 7) … an older student walked through the area. The student introduced herself as Ruby. Not only did she speak to me, but she also spoke to all of the other Year 7s in the area. It was only much later that I found out Ruby was a School Co-Captain. Her humility stood out. That interaction made a lasting impact on me and shaped how I understand leadership. 

Mikayla: The role of school captain for me, was a chance to serve my school community, that had always provided me with so much. Further motivation for taking up this role, came from the opportunity to represent my peers and help contribute to a culture of kindness and support. 

Ananth: Being School Captain has offered me the opportunity to give back to this community. This role has also provided me the chance to work collaboratively with like-minded peers. 
Responsibilities 

Alexi: My Co-Captain, Madison Kwok, and I lead our prefect committee, which is made up of 25 students. Together, we run the team: organising and leading meetings, delegating tasks, and supporting each member in their initiatives as needed. 

Madison: Some responsibilities that being a Co-Captain entails, include organising committee meetings and being involved across all initiatives that the committee is working on. For example, Friday gate greetings, Monday-morning announcements, Year 12 movie night and trivia night, and the buddy program with middle school students. 

Mikayla: While our responsibilities are spread across all different areas of the School, the most central of these would have to be leading our School committee and representing the interests of our peers. 

Ananth: We work diligently to develop and run initiatives that strengthen student culture and wellbeing. 

How does it feel to be School Captain? 

Alexi: I’ve got to say that it’s an honour and a privilege and it really feels like that. There is definitely pressure to perform well for the sake of our student body, and to represent not only Year 12s but the whole Years 7–12 Caulfield Campus to lead intentionally, authentically and in the right direction. 

Madison: I feel extremely honoured to be able to represent a community that has given so much to me. Being a Co-Captain this year has been an incredibly rewarding experience so far. 

Mikayla: While a role like this comes with its challenges, it is also so rewarding and has taught me so much about what true leadership looks like. There is something so special about being able to bring about positive change. 

Ananth: It has been enlightening, giving us deep insights into how our School is run. It educates us on how we can best make changes and how we can effectively communicate with others. 

How has the role helped you grow? 

Alexi: Undeniably, the role has evolved my leadership qualities. I’ve definitely developed my ability to handle the complexities of people and conflict, as well as learning the importance of language, empathy and authenticity. 

Madison: I have been in instances where I have had to be brave and push myself out of my comfort zone. I have gained experience in seeking and adapting to feedback, both positive and constructive. 

Mikayla: For me, not a day goes by in this captaincy, that I don’t learn something new. Whether it be how to best foster an environment of collaboration, navigating when a situation requires me to step in versus step back, or better acknowledging when I need to ask for help. 

Ananth: There has been a substantial increase in time-management, having to juggle responsibilities with schoolwork and other commitments. The hardest part, and one that has seen the sharpest growth, is having to accept that things don’t always go to plan. Learning to adapt, reach compromises and, importantly, keep moving forward has been crucial. 

What are your post-school goals? 

Alexi: My biggest passion is the intersection between the environment and economics. When I was 14, I adopted my first beehive to help the environment, and ever since then, I’ve kept bees and opened up a small honey business (Krassaris Honey) from my front yard! Ideally, I’d like to study at the London School of Economics studying either economics or environmental economics. 

Madison: I am hoping to study a Bachelor of Science and Commerce. My dream would be to attend ANU to study, as studying away from home would allow me to move into the next stage of independence in a safe environment. In particular, I hope to pursue a career in Business that uses knowledge in Scientific fields. 

Mikayla: While I do not know exactly which career path I will end up taking once I finish school, what I do know is that I want to make a difference. Making the world a safer, kinder and more inclusive place is something I am truly passionate about. 

Ananth: I would love to attend a top Australian University and study a mix of mathematics, Science and Law. Beyond tertiary education, I want to continue to lead groups, innovate new programs and resolve disputes, in any way that I can.