2026 School Captains in the ‘Herald Sun’
Our 2026 School Captain were recently featured in the Herald-Sun alongside school captains from across the state. Here is what they had to say about leadership, their journey and aspirations for the future.
Cooper Ryan – Co-Captain (Caulfield Campus)
Why did you want to be School Captain?
I put myself forward for the School Captain role because I’ve always admired the role leaders play in shaping culture and spirit of our school, and I wanted to be a part of that tradition. I also see it as a chance to give back to a community that has given me so much.
How does it feel to be taking up the role?
It’s a huge honour, and I’m looking forward to working with my peers, teachers, and the wider community to make 2026 a memorable and positive year for everyone. I hope to help bring people together across different year levels and interests, as well as strengthening our strong sense of unity and school spirit. Whether it’s through sport, arts, or community service, I want everyone to feel like they have a place and a voice at Caulfield Grammar.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
After Year 12, I’d love to study mechanical or aerospace engineering. I’ve always been drawn to maths and science, and I’ve had a passion for the way that things work for as long as I can remember. Engineering feels like the perfect way to combine those interests, solving problems, designing things, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Emily Eldridge – Co-Captain (Caulfield Campus)
Why did you want to be School Captain?
I wanted to become School Captain because I’m incredibly proud to be part of Caulfield Grammar School and I have a deep appreciation for the people within our school community. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been provided with over my time here and which have allowed me to grow as both a leader and an individual. I have also been inspired by many amazing leaders whose dedication and example have had a lasting impact on me. Seeing the way, they carried themselves and supported others made me aspire to one day follow in their footsteps. I wanted to be school captain to be a role model for younger students and represent our community with pride.
How does it feel to be taking up the role?
It’s an incredible honour to be entrusted with this position. I’m very aware that I’m following in the footsteps of many remarkable leaders, and I feel privileged to continue that legacy. For me, this role is about representing what Caulfield Grammar School stands for and giving back to a place that has played such an important part in my journey.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
I’m still exploring different pathways, but at the moment I’m particularly interested in studying law. I’m drawn to the opportunity in making a genuine impact on people’s lives. Whatever I end up pursuing, I hope it’s something that allows me to keep learning and contributing to the community around me.
Kiara Suraweera – Co-Captain (Wheelers Hill Campus)
Why did you want to be School Captain?
I have grown up admiring people who have made me feel safe and valued, as I believe it is a student’s greatest need to feel supported to thrive. I have always striven to do the same for everyone else. I wanted to be a voice for everyone to assist others in making change that is required, as I have always worked towards doing my best and what is right. I wanted to create a safe environment by welcoming everyone so they could feel safe to speak up, be themselves and thrive in their own way.
How do you feel stepping into the role of School Captain?
I feel privileged to have been given such a prestigious role in a school of this calibre as the first generation in my family to grow up in Australia. The new role has me excited for all the opportunities I have access to, to make a difference, while also making me nervous as the role comes with a lot of responsibility. I want to do justice to the role of school captain while maintaining a balance between my own schooling and sport, as well as my duty towards the school.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
I have always known I have wanted to be in the medical field after the passing of my grandma when I was just 5. Seeing her battling through cancer and losing her life to it, made me want to help people in her situation in anyway shape or form. I plan to work really hard to achieve this lifelong dream of mine while juggling my school responsibilities.
Houben Gui –Co-Captain (Wheelers Hill Campus)
Why did you want to be School Captain?
Coming from a Chinese Australian background, I’ve always felt connected to both cultures, yet I’ve also recognised an intrinsic cultural barrier between Western education and Chinese culture. Many of my Chinese peers often felt overlooked in a predominantly English-speaking school, and I wanted to change that. As a student fluent in both mandarin and English, I felt like I could lend my voice to these students as way to bridge the gap between cultures. At its heart, it’s about celebrating diversity and ensuring every student feels valued.
How does it feel to be taking up the role?
It’s genuinely humbling, and I recognise that true leadership comes from working from and with, not above, others. But more so, I am eager to enact change, to shape learning, and above all else, give current and future students the best possible environment to thrive in.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
Many people ask me this question, and I’m embarrassed to say: I don’t know. Science, medicine and law have all crossed my mind, but if my time at Caulfield has taught me anything, it’s that purpose isn’t always found in obvious places. So, whether I’m studying in university or working a part-time job at Woolworths, I’m keep learning, growing, and seeing where my curiosity takes me.
This is an excerpt from the feature that appeared on the Herald Sun website ‘Melbourne’s 2026 School Captains from the SouthEast revealed’.
