New Captains, New Era: Harry and Bella Lead Concordia's Transformative Journey
New school captains Harry Allsop and Bella Edwards are embracing their opportunity to shape the direction of 鶹ý for the next generation of students. With Concordia embarking on a period of transformation in 2025 with the start of the new master plan including the construction of a new Junior Learning Centre and Early Learning Centre, the incoming 2025 captains see the change as a big opportunity in their final year.
“I put my name up for College Captain because, by the time I graduate, I would have spent 14 years at Concordia. It has been where I have grown up,” Bella said. “I was a little shocked when I was chosen and it was a little nerve-wracking, but I love our school community.
“I want to build on the College community we have already and lay some foundations for the Master Plan,” she said. “I want to maintain an environment where everyone is included and tries new things.
“Both Harry and I have a few projects in mind but at this stage, they are secret as we want them to be a surprise.”
Harry also reflected on his time at 鶹ý.
“I want to give back because the College has done a lot for me, and I hope that I can make little differences in the lives of other students,” he said.
“I moved here in Year 8 and on my first day, I met the boarder that I was going to share a room with. I liked the structure of boarding, it’s what I needed when I first came here.
“It’s gone really fast, and I’ve met some of the best people here.”
Harry’s philosophy is a smile goes a long way and a simple ‘how’s it going’ means a lot to younger students.
“We need to lead by example and be a good role model for the younger students. That’s one of the biggest things in my eyes,” he said. “I want to try and increase the great culture of the school and for students to always strive to do their best.
“I hope our cohort will take chances to get better and make their experience here as enjoyable as possible. Bella and I want to be an effective bridge between the students and the staff.”
He is also embracing the new unified, integrated campus.
“Bella and I plan to make the bond with the Junior Campus students tighter. We are planning a lot of opportunities for students to interact with each other.”
Harry said being College Captain was a massive honour, and he values the faith they have been entrusted with to lead.
“We had the opportunity to ring our parents from school to tell them. I rang my mum, and she started crying. Many of my relatives have had leadership positions at Concordia in the past and mum and dad were very proud that I now have this opportunity as well,” he said.
“Concordia has given me a lot more opportunities that I otherwise wouldn’t have had, like all of my sporting opportunities and Googa (a month-long school camp for Year 9s) which was brilliant.”
Bella also appreciates what Concordia has given her.
“I can’t believe I’m in my last year. I met some of my closest friends in Prep and we all turn up for each other.”
Both students have excelled in sports while at the College and plan to take that into the next stage of their lives.
“I really want to get a job in sport equity, giving everyone the same access to sport and health opportunities. The career of my dreams involves travelling across the country where everyone has a level playing field when it comes to sport,” Bella said.
Harry has not locked in his next step, but is leaning towards physiotherapy as a career, although he plans to travel initially.
“First thing is to grab the opportunity I have in front of me this year to make a difference. It is a privilege and an honour to be in a leadership position at Concordia.”