Getting to know our 2024 College Captains

Elesha Gruis

Tell us a bit about yourself – what subjects are you studying next year, what do you like to do in your spare time?

This year I am completing Year 12 Psychology. Next year I will be studying Drama, Literature, Further Mathematics, Chemistry, Media and Religion. I plan to attend university after I complete Year 12. In my spare time, I enjoy playing competitive soccer. I have a passion for musical theatre, and I like to read. I was a member of the Student Representative Council last year and in Year 8. This year, I was a part of the Student Leadership Team in my role as Faith and Mission Captain. I have been involved in various leadership programs with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation. These include participating in the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’a Leaders of the Pack Program, Youth Leadership Project and Bark for Youth Advisory Committee.

What are you most looking forward to in your role as College Captain?

I am most looking forward to helping make St Francis Catholic College a place where students are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas about how we can make the school an even better place to study and learn. I will ensure I am a role model for students across both campuses of the College and I will encourage more students to become involved in student leadership opportunities and activities that benefit the wider school community.

If someone asked you to describe St Francis Catholic College in one sentence, what would you say?

St Francis Catholic College is an inclusive place where students feel they belong, are encouraged to develop and use their talents to benefit the community and where all students are encouraged to strive for their personal best.

Are there any projects/initiatives you would like to see happen in 2024?

I would like to encourage more students to actively participate in, and lead, school events in order to develop a greater sense of community. I would also like to be involved in developing ways in which we can continue to build connections between students at, and across, the two campuses in 2024. I have a particular interest in initiatives that promote respect and concern for the wellbeing of all.

Gabriel Bautista

Tell us a bit about yourself – what subjects are you studying next year, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I will be going into Year 12 next year and have been at the school since Year 7. I lived in New Zealand for seven years before moving here in Grade 2 and attending St Catherine’s Primary School. My favourite pastimes are playing basketball and the piano.

What are you most looking forward to in your role as College Captain?

I look forward to continuing to build on the strong community we have at the school and making a positive impact wherever possible.

If someone asked you to describe St Francis Catholic College in one sentence, what would you say?

St Francis Catholic College is a heavily diverse community that pushes each and every student to achieve academic and personal growth.

Are there any projects/initiatives you would like to see happen in 2024?

I would like to develop an initiative that targets the issue of littering and rubbish throughout the school (Melton Campus). Some Houses do encourage their mentor groups to pick up rubbish, but it isn’t heavily enforced. Creating a program that has as little as one or two mentor groups from each house cleaning up a section of the school every day could significantly decrease the amount of rubbish around the school. The school would look better and it would lessen the burden on the maintenance team who shouldn’t be cleaning up the mess that students make.