St Swithun's student Jessica takes the helm as 'Headmistress for the Day'

St Swithun's School handed over the reins to student Jess C, who assumed the role of 'Headmistress for the Day' in an initiative fostering student leadership and engagement. As part of the experience, Jess undertook various responsibilities and decisions typically held by the headmistress, gaining insights into school leadership and operations.

During break, Jess, her friends and the head girl team met with Headmistress Jane Gandee in her office to discuss school matters and enjoy Jess’ choice of breaktime snack, pizza paninis. As her whole school privilege, Jess chose for no homework to be set for the day and students brought their belongings in anything but a school bag.

Jess, along with her friends, enjoyed a specially arranged lunch at the macaroni pop-up bar, with her year (L5) enjoying the chance to be first in the queue.

Later in the afternoon Jess joined the senior leadership team meeting, discussing a number of topics including facilities for the students to use during break and lunch.

Expressing her excitement, Jess remarked, "Being the 'Headmistress for the Day' has been a thoroughly informative experience. Having the privilege to meet with the head girl team, my friends and the school senior leaders was a fantastic opportunity."

Headmistress Jane Gandee commended Jess for her enthusiasm and leadership skills, stating, "We are always pleased to provide students like Jess with opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of how the school is run and take on leadership roles."

Jess’s day as Headmistress was kindly sponsored by her parents who donated to the Bramston Bursary Foundation during an auction earlier this year. The Bramston Bursary Foundation supports girls from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds with fully funded boarding places at St Swithun’s, via a transformational bursary.