Next generation of UCS Monitors are ready to serve

No sooner had the new teams of Monitors and Deme Captains – UCS terminology for ‘prefects’ and ‘house captains’ – from the Year 12 been revealed at assembly than the school magazine was nabbing them for interview. Four pupils obligingly sat down with The Frognal, for an interview you can read later this month, explaining their motivations and hopes in taking on these roles of responsibility within the school community. Here is a sample of their answers.

What did you learn from applying to be a Monitor?

Thalia, Captain of Monitors: The Monitor application process was pretty demanding. It is a daunting prospect to sit down and write the application letter and think about being interviewed. I hadn’t initially thought I had much to say. However, the more I reflected on the past school year, the more I realised how much the school community had facilitated my own personal development and how much I wanted to be in a position to contribute by being part of that supporting framework. This is an environment where kindness and integrity supersede performance and results.

How would you define leadership skills?

Maya, Vice Captain of Monitors: I believe a good leader is one that guides, communicates and inspires. Leadership skills are crucial, especially as a Monitor or Deme Captain, and more broadly speaking, as part of  the oldest school year. If we are to be role models, we need to offer clear guidance to the lower years in the school. Communication with staff, students, peers and the rest of the team will also be key . Finally, we must inspire those we lead, sparking passion and motivation, and encouraging those around us to be innovative, expressive and individual.

What are you hoping to gain from being a Monitor?

Samir, Vice Captain of Monitors: To be offered this role is a huge honour and privilege. It is an opportunity to work closely with pupils and staff to further expand on the aspects of UCS that make it so unique and to contribute to the holistic education here. By working with people of all ages from a variety of backgrounds, I hope to develop my communication skills in order to better understand the needs of those around me, while also gaining a deeper insight into the value of leadership when collaborating within the Monitor team.

And what do you hope to give to the school in return?

Oskar, Captain of Monitors: Since my almost life-long school career at UCS is verging on a conclusion, I aspire to give back to the institution which has already given me so much. I hope that my ideas about the immediate future of UCS will complement the efforts of the Senior Leadership Team to encourage the commonality of culture and individualism that make UCS unique. I am honoured to undertake this role, which is at once a significant responsibility and a really exciting opportunity to influence life at UCS.