"Challenging. Inspiring. Rewarding." These are the words year 12 student Georgia Britten uses to describe her experience as community chairwoman of the student leadership committee at Fahan School.
Though officially appointed at the close of year 11, Georgia's leadership and community experience began as a junior school student at Fahan.
"I remember feeling a sense of responsibility as I began year 6," Georgia said.
"I was now a junior school leader with opportunities to learn about effective leadership through different programs where we could engage in team building and communication activities.
"I didn't realise at the time that these programs were the foundation on which my leadership skills were built."
As part of the school's ethos, building leadership capabilities begins at an early age and continues throughout the years.
Fahan's head of junior school, Amanda Evans, said there are various opportunities that begin for students at an early age, with responsibilities appointed during the year under a distributed leadership model.
"We see the girls' leadership skills flourish when they participate in the Buddy program, where students mentor and support younger students and model leadership practices," she said.
Established in 1935, Fahan School offers programs from kindergarten to year 12.
It was founded by Isobel Travers and Audrey Morphett, who believed that young women could achieve anything they wanted to.
Those ideals and aims were reflected in the school motto, "Light Come Visit Me", which referred to Miss Travers and Miss Morphett saw as the purpose of education - enlightenment.
It has been a busy last year at secondary school for Georgia, organising a number of events as part of the leadership role she has taken, as well as other extra-curricular activities.
However, that has not meant her studies have suffered.
"I've learnt so much from my experiences this year," Georgia said.
"My planning and organisational skills have been honed, which is critical to getting all that I want achieved.
"My studies are equally important and I run a jewellery business outside of school so everything has a schedule.
"So far, I'm managing it quite well."
Principal Penny Curran-Peters believes that Fahan has a unique ability to deliver leadership opportunities across the entire school.
"Our small student numbers and single campus means that we can deliver school-wide programs that benefit all students," she said.
"To us, leadership is not a reflection of title or position, rather one which provides the opportunity to give one's self for the benefit of others. Georgia is a wonderful example of this and we are proud of her accomplishments."
Georgia leading from the front
YEAR 12 student Georgia Britten embraced the pathway set out for her at Fahan and her curiosity, influence and passion for the community were brought to light when inducted into the student leadership committee.
Georgia has flourished in her role this year, inducting new and exciting community programs that the school has adopted.
She heads an Amnesty group where a selection of students from the middle and senior school meet to discuss current issues, both locally and globally.
Georgia has led a number of initiatives including assembling a team of 21 for the Cancer Council's Relay for Life, raising over $3000. In June, eight year 12 girls abseiled 73 metres down the face of Wrest Point Casino raising over $4000 for the Royal Hobart Hospital's Research Foundation.
Other initiatives Georgia has instigated include student involvement in Live Below the Poverty Line, the climate change rally, Justice Action Day, Stop the Traffik and a charity drive for the Hobart Women's Shelter.
