Ever since her first opportunity to take on a leadership role at GVGS, Ella Novotny has embraced each and every chance to do so.

“I’ve always enjoyed exploring the extra-curricular activities available to me, as well as the mentor roles that we’ve been able to put our hands up for as senior students,” she says. “I did the Buddies Programme when I was in Year 9 and I really loved connecting with my Year 5 student and getting them used to their new school environment. I also did the Peer Support Programme when I was in Year 11, where we worked with the Year 7’s and got them settled in. It’s their first year of high school, it’s a whole new game and that can be scary, so I enjoyed being able to support them through that transition.”

A keen sportswoman, Ella has played both netball and soccer for GVGS over the years and is the 2023 Athletics Captain.

“I love being active and part of a team because it gives me an opportunity to challenge myself,” she says. “I’ve really enjoyed being Athletics Captain this year. When we travel for different sporting events, such as the ICCES competitions, it’s my role to support the younger students while they’re somewhere unfamiliar and away from the school grounds, as well as encourage them in the athletic event they’ve been selected for.”

Nearing the end of high school, Ella says her fondest memory from her time at GVGS is the Presentation Ball in 2022.

“I’m not really the kind of person who likes dancing or large crowds, so I feel like I really stepped out of my comfort zone taking part in the Presentation Ball,” she says. “The whole year level came together to make the night really special and everyone looked amazing. It’s a great memory that I’ll treasure forever.”

Next year, Ella is looking forward to undertaking a gap year with the Australian Defence Force.

“I have family members who have done it and they said it taught them a lot of important life skills,” she says. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after high school, so this seems like a good opportunity to try something new and make me a stronger person.”