Felix Dom started at GVGS in Year 5 after commencing at St Luke’s Catholic Primary School in Shepparton and was followed in the coming years by his brothers Fenil (Year 10) and Cyril (Year 5). ”
“Starting at GVGS was a big change from St Luke’s, it’s a much bigger school and so it felt very daunting on the first day,” he says.
“I was the first person in my family to go to GVGS and I had a lot of anxiety around the transition to high school, but from day one the teachers made me feel welcome and I made friends easily.”
Even in those initial days in 2017, Felix was encouraged to consider leadership roles as they arose. “I had that thought in the back of my mind – I was always hoping, but never had my heart set on it,” he says of his current School Captain role.
“One of my teachers told me in Year 5 to apply to be School Captain when the time came. It seemed like a lifetime away then, but I was Fairley House Captain in Year 6 and had a number of other leadership roles over the years after that, so I began to consider it more seriously.”
Felix says he was shocked when his family received the phone call and were informed that he would be a School Captain in 2024.
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“The role is a lot of responsibility, but working with my School Captain partner, Denise we share the load evenly and it makes everything more manageable with her by my side,” he says.
“A lot of those initial stressors have wained as the year has gone on and it’s actually been a lot of fun. Being School Captain has made prepping for Year 12 exams easier because I’ve had this accelerated level of time management right from the start.”
Next year, Felix plans to begin studying at Monash University. “I’ve really put in the effort this year and I hope it all pays off and I end up in Clayton next year,” he says.
“Going to university in Melbourne has always been a goal of mine. I’ve always been someone who puts other people’s needs ahead of my own, so I’m really looking forward to studying medicine. It’s going to be a challenge and will put my skills to the test, I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.”
Felix’s advice for the GVGS 2025 School Captains is simple, collaboration and enjoyment are key.
“Getting involved is the best way to be a school leader. If you’re thinking about putting your hand up, then definitely go for it. The role isn’t as daunting as you might think it will be, as long as you approach it with the right mindset,” he says.
“It’s a privilege to be School Captain and working together is so important, there are two School Captains for a reason. You can have a great partnership and make the experience so much fun for you both.”