School Captain 2025, Joshua Winkler

When Joshua joined GVGS in 2021, he had only just recently moved to Shepparton and was navigating remote learning while trying to find his place in a new school community. Four years later, he’s proud to be leading that same community as School Captain, something he admits came as a genuine surprise.    “I’ve always been involved in sport and I’d captained my Football Team outside of school, but I never saw myself as the stereotypical leader,” he says. “When I was told I’d been chosen to be School Captain, I was honestly shocked. During my time at the School, I’ve built strong relationships with both teachers and students, so I think they could see that I always try to be positive and upbeat and bring that energy out in everyone around me.”. Joshua commenced at GVGS during the pandemic, shortly after both his older brothers moved away from the family home in Melbourne. His older brother Monty, relocated to Canberra for university and Sam left on a European adventure. “I wanted to be closer to my extended family and moving to Shepparton meant I could be,” he explains. “My auntie and uncle live locally and I’m very close with my cousins who also go here, Baxter (Year 11) and Lila (Year 10). My parents both grew up in the region too, so moving here just made sense and I haven’t looked back since.”

Reflecting on his first year at GVGS, Josh remembers sitting in a Year 8 maths class thinking about how long the road in front of him seemed. “I remember thinking I had ages left of school,” he recalls. “Then all of a sudden I’m in Year 12 and it’s been a real shock. One thing that’s defined my time here has been the smaller class sizes, which means it’s easier for you to have closer relationships with the teachers. They’re so invested in your success and if your goals aren’t as high as they think they could be, they push you to reach what they know you’re capable of.” Joshua’s interest in leadership began to take shape in Year 10, when he decided to join the Peer Support Programme. Now as School Captain, he says the most rewarding aspect has been the relationships he’s built across all year levels. Joining the Peer Support Programme made me realise how much I enjoy helping others and being part of something bigger than myself,” he says. “What really matters to me about being School Captain are the moments when younger students recognise me from Friday Assembly and come up to say hello in the yard. Those genuine connections that you get to develop mean the most.” Joshua is also quick to credit his teachers for their impact during his final year. “My tutor and Year Level Coordinator have been incredible,” he says. “They’ve made sure not only I, but everyone, feels supported and they remind us that we belong here. They’ve definitely helped me put my best foot forward every day.” Looking ahead, Josua plans to relocate back to Melbourne and study Law at Australian Catholic University in 2026 and live at University College in Parkville. “Law feels like the right path for me because I want to help people. I want a career that’s all about making a difference,” he explains. “I’m really looking forward to college life too. A lot of the Year 12 students are heading to Melbourne next year as well, so it’ll be great to still have those connections around, whilst also meeting new people.”