Seeing from other people’s perspectives is one of the most important qualities in a leader, according to Thames High School head girl for 2025 Izzy Fitzsimons.
The 16-year-old was set on hearing everyone’s ideas before making decisions and making sure “everyone gets their say”, she told The Profile.
But Izzy is no stranger to being a leader as she was Thames High head of arts and culture for 2024.
Izzy, who is now part of a group of 24 student leaders for next year, met with the group a few weeks ago for a planning session around the upcoming year, she said.
One of the topics discussed was the school ball, which Izzy said was one of the biggest events of the year.
“A lot of work goes into it, but I’m happy to be able to make some more of those decisions.”
She was still in the process of figuring things out.
“I think I’m still sort of feeling out how it all kind of works,” she said, and was focussed on supporting the other leaders.
Izzy, who is also a dancer, dance teacher and singer in Hazy & the Jays band, said one challenge would be “keeping up with my academics”.
The head student said she achieved the year 12 dux this year and with the extra workload: “I don’t know if I can keep that up, but I will try”, she said.
Izzy planned to maintain her motivation and enthusiasm throughout the year by “just making time for myself to rest”, she said.
She also wanted to take a step back and look at things from further away rather than getting overwhelmed, “which I sometimes tend to do”, she said.
Izzy’s advice for people who would like to run for head student in the future was to get involved in as many things as possible, she said.
“Well, [things] that you enjoy, of course, but don’t shy away from any opportunities because they really up your experience and help you with applying for things.”
Meanwhile, Harris Elliot-Hogg is head boy for 2025.
Izzy and Harris, who plays guitar in Hazy & the Jays, were preparing for their upcoming gig at Twilight in Grahamstown on December 14 from 5pm.
