St Andrew’s School for Girls announces 2026 head girl and deputies

In a proud and uplifting moment for St Andrew’s School for Girls, the school announced its 2026 head girl and deputy head girls on September 30.

Head girl Caitlin Ho and deputy head girls, Jade Burnand and Olivia Wiggill, will lead the student body in the upcoming year.

According to the head of marketing and admissions, Caterina Cacchioni, the girls were chosen following a thoughtful and learner-driven voting process that involved learners from grades eight to 12.

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“The election of the head girl team is a highly anticipated event on the school calendar, not only for its significance to the girls, but also for the values it promotes.

“Learners cast their votes based on merit, character, and leadership potential. They vote for individuals who demonstrate grace, humility, and a genuine passion for service,” she stated.

Deputy head of the senior school, Andrew Bishop, explained, “Candidates are only eligible to run for leadership positions if they complete a minimum Level 3 of the school’s Skilled for Life programme.

The programme encourages the learners to take responsibility for self, for others, for tasks, and for the community.

“We guide learners through the programme to participate in an array of co-curricular activities, community service, and servant leadership.

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“The qualifying candidates then apply for their preferred leadership position, and voting is opened to the senior school.”

St Andrew’s follows Robert Greenleaf’s model of Servant Leadership, in that all members of their senior school are called upon to serve the community.

School leadership is developed through the personal development programme Skilled for Life, which comprises four levels that a learner needs to work through. It is recommended that a learner works on one level a year, thereby reaching Level 4 in Grade 11.

1. Level 1 is about development and mastery of self and personal responsibilities.
2. Level 2 has the Level 1 requirements, plus interactions with others, relationships, a personal letter of reflection, and a letter of motivation from a peer.
3. Level 3 comprises Levels 1 and 2 requirements, plus responsibility for a task or activity.
4. Level 4 has Levels 1, 2, and 3 requirements, plus responsibility or leadership over others.

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All levels require hours of community service and involvement in school life in both the sporting and cultural arenas.

Executive and Senior School Head, Gill Jeffrey, adds a personal touch to the process and asks that voters submit written motivations for their choices.

“This year’s process again highlighted the depth of leadership talent within the school. The voters’ motivation comments offered insight into the personal qualities of each candidate,” said Jeffrey.

Comments submitted by learners included:

“Caitlin is strong-minded and kind, uplifts those around her, is confident, and makes all those around her feel heard.

“She is an upstander and leads with grace and accountability. She is always smiling and is a constant support to the people around her.

“Caitlin is true to herself and loved by her peers. She is organised and positive and is a very good representative of the school’s values.”

“Jade is very organised and fully involved in the school. She is humble, accountable, and conducts herself with grace.

She steps up when needed and is considerate of everyone. She has the best interests of the school and our community in mind.

She is a good problem solver and quick thinker, is helpful and caring, and a servant leader who will lead our school with integrity and grace.

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“Olivia shows resilience in everything that she chooses to do. She has an unwavering commitment and dedication to her co-curricular activities. She is passionate and confident.

“She is a kind and dedicated person who has great communication skills and shows wonderful qualities of being a leader. Olivia embodies all the values of an Andrean.”

The school expressed its pride not only in the selected leaders but also in the maturity and sincerity of the student body’s engagement in the voting process.

“As a school, we are proud of how our students take ownership of this process,” said Bishop.

As the school celebrated the incoming leadership team, it also took a moment to express deep gratitude to the outgoing 2025 head girl and deputies Zandile Chabane, Imani Tumasang, and Danica Pritchard. Their commitment, resilience, and dedication over the past year have left a lasting legacy.

“We thank Zandile, Imani and Danica for their exceptional service,” added Jeffrey.

“They have led with integrity and have been role models to all.”

As Caitlin, Jade, and Olivia prepare to take on their new roles, the school community stands behind them in support, looking forward to the year ahead with optimism and pride.