Class of 2024 student profiles

During her time at CGGS, Ema resided at the Boarding House—an experience she describes as transformational. "I was a weekly boarder and loved it. The BoHo helped me create good relationships with staff and I became really close with the other student boarders. It made me feel more connected to the School and I gained a lot of confidence within myself."

Ema plans on studying Robotics and Mechatronics at the UNSW, but will be taking a gap year in 2025 to follow another passion. "I was inspired by and loved working with Embracing Ministries during my time at CGGS, so I plan on doing some work for Wattle Blue, a disability support service for teens and kids in Canberra. I'm also looking at a volunteering program in Nepal teaching kids English, as well as similar programs in Peru and Bali. I love tutoring and being with kids, so I want to do something that will make my heart happy before I return to study."

When asked what inspired her to pursue IT while embodying such an altruistic spirit, Ema said "I love engineering and travelling so I want to do something that combines the two. IT can go so far—it can help people and help them connect with technology." Ema also drew inspiration from Mr Broadbent's IT classes, where she was introduced to robotics and mechatronics.

Ema shared a powerful statement when discussing her favourite thing about CGGS. "I was always surrounded by strong women, and an environment that empowers strong women. I won't ever take that for granted."

Enjoy your gap year, Ema! We look forward to hearing about the impact you will have on the world.

Ava has already paved an impressive sporting career beyond our School gates—she has represented the Australian U18 Womens Ice Hockey team, is currently a member of the Canberra Pirates, was selected to play for the Sydney Siren in the Australian Women's Ice Hockey League and participated in a training camp in the Italian Division 1 competition. Naturally, when asked about her dream career, Ava cites playing Ice Hockey overseas.

In 2025, Ava hopes to study a Double Degree of Psychology and Business at the University of Wollongong. "After playing in Italy, I'd also love to study in Rome," says Ava.

Ava's favourite memory from CGGS was the final week of school, and upon reflection, the week put her time at CGGS into perspective. "It was a really good experience, everyone being there together was a lot of fun. CGGS gave me a second family—all my friends and relationships with teachers and peers were created here, it is a place that I could come to and be me. I will always cherish my time here."

We wish Ava the best of luck, and look forward to seeing her out on the ice soon.

Maya was involved in a host of activities while at CGGS—she participated in DanceFest, was a member of the Music Academy and engaged in the Duke of Edinburgh program, receiving her Gold Award at the end of 2024. When asked what CGGS meant to her, Maya noted her experiences in and out of the classroom as defining. "CGGS is a place of development and you can really grow—not just academics, but your interactions with people, your whole sense of self."

Maya hopes to study Actuary Studies and Commerce at the ANU or UNSW, and eventually combine her passion for Maths and Music. "I'd like to work at the Sydney Opera House as CFO one day, I really enjoy music and dance." Maya cites her Maths teachers, Mr Ebert, as influential in her love of Maths.

When reflecting on her favourite memory from School, Maya answers performing in Waverley House's 'Walk of Fame' for House Music with a smile. A much-loved tradition for CGGS students, House Music involves all six Senior School Houses choreographing a performance to a theme of songs that gets bigger and better every year.

Thank you, Maya! We wish you all the best in 2025.

Luci will be taking a gap year in 2025 to do some travelling. "I'm going to work up until August and then plan on travelling Europe. I'll be planning the trip myself—I'm already looking forward to going to Italy."

Luci received an early entry offer to the ANU for Design and Business, which she will commence once she finishes travelling. The combination of the degree was inspired by her dream career. "I'd love to own a restaurant. I'd be able to combine both design and business, through the interior design of the space and the user experience, as well as manage the business operations."

She has some real-world experience in this pursuit, having made a model house for the Senior School Creative Arts and Technology Show in Term 4.

Luci's favourite memory from CGGS also exemplifies what the School meant to her. "The last week of School was great, having the whole cohort together. There is a special community at CGGS—I had a great group of friends and our graduating class was really close. If you saw someone in the hallway you could talk to them, and I feel like even as Grammarians that will continue."

Have an incredible gap year, Luci!

Muntaha was the Dux of the IBDP cohort. In 2024, she received the ICAS Medal for Mathematics, competed in the State Final of the Rostrum Voice of Youth competition and was selected for the AMOC School of Excellence, a week long math enrichment program for the top students in Australia.

Her involvement in the School's co-curricular program contributed enormously to her success, and her passion for learning. "I have been involved in the Debating and Public Speaking program since year 7 and have deeply appreciated the vibrant and tight knit community which provided me with a tender sense of belonging. The skills I have gained from this, and my involvement in several Olympiad style math and science competitions, are indispensable and I am sure they will help me in the future."

Muntaha's love for problem solving and research has led her to studying a Flexible Double Degree PhD Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)–Science and a Bachelor of Computing at the ANU in 2025. "I hope to become a Research Physicist so that I can utilise scientific principles in creative ways to solve real world problems. Physics has always been a passion of mine as I love learning about how our world works."

Considering all she has achieved, Muntaha's reflections on CGGS were a profound testament to her character. "To me, CGGS is the warm smile you are met with that brightens your day. A School that teaches kindness, humility and respect. CGGS has provided me with incredible opportunities and memorable experiences. I am forever grateful for everything that the teachers, staff and my peers at CGGS have done to support me, particularly the guidance of staff in helping me pursue my passion in STEM."

We wish you all the best, Muntaha!

Inspired by her favourite subjects at school, Aditi will be studying a Bachelor of Economics at the University of Sydney in 2025. "I really like math and I am a passionate debater. I feel Economics is a good blend between humanities, math and science."

Aditi's dedication to the School's Debating and Public Speaking co-curricular helped her excel in English, and vice-versa. "I really enjoyed debating, I made a lot of friends and participating in competitions every week meant that I had a highlight every week. Naturally I loved English—my teachers were really passionate and made it fun. When I saw English on my timetable or saw that I had an English assessment due, I never dreaded it—I would actually use English to procrastinate!"

Reflecting on what CGGS means to her, Aditi gave a profound response. "CGGS represents the enjoyment and intellectual stimulation of all paths of life. Each year at school brought its own challenges, yet in a nurturing way. My Year 7 math teacher, Mr Ebert, was also my Year 11 and 12 math teacher—he, as well as many of my teachers, guided me all the way through to the end."

Thank you Aditi, and good luck!

Hannah is destined to be a globe-trotter—she is currently working full-time at the ACT Legislative Assembly, with the intention of studying International Relations in the future. "I've always wanted to be a diplomat. I really like the intersection between doing something with higher global impact and serving the country," she says.

Hannah was one of two students who qualified for the 2024 World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships (WIDPSC), an event that was held at CGGS. Though a challenging tournament, Hannah was grateful for the experience. "It was one of the most stressful experiences of my life, but it was for all the competitors. I am still very much in contact with the people that travelled here—WIDPSC made the world seem so tangible."

When asked about what CGGS meant to her, Hannah reflected on the ties that will always bind her to the School. "My friends and the connections I made are what I value most. I've seen so many Grammarians around the world who I will now have a bond with—there is a great sense of community inherent. I'm so grateful for the opportunities I've had."

We wish you all the best, Hannah!

Sofia is hoping to study Law at the University of Sydney or the ANU, and then use her degree to advocate for those in need. "I've always been interested in helping other people, especially those who can't defend themselves. I have a strong sense of justice," she says.

While at CGGS Sofia was involved a diverse range of activities, including soccer and guitar ensemble. In 2022 she was a part of a team of students who presented at the Accelerator for Enterprising Women Kickstarter Challenge, which supports and empowers young women to create self-made career paths.

Reflecting on her time at CGGS, Sofia values the connections she made the most. "CGGS is a place of community and support. It's a place where you can find out who you are and what you're passionate about," she says.

Thank you Sofia, and good luck!

Cordelia will be taking a gap year in 2025 and travelling to Europe. When she returns, she will study Law at the University of Canberra. "I picked up Legal in Year 11 and my teacher, Ms Purcell, inspired me to pursue this field of study. She was a lawyer and got me interested in law and how everything works, and provided me with a lot of encouragement," she says.

A creative at heart, Cordelia's favourite memories while at CGGS include those as Captain of the Creative Writing Club and performing in the Encore Musical Theatre. "I was in four numbers for Encore, which included a solo performance. My time in the Creative Writing Club was fun, it was a good learning opportunity and allowed me to meet a bunch of different people," she says.

When reflecting on what CGGS means to her, Cordelia says "It is where my friendships come from and it is what inspired me to do law. CGGS offered a lot of opportunities to me, and it was also just a lot of fun."

Enjoy your gap year, Cordelia!

A passionate advocate for human rights, Leensaa will be studying Political Science at the ANU in 2025. Not surprisingly, she has set herself high aspirations. "There are things that I would like to make an impact on in Australian law and culture—what better way to change them than work in the system. It will also help me achieve my dream of one day becoming Prime Minister of Australia."

In August 2024, Leensaa presented at TEDxCanberra Youth 2024 Stars event, delivering a compelling speech on the urgent need to confront and rectify racial discrimination in Australia. On what inspired her presentation, Leensaa said "Personally, I have experienced discrimination—while it took awhile to feel comfortable in my own skin, the thing that hurt me most was watching it happen to family and those younger than me. Racism is not something that is spoken about enough, and I wanted to be the person that could speak up for someone else experiencing it."

Leensaa completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) on her way to receiving an ATAR, an experience she found invaluable. "In the IBDP, I did work that aligned with things I want to do in the future. It encouraged me to be more independent and encouraged me to do things that I wouldn't normally do, that I ended up loving. I learnt so much about myself as a learner."

Reflecting on what CGGS means to her, Leensaa said "It's a place of endless opportunities, a place where you can blossom and grow into a strong minded woman and a place where you can be who you want to be. I feel so thankful to have come here and so grateful to now be a Grammarian."

Thank you Leensaa, and good luck!

Chloe will be taking an Air Force Security Gap Year with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), a 12-month program that will give her a taste of life in the Air Force. "Dr Dietrich told me about the programs the ADF offer. After I did some more research I found that the Air Force one was really interesting to me. The application process took all year, but I'm about to get my enlistment date—I will train in Wagga Wagga and then be posted anywhere in Australia," Chloe says.

Chloe was one of several students in the Class of 2024 who achieved quite a phenomenal feat—she has been a student at CGGS since Reception at our Early Learning Centre. "I've had friendships that have lasted since Primary School. Being in the same House groups since I was five years old has also been really special," says Chloe.

When reflecting on what CGGS means to her, Chloe considers the impact of this journey from the ELC to graduation. "I've built such a strong community of friends and have had so many supportive teachers. CGGS is all I've known, I'm so grateful for the experience."

All the best, Chloe!