Captain Baxter Cowley, vice captain Max Ferguson and principal Glen Warren.
It was only a few weeks ago that four Year 11 students took over their roles as leaders of Deniliquin High School for the next 12 months.
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And now they’re stepping up to the challenge during one of the most devastating periods for the school.
The newly elected leaders have shown remarkable resilience, leaning on each other and the wider community to keep moving forward.
And this week, captains Baxter Cowley and Samara Watson and vice captains Aria Taylor and Max Ferguson have even fronted the media to share their own thoughts and feelings about the blaze.
Baxter said the shock of losing their school was difficult to process.
“When we first heard about the school burning down, we honestly couldn’t believe it,” he said.
“We were distressed and in shock, but the support from the community has really shown through.
“I suppose it’s a bit of a cliché saying that people never realise what they have until its gone.
School captain Samara Watson addresses the media.
“But being from the country, we are pretty resilient. We’re a strong bunch.”
Students have also found strength in each other.
School Captain Samara Watson described how her peers have stayed connected and supported one another.
“It has been really tough, but our year group is tight knit. We’ve been texting each other, staying in contact, spending lots of time together to get through.”
“We’ve had support from the school and the department, but also from each other.
“We’re developing a tight bond to get through it together.
Vice captain Aria Taylor.
“Through netball and other community activities, I’ve been able to check in with friends and see how they’re going.
“It’s tough, but you’ve just got to stick together, help each other out, and access the support that’s available.”
That sense of care extends beyond the classroom, as vice captain Aria Taylor explained.
“I’ve had a couple of my sister’s friends come over to do little study groups.
“It’s been a way to check up on them, make sure they’re okay, and see if they need help.
“As much as teachers are available online, sometimes there are technical difficulties, and younger students need that extra support.”
For many, the transition to temporary facilities at TAFE has been a lifeline.
Vice captain Max Ferguson - whose father Paul Ferguson is also a teacher at the school - expressed gratitude for the generosity shown.
“We’re really thankful to TAFE for providing us with the facilities to use for the next few weeks.
“They’ve got great grounds and all their support has been incredible.
“It’s really appreciated in helping us continue our learning.”
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