2026 Head Students Announcement
Posted on September 9, 2025
We are excited to announce our new Head Students for 2026, Tashinga Mhembere and Marcel Zwart.
Friends’ educates unique individuals and recognises the inner light in everyone. The School’s student leadership team are chosen for their abilities and leadership qualities. As part of the Head Student election process, students in Years 8 to 12, along with staff, are invited to preference their vote on all the Head Student candidates, regardless of their gender or background. We thank all the candidates and acknowledge their courage to put themselves forward and for recognising the role we all play in using our voice to help shape a positive 2026.
Marcel began at The Friends’ School in Year 1, 2014. His main focus will be helping students feel more connected across year levels and more involved in school life. In 2026 he hopes to bring back more whole-school events, strengthen house spirit through fun and inclusive activities, and try to work to improve the canteen.
His approachable and consistent demeanour has helped him with his Head Student success. Marcel said:
“People know me as someone who says hi, gets involved, and shows up whether it’s in hockey, Landcare or just everyday school life. I also focused on real, practical ideas during my campaign, not just concepts. I think people believe that I have a chance at implementing some of this change around school.”
He added:
“In Year 8, my tutor John Hoggart told me he saw leadership potential in me, and that moment stayed with me. I want to step up and offer others the support and leadership that I was lucky enough to receive. That’s why I decided to nominate for Head Student. You know, along the way I’ve had people encourage me, mentor me, and help me grow into who I am today. I want to take the encouragement I’ve had and put it back into this community, so others feel as supported as I have.” – Marcel Zwart
Tashinga began at The Friends’ School in Year 8, 2021. He hopes to use simple, practical solutions to fulfil the wishes of his fellow students, by implementing suggestion boxes around the campus. Tashinga believes it is his communication skills that played a contributing factor in being voted in as Head Student.
He said:
“I find myself helping out people with their problems day to day, so I think I have a positive reputation with my peers being known as a doer, and someone not afraid to put effort in.”
Tashinga acknowledges The Friends’ School’s Quaker values as a highlight of his schooling. After moving around different schools during his earlier years he has enjoyed being accepted by a community because they accept him as his authentic self which he says is a testament to the unique environment Quaker values have cultivated here.
During his speech he said:
“Now, standing before you all today, I strive to represent more than just bricks and cement; I seek the privilege of serving what we stand for. Because Friends’ isn’t just a school founded by Quakers in 1887. No. It’s more than just that. It is a community built and shaped by the people within our school and beyond. I want to provide an equality of voice for people who have ideas to develop our school community because I aspire to be a leader with the people, and not over them.” – Tashinga Mhembere
We look forward to seeing these two students work together to bring their visions to reality in 2026.
