2027 Head Students Announcement
Posted on September 21, 2026
We are excited to announce our new Head Students for 2027, Alia May and Alex Johnstone, following a rigorous discernment process.
Alia has been a member of The Friends’ School community since Kindergarten, while Alex also started his Friends’ journey in Primary School. Both students have embraced opportunities to contribute to school life and have demonstrated a strong commitment to our community and the values that underpin it.
For Alia, her vision for 2027 is grounded in peace, connection and listening. Reflecting on the challenges facing young people today, she emphasises the importance of finding peace within ourselves and extending that sense of peace into our relationships and wider community.
“The journey of peace starts with each of us. But an important piece to that path is bringing it to our relationships and our community.”
Alia hopes to encourage students to find peace in their everyday lives, while creating opportunities for people to become involved, feel supported and recognise what they are capable of. She sees leadership as a collective responsibility:
“Being a leader isn’t one voice. It’s the voice that represents everyone’s. It’s about bringing people together, listening to each person’s ideas, and working productively to build the bridge from thoughts to action.”
For Alex, integrity is central to his understanding of leadership. His experiences across different areas of School life, including participating in this year’s musical and Outdoor Leadership, have helped him appreciate the diversity of perspectives within the Friends’ community and shaped his understanding of servant leadership.
“A title does not make someone a leader, nor should leadership begin when given a title.”
Through his involvement in different areas of School life, including this year’s musical and Outdoor Leadership, Alex has developed a strong appreciation for the diversity of perspectives within the Friends’ community and the importance of leadership grounded in service.
“A community where every voice is valued and recognised. A community where a leader does not decide unanimously nor do they think they have all the answers.”
As Head Students, Alia and Alex will work alongside students, staff and the wider School community to listen to different perspectives, encourage participation and contribute to a positive and connected 2027.
We thank all the students who put themselves forward for the Head Student selection process and acknowledge their courage in stepping into a process that asks them to share their ideas, values and hopes for the School. We also recognise the important role each member of our community plays in using their voice to help shape a positive 2027.
We look forward to seeing Alia and Alex work together, and with the wider Student Leaders, as they begin their Head Student journey next year.
