27 AUG 2025 Growing Leaders #2 2025

Welcome to our exciting news series, "Growing Leaders", where we shine a light on our exceptional young leaders. In this edition, we're delighted to introduce you to Ethan, a remarkable College Captain who embodies leadership and dedication.

Name.
Ethan Facciol.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m 18 years old currently doing Year 12 VCE, and looking to do a course in architecture next year at a university.

What inspired you to take on a leadership role at Kolbe?
I have always been told to not be a follower, be a leader. Going into Secondary school it was always my goal to be up on stage and make some sort of an impact at the college. I didn’t just want the role, but I wanted to do something with it. I wanted to find ways to implement new activities or programmers at the school that our community could actually benefit from.

What are the qualities or habits of a leader that you admire?
Putting others before yourself. A leader doesn’t necessarily show people what to do, but provides them with ways to better themselves. It takes courage and putting others first to become a great leader.

How do you choose to emulate those same qualities as a leader?
I try to focus on what the college needs for its students. I try to listen to student voice and find ways to work with the leadership team to implement more of these suggestions. I aim on implementing new programmes or activities that students can benefit from in some way.

How do you aim to build connections and strengthen the community as a student leader?
I would consider myself as an easy going person and always try my best to talk to someone new. I have focused on stepping out of my comfort zone this year and simply asking people how their day is going to start a conversation. I want to be remembered as easy going and kind when I leave.

What advice would you give to other students who aspire to become leaders?
Do it. Nobody feels ready until you’re there. You’re always going to have that doubt at the back of your mind, but you need to take that leap of faith. It takes courage, and those who take it will benefit from it tremendously. It goes beyond just our school, these are skills you have the chance to develop which can take you throughout numerous pathways in life. So just do it, and do your best at it.