Our Cadet Unit helps our girls develop life-changing skills in leadership, communication and self-reliance.

Spending hours practising drills or sleeping outdoors under a sheet may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, as our cadets have experienced firsthand, these challenges might just be the making of you. As Keira C (Year 9) said: “Cadets really pushes you out of your comfort zone. There are a lot of unique experiences here that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s incredibly rewarding to take on these challenges and go home with a tremendous sense of accomplishment.”

I’ve grown more confident in myself. Cadets is the place where I can believe in myself and expand my leadership skills. It’s made me into who I am today. — Amelie S (Year 11)

Cadets at St Cath’s began four years ago when our girls were invited to join Waverley College’s 113-year-old Cadet Unit. In a remarkably short time, our students have become integral to the unit, securing seven major leadership positions in 2024.

This includes Hayley P (Year 12), the first St Catherine’s Cadet to be appointed as Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), responsible for managing the entire Unit. Deciding to sign up for cadets as a shy Year 9 student wasn’t an easy choice for Hayley. But she now credits the program with helping her become the leader she was meant to be. “I’ve definitely become more confident in myself. I’m not afraid to speak up and offer my ideas. Cadets has given me the freedom to grow as a person,” she said. Hayley also can’t wait to use her cadet leadership skills when she journeys beyond St Catherine’s next year.

“I really didn’t expect to love being a cadet. It’s allowed me to understand what leadership really means, which is an experience I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Being a cadet has changed me. — Natalie H (Year 11)