This letter is the most comprehensive update I have ever written about the Vote For Blayze (VFB) campaign. It is intentionally exhaustive because I believe that genuine transparency requires depth. I want you to understand not just what we have done, but why we did it, how we think, and where we are headed. Every campaign has a backstory; this is ours, in full.

🌱 2024 · germination & first victories

The VFB movement did not begin with a master plan. It began with a locker. In early 2024, as a student in 8DG, I noticed that many lockers were practically unusable — shelves missing, doors that wouldn't close, space too cramped for bags. It was a small thing, but it irritated everyone. So, with a few friends, we made a few posters: “Vote For Blayze 2069”, “Furry Kitty Cat Campaign”, “Vote For Blayze Media” the copyright was listed under. The names were intentionally playful — we wanted to see what stuck. (They all did, legally speaking, and remain our active registered names to this day — a quirky legacy we are now working to consolidate.)

The campaign promise was simple: better lockers with shelves. No grandiose visions, just a tangible fix. After the election (which I did not win outright, but the issue gained traction), I kept meeting with the facilities manager, kept raising it at student forums, kept collecting photos of broken lockers. About a year later, shelves were installed in most MB lockers. That moment taught me something: campaigns can win even after the vote, if you refuse to let go. It established VFB’s core identity: we follow through.

By December 2024, I had a network of students who trusted me, a handful of small wins, and a growing realisation that school leadership could be influenced if you were persistent and documented everything. I didn't know it then, but that was the foundation for everything that followed.

⚡ 2025 · school captaincy, digital warfare, and stepping back

2025 opened with momentum. In February, KMSC peers elected me School Captain. It felt like validation — not just of me, but of the idea that a campaign focused on student concerns could win. I threw myself into the role, attending leadership meetings, liaising with staff, and pushing for the issues students had raised.

🛡️ The AB Tutor campaign

Early in the year, I became aware of AB Tutor — software installed on school laptops that allowed remote monitoring, screen viewing, and application blocking. Students were uncomfortable; some called it spyware. I researched its capabilities, read privacy policies, and consulted online communities. I drafted a formal proposal to the school’s IT leadership, arguing that the software eroded trust and might violate students' reasonable expectations of privacy. The proposal was politely declined, citing safeguarding and educational reasons.

But I didn't stop there. Recognising that the software’s distribution depended on Apple’s macOS, I filed a detailed report with Apple Inc., outlining concerns about data collection and lack of transparency. Over the following months, Apple pushed security updates that made installation increasingly difficult — many newer MacBooks now flag AB Tutor as potentially unwanted software. While the school continues to use it on older machines and through workarounds, the battle shifted the conversation. Students became more aware of digital rights, and VFB gained credibility as a campaign willing to escalate issues beyond the school gates when necessary. It was a partial win, but an important one: it showed that external pressure can complement internal advocacy.

📉 Personal difficulties and a hard decision

Mid-2025 brought personal challenges that I won't use as excuses but must acknowledge as context. My attendance suffered; my behaviour became inconsistent. I recognised that I was not serving the role of School Captain as well as I should. After conversations with trusted adults, I made the difficult choice to step down — not out of the campaign, but to Deputy Captain. It was a humbling moment. I still regret it, but I also learned that leadership sometimes means knowing when to step back, regroup, and rebuild. The campaign did not collapse; it adapted. Chase Fricker and Emily Fox joined during this period, bringing stability and fresh energy.

🌍 Late 2025 – early 2026 · federal politics & networks

In December 2025, I met with Senator David Shoebridge (Australian Greens) to discuss the proposed Australian social media ban. The conversation ranged from age verification technology to the importance of youth voices in policy debates. It was my first direct interaction with a federal politician, and it opened my eyes to how school-level issues connect to national conversations. Following that meeting, I was invited to join the Greens Digital Trust — a network focused on digital rights, data privacy, and equitable access. Through that, I connected with advocates and experts who reinforced the importance of what we were trying to do locally.

In early 2026, I received an invitation to join SA Young Greens. This state-level affiliation provides access to training, resources, and a community of young activists. I want to be clear: VFB is not a partisan organisation. These affiliations are about learning from broader movements and bringing those insights back to our school context. The issues we care about — privacy, fairness, modern systems — are not owned by any one party.

🔄 2026 · the eligibility question & strategic pivot

At the start of the year, I had a constructive discussion with the Student Wellbeing Leader (SWBL) indicating that I could likely run for KMSC again. I was cautiously optimistic. However, I was later informed that I would not be permitted to run at this time, with the message that if my behaviour remained consistent, reconsideration might be possible in June. The language was intentionally non‑committal, and I respect that the school needs to see sustained positive conduct. This is not a permanent bar — it is a conditional review.

Rather than go silent, we launched the “Write Your Name on My Ballot” campaign — a low‑pressure, high‑visibility initiative. We encouraged students to write their name (or a message) on a mock ballot and share it on social media or hand it to us. The response surprised even me: nearly 2,000 impressions across TikTok and Snapchat in two weeks, with dozens of physical ballots collected. It proved that interest in VFB remains robust, even without official candidacy. It also demonstrated that we can engage students without disrupting school order.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The VFB team (as of March 2026)

We have grown thoughtfully. The current team consists of four core members, each with distinct responsibilities:

Chase Fricker (Deputy Leader) came on board in 2025, bringing strong organisational skills and a calm demeanour. During the transition from School Captain to Deputy Captain, Chase helped maintain continuity, ensuring that ongoing projects didn't stall. Chase now coordinates internal meetings, tracks action items, and helps me stay focused on long-term goals rather than reacting to daily fluctuations.

Emily Fox (Head of Operations) also joined in 2025. Emily had experience from student council and peer mentoring, and she immediately improved our workflow. She now oversees documentation, manages our online presence, and is the lead organiser for the Student Voice Evidence Project. Her attention to detail ensures that nothing falls through the cracks.

Ramsey Hendry joined in early 2026, bringing a keen interest in policy and research. Ramsey has been helping investigate the DAYMAP ownership chain (more on that below) and assists with drafting proposals and questions for school meetings. Ramsey's methodical approach strengthens our evidence-based advocacy.

We have deliberately kept the team small and focused. Every member understands the importance of strategic patience and disciplined conduct during this pre‑June phase. There are no plans to expand further until after the eligibility decision.

📜 Policy platform · the four pillars (expanded)

⚖️ 1. Student equality

This pillar emerged from listening to students who felt invisible: quiet kids, new students, those not in the “popular” groups. We advocate for:

• Consistent enforcement of rules — no favouritism in disciplinary actions.
• Equal access to extracurriculars, including financial support for students who cannot afford fees or equipment.
• A buddy system for new students, ensuring they have a point of contact beyond the first week.
• Anonymous reporting tools for bullying or discrimination, with clear follow‑up protocols.

We have already piloted an informal version of the buddy system in one year level, with positive feedback. We aim to formalise it.

💻 2. 21st century schooling

Technology should enhance learning, not hinder it. Our demands include:

• Reliable Wi‑Fi across all buildings — dead zones waste class time.
• Modern classroom tech: updated projectors, working speakers, and enough power outlets.
• Student representation on any committee that purchases digital tools — those who use the tech should have a say.
• Regular reviews of installed software to remove unused or intrusive programs.

The AB Tutor fight fits here, but so do smaller wins like getting a few classrooms outfitted with better charging stations.

🔒 3. Digital rights & privacy

This is VFB’s signature issue. We are conducting an ongoing investigation into DAYMAP — the school management system — tracing its ownership from Civica to Blackstone, a private equity firm. We want to know: who ultimately controls student data? What are their data retention policies? Can parents or students request deletion? We are compiling this research into a report that will be shared with the school community. We also advocate for:

• Clear, jargon‑free privacy policies for every app or platform used at school.
• Opt‑out options for non‑essential monitoring software.
• Regular data audits with student representatives present.

💡 4. Your ideas, our action

This is the oldest VFB promise, and we have a system to back it up. Any student can submit an idea — via a Google Form, a slip of paper, or a conversation. We log every submission, categorise it, and research its feasibility. Each month, we publish a public response: what we've done, what we're working on, and what we've had to decline (with reasons). We want to close the loop so students know their voice was heard, even if the answer is not what they hoped.

📊 Now → June · strategic focus areas

🔄 Rebranding the legal names

As mentioned, VFB currently operates under three legal identities: Vote For Blayze 2069, Furry Kitty Cat Campaign, and Vote For Blayze Media. While these have served us, they cause confusion and don't reflect the seriousness of our current work. We are in the final stages of selecting a new, unified name — one that retains our identity while projecting professionalism. Staff will be informed as soon as the rebrand is complete, and all materials will be updated accordingly. We welcome any input.

🧭 Conduct & credibility

Between now and June, my personal conduct is paramount. I am attending every class, meeting deadlines, and engaging respectfully with everyone. The team understands that any misstep could be used to justify a continued bar. We are committed to proving that we can be both passionate and responsible.

🤝 A personal note to staff

I know that student campaigns can sometimes feel like a nuisance — another thing to manage, another request to consider. I want you to know that I deeply respect the work you do. Teaching is demanding, and administrative work is often invisible. My goal with VFB has never been to add to your burden, but to amplify student voices in a constructive way. I am always open to feedback: if something we do is unhelpful or could be done better, please tell me. I am still learning.

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