Introducing Our Engagement Prefect
When Queen Margaret College introduced the new Engagement Prefect role this year, it marked more than a shift in student leadership – it signalled a new era of connection across campus. With the rise of student-led initiatives in sport, arts, wellbeing, and digital storytelling, the need for a dedicated voice championing engagement had never been clearer.
Enter Yasmin Ramanathan. With a confident eye for design, a gift for bringing people together, and a passion for creative communication, Yasmin has spent the year shaping the role from the ground up – building bridges across year levels, digital platforms, and community groups. “At first, I assumed the role would mostly focus on social media and digital campaigns”, Yasmin reflects. “But I quickly discovered it’s so much more. To me, it means finding new ways to bring the school community together – online and in person.”
Her eye for design and love of creativity made the role a natural fit. “Subjects like digital technology and photography really helped me grow my skills. I felt confident I could do the role justice. I also loved the idea of being part of something new and helping shape it for future students.”
Yasmin has worked to define the role for future engagement prefects by starting traditions and creating student-facing opportunities. Leading the Student Social Media Team, in collaboration with QMC’s Engagement and Communications Team, has been a highlight – allowing students to explore branding and storytelling while shaping how they’re represented online. She’s also worked to design events that resonate across the kura. Yasmin explains, “I think it’s important to offer a variety of activities so everyone can find something they’re excited about. Promoting these activities on our student social media pages has been key. Sometimes the issue isn’t lack of interest – it’s that students don’t always know what’s happening.”
Engagement can come with challenges. “Personally, I think the biggest hurdle is how busy everyone is”, Yasmin says. “That’s why I’ve focused on creating quick, low-commitment opportunities that make it easy for people to join in.”
A standout moment this year was Yasmin’s involvement in "What Happens When She Wears the Crown?" – QMC’s empowering series of music videos. She was invited into key creative conversations and joined the on-set team as a production runner – gaining fresh insight into creative collaboration and the fast-paced world of film.
Her advice to the next Engagement Prefect? “Have fun and take every opportunity to try something new. There are so many people to connect with and so many possibilities to explore. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone: you never know what might happen. And finally, organisation is key!”

