William Ruthven Primary School's student leadership programs provide opportunities for students to:

• Develop skills in leadership and negotiation.
• Develop experience and understanding of the functioning of the school.
• Gain practical experience in administration, meeting procedures and following through with decisions.
• Voice their opinions and ideas in a formal, structured way.
• Engage in fundraising and social service.
• Develop citizenship and a sense of collective responsibility.

School Captains

Each year, Year 6 students are asked to nominate for roles of School Captain. Nominees present a speech to Year 3 - 5 students where they outline how they demonstrate our school values and are a role model for younger students. The preferential voting system is used to elect four School Captains. School Captains are elected at the end of the school year in preparation for the following year.

In 2022, William Ruthven Primary School established a house system. The houses are be named after prominent Australians who have made a contribution to Australian society. Each School Captain is the captain of one of the houses.

Junior School Council representatives

Junior School Council (JSC) is another valued leadership opportunity for students at William Ruthven Primary School. One student from each class (Years 1 - 6) is elected by their classmates at the beginning of the year. Junior School Council Representatives are positive role models for other students in the school, provide a voice for the students regarding matters that affect them, regularly report back to the students in classes, attend meetings and implement initiatives which raise student awareness of programs which make a positive difference to the lives of others. JSC supports a number of local citizenship projects.