The Importance of College Leaders
It’s that time of the year again. It always seems to come upon us that little bit too early when our current Year 12 Captains are finalising their studies (and making their final impact on the College). Our Year 11 students are asked to put their hand up for leadership opportunities.
The role of our College leaders is crucial to the ongoing development of our College. This article will explore the vital functions of our College leaders and how they impact the educational experience for students and families alike.
Vision and Direction
One of the primary responsibilities of Student College leaders is to establish a clear vision and direction. They partner with our College Leadership Team and Wellbeing Teams, guiding the College toward its goals and aspirations. Recently, this semester, leadership roles have expanded to other year levels, by way of the Student Voice Council (SVC). This endeavour will provide a more well-rounded voice and vision for the student college community.
Inclusive Community
A crucial aspect of effective College leadership is fostering strong relationships with the community. Our College Captain, Ben Martens, has led with a smile on his face. His confident and optimistic demeanour has helped him as he has positively engaged with parents, local organisations, and stakeholders to create a supportive network for students. We’re again looking for a leader who demonstrates strong communication skills, a collaborative spirit and skills to advocate for others.
Liberating Education
College leaders play a pivotal role in promoting academic excellence and innovation. Rory Forbes this year has done a tremendous job (I can only presume) in the classroom, but also during College assemblies promoting the importance of academics here at St Edmund’s College. Next year we are looking for a like-minded – responsible, problem solver, passion for learning – individual to continue to promote the importance of education here at the College.
Justice and Solidarity
College leaders are also responsible for creating and maintaining a fair and equitable community. Clay Meddemen has worked towards this end this year. He has been a great role model for others and led by example. We are looking for leaders who can continue to advocate for others, foster an environment of inclusivity and continue to raise awareness for important social issues within our College community.
Gospel Spirituality
Another aspect of leadership, particularly here at St Edmund’s College, is to live out the charisms of Edmund Rice himself. His legacy is known to underpin all of the other characteristics of leadership, but especially that of Gospel Spirituality. The leader of Gospel Spirituality, Noah Hamels, is approachable, proactive and willing to help others at the drop of a hat. We are looking for another student leader who can demonstrate similar qualities.
In conclusion, the importance of College leaders cannot be overstated. Their vision, commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, focus on student support, and living out the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice significantly impact the educational experience for your children. As parents, if you recognise the characteristics of a leader in your son, please encourage him to put his hand up for leadership!
Mr Jeff Vayo
Head of Clancy House
College Captain Reflection
With the start of a new term and semester beginning with an absolute bang, and with our new aspiring leaders beginning to start their college leader applications, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the qualities that make strong leaders here at Eddies – qualities we aim to instill in all Eddies boys. Leaders at Eddies are not just people that hold badges or a position of authority – we are members of a team, where the skills and talents of everyone in the team aim to be promoted and developed. Eddies encourages all students to lead in their own, unique way, while upholding the values instilled in us from the example of Blessed Edmund Rice.
This time of year often brings with it the anticipation of student leadership applications where our Year 11 students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone to push themselves to help others and lead by example. But leadership is more than just a title—it’s about being courageous in the face of adversity and having the confidence to take initiative, even when the path is uncertain. At Eddies boys are given the confidence and courage to take these risks and test themselves, as they know that if they fail they can learn from this and come back as better people and as stronger leaders.
As we reflect on the qualities of leadership, it’s important to recognise the role that fathers and male figures play in shaping these traits in our young men at Eddies. With Father’s Day this weekend, it’s important we celebrate the men who have taken the time to nurture, guide, and support us. Fathers are often one of the first examples of leadership that we, as young people, see and look up to. They teach by example how to navigate the complexities of life with strength and integrity.
The lessons learned from fathers and male mentors go beyond the home—they extend into the way we are able approach challenges in school and later in life. The quiet strength and guidance of a father or male role model can instill a sense of responsibility, an understanding of respect, and a commitment to doing one’s best, all of which are crucial elements of leadership. SO for this weekend, I want to thank the father figures that are in our lives this weekend, for the support and strength they give us each day to be better versions of ourselves always. They help to shape the fine young men that we have here at our College.
As our Year 11 students prepare to take on leadership roles within the school, I wish to encourage them to draw on the lessons they’ve learned from the role models in their lives. I hope for them that they lead with courage, act with confidence, and inspire others to follow in their footsteps, through kindness and compassion and just being all round good blokes. With the rest of the term ahead, we look forward to the upcoming events at the College and continue to strive to raise the bar in all aspects of College life.
Finally, I wish all our co-curricular teams that are beginning to play in finals series in the coming weeks, the very best of luck and hope that all games are played in true sportsmanship and demonstrate the amazing capabilities of all the young men. Good luck Boys!!!
Edmunds to the Fore!
Ben Martens
College Captain