Year 11 is a critical juncture in a student's academic journey, as they begin to envision their final year at the College as well as their future beyond school.

In the last two weeks, 41 Year 11 students have presented their vision for the future of A.B. Paterson College in the hopes of securing a College Leadership position for 2024 and leaving a legacy. In line with the College motto of Excellence, Care, and Commitment, Year 11 students applying for College Leader positions have embarked on a journey that encompasses the core values of Learning, Excellence, Care, Leadership, Integrity, Creativity, Community, and Respect through the College’s Leadership Program, taking place during Careers, Service and Leadership lessons.

One of the key pillars of leadership is the pursuit of excellence. College Leader applicants must showcase their commitment to excellence in all that they do, consistently striving for personal growth while inspiring others to do the same. They serve as role models, demonstrating diligence, discipline, and a growth mindset that encourages their peers to embrace challenges and surpass their potential. Leadership is not just about personal achievements; it entails a genuine concern for others, always displaying a deep sense of care, empathy, and inclusivity. They should actively contribute to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment within the College, ensuring that every student feels valued and heard. Through acts of kindness, understanding, and mentorship, these future leaders promote a harmonious and uplifting community.

One of our core values at the College is integrity, and it is an expectation that all students at the College, whether they have a badge or not, exhibit strong moral character, honesty, and accountability, serving as trustworthy representatives of the College. Moreover, they should nurture their own creativity with a view to inspiring innovative thinking and problem-solving skills amongst their peers.

A pivotal part of being a College Leader is representing the College at a range of functions throughout the year and wholeheartedly engaging with the wider community. Demonstrating a genuine commitment to serving others and making a positive impact both within and beyond the College walls is fundamental. By fostering a sense of respect for diverse opinions, cultures, and backgrounds, an inclusive and respectful environment can be created for all.

Through listening to the leadership speeches over the last two weeks, it has been exciting to hear about the new connections this cohort want to forge with the younger years, how they want to build on the initiatives that previous cohorts have established and strive for improvement in all that they do. As we continue through the leadership application process, the entire Year 11 cohort and 2023 College Leaders will have the opportunity to provide feedback on their peers, giving a voice to all students that so many applicants felt was central to participation in College life. I have no doubt that the successful applicants will dedicate themselves to the core values of Learning, Excellence, Care, Leadership, Integrity, Creativity, Community, and Respect, and that these aspiring leaders will shape the future of the College. For those students who are successful in their applications, we look forward to witnessing how they will inspire and empower their peers to excel in every aspect of their lives. We wish all 41 applicants the best of luck in their applications and look forward to announcing the 2024 College Leaders in Term 4.

Charlotte Brook | Head of Senior School