There are almost as many models of student leadership as there are schools. But at Newington College, all students in Year 12 have the opportunity to gain prefectship at the completion of Year 12. The highest award for leadership and service is the Full College Prefectship which was achieved by 129 students being awarded this honour in the graduating class of 2014 on Valedictory Day. A further 51 students achieved House Prefectship. Both Full College and House Prefectships are not easily gained, especially during what many would call their toughest year in High School – Year 12. Full prefectship is gained only when boy has fulfilled the following:

• Provided meaningful service
• Contributed to school life
• Shown leadership in groups and prefect duties
• Honoured the academic commitments of Year 12

At the same time the Full College Prefects of 2014 were honoured, our new Year 12s were ‘sworn in’. Their aim is to follow the very strong example of leadership set by our 2014 leaders and, where possible, develop it.

Our new Senior Prefect, Deputies and House and Boarding Captains have also been selected and they have already begun to plan their year. All elected leaders attended a Leadership Camp during the last holidays and were invited to set their agenda for the year ahead. Their focus is on effort and flourishing; effort in all areas of school life so that they can flourish as a community as well as individuals.

During the leadership camp they were addressed by Mr Justin Papps, Head of Communications at QBE Insurance and a member of the Newington College Council. He facilitated an excellent session on “leading your peers”. This is perhaps the toughest part of student leadership because with no real authority over one’s own year group, it’s difficult to provide guidance. However, in order to work towards a common goal, implementing key structures that benefits all can be extremely powerful. Justin Papps gave the boys some excellent advice and asked the Prefects to work within a moral code that is principled, responsible and purposeful. He aligned innovative thinking and practical scenarios for the boys to work with and they came away empowered and energised to move forward and lead with their fellow leaders.

Already our 2015 Prefects have shown courage and innovation. These leaders want to distribute the leadership; they want to involve as many people as they can and they are aware of the possible resistance and pushback they may experience when leading. However, they are committed to a culture of effort for the greater good. One thing that became clear to the leaders during the sessions is that leadership is demanding. Many adults do it badly. It is a process of growth, modification and a ‘big picture’ which cannot always be easily seen. They vow to connect to the Student Representative Council and the House Leaders in a more meaningful way and to set the best example they possibly can to their younger peers.

I am delighted to report that the 2015 Year 12 student prefects have commenced their duties and responsibilities with enthusiasm. They have systems in place for extra supervision and they are keen to make their presence felt in all the right ways. We wish the new Year 12s every success with their leadership of the student body and look forward to their initiatives over the coming year.

Mr Robert Meakin
Deputy Head of Stanmore (Students)