College Leaders 2003 could do for De La Salle, the school already having given us so much. With the school going through large-scale constructions on the Kinnoull site, we knew that many activities would have to be revamped to suit our limited space. Determined that nothing stand in our way from achieving the best, a well-adapted ‘Kinnoull Week’ took place in the first few weeks of Term 1, welcoming the Year 11s to the senior campus. Where limited space couldn’t hold us back, it was only the Gods who could ‘rain on our parade’. What started as a miserable day for the annual Mission Action Day walk only became worse as torrential rain forced the cancelTom McIlroy (College Vice Captain), Mr Matthew Breen (Leaders’ Coordinator), lation of the event. Unfortunately for the leaders we had started the walk early in Patrick Davis, (College Captain), Billy Dwyer (College Vice Captain) order to get back and start the sausage sizzle. After walking half the 12-kilometre “Don’t walk in front of me- I may not follow. course in the rain a phone call alerted us to the day Don’t walk behind me- I may not lead. being called off. A free can of drink for the boys upon Just walk beside me- and be my friend.” returning was little consolation! The generosity of De Albert Camus La boys still shone through as over $45000 was Bound together by a shared passion for the school raised for charity. and what it represents, we, as the college leaders of The much-anticipated Year 12 Formal came together 2003 have made a point of ‘walking alongside’ our brilliantly and was a great celebration of the uniquepeers. The community of De La Salle has always ness of our year, as was the range of Year 12 memworn its heart on its sleeve, the boys proudly adornorabilia, a huge response from the year level dising the blue and gold blazer, and it has been a great playing the sense of pride felt by all. A great deal of pleasure to belong to this. This belonging and camawork went into Founder’s Day. We decided on a raderie each De La boy is fortunate enough to expetheme of ‘De La Talent’. But yet again, rain meant rience has been exemplified by the 15 young men that proceedings had to be cancelled after only an who led the college this year. These 15 young men, hour of activities, unfortunately cutting short what however, are representative of a far larger group, promised to be a fantastic day. one which exceeds the title of a mere institution and A passion and a prolific desire to make our contribumoves into the realm of being a fraternity—such is tion to a place we love have driven our leadership the feeling of mateship between the boys. team this year. Captaining the college has been an As leaders of the college we were asked what we intensely rewarding experience and I feel very fortu-
nate for having had the opportunity to leave a mark. The success we have had this year is in large part due to the generosity of many individuals. To my fellow leaders, it is with great pride that I can say I am one of you. The strength of character and enthusiasm you have brought to the college is to be envied and looked up to, and something of which we should all be very proud. Each Leader in 2003 has made better the life of the college, and done so in his own individual way. To the Vice-Captains, Billy Dwyer and Tom McIlroy — your support, guidance and friendship has made this experience all the more worthwhile for me, and a lot of fun along the way. Huge thanks goes to our coordinator Mr Breen who was the voice of reason for the group and, having experienced it all before, was a point of reference whenever an idea came up. Many thanks go to Mr Cooper, Br Adrian and Br Tim, for helping to realize our visions for the College. To Mrs Bew: I would recommend a Mrs Bew for any leadership team; her eagerness to participate and assist in any way was second to none, and much appreciated. Amongst many of the other things she did for us, the breakfasts she provided at the 8:00am meetings on a Monday were a keen incentive for getting out of bed. Thanks to the understanding and encouraging teachers for telling us to ‘get your priorities right’ and to our families who have stood alongside us the whole way. We thank you all very much for your wonderful assistance this year. Although now resigned to the inevitability of leaving De La Salle, I am consoled by the fact that ‘once a De La boy, forever a De La boy’. I hope we have upheld a tradition and left our own legacy, as the class of 2003, forever De La boys, forever mates and forever brothers in arms. It is has been a pleasure and a great honour to walk alongside you. Patrick Davis College Captain
