Curriculum

College Leaders 2004

Back Row: Martin Crimson, Anthony Barca, Peter Hamblin, Jack Noonan, Dan Giovannoni, Robert Breda Middle Row: Mr Matthew Breen (Leaders’ Coordinator), Nick Roberts, Michael Herkess, Nick Dunn, Br Tim Peter (Headmaster) Seated: Paul Gelsumini, Tom Leary, Tim Kovess (College Captain), Adrian Bonaddio (Vice-Captain), Danial Rana (Vice-Captain) Mr Andrew Cooper (Year 12 Coordinator)

“If I had my life over again, I’d dare to make more mistakes next time.” This is a quotation from Dick Leider, the author of ‘The Power of Purpose.’ I think Leider makes an important point, to which each of us can relate. What Leider is saying is that one regret he has is that he didn’t let himself make enough mistakes. I believe many people fall into the trap of regretting the mistakes they make, when really, as long as they are positives ones, mistakes should be embraced, because with every mistake there is a lesson to be learnt. This doesn’t mean we should wake up every day and try to make mistakes, it means we should wake up in the morning with the intention of trying something new and challenging, and not let the risk of making mistakes hold us back. A mistake is literally a mis-take, and all that it means is that you didn’t get something right the first time and why should you regret that? At the start of the year I spoke about self-improvement, and the ways in which we can all aim to become better people. Now this notion of self-improvement really isn’t possible without making mistakes because it requires us to extend ourselves beyond our normal routines, and when we put ourselves out there we’re bound to make mistakes, but we’re also bound to accomplish great things. Standing here today and speaking to over 1,200 people is a challenge for me, but just because it’s difficult for me it doesn’t mean I should take a step back and not to do it, because I know it will make me a more confident person. Now this doesn’t mean everyone has to get up and speak to 1,200 people for self-improvement or to live life to the full, because for some people that wouldn’t make them flinch, and for others, standing in front of a classroom is hard enough. It just means we shouldn’t live every moment within our comfort zones, afraid to make mistakes. This year I’ve made plenty of mistakes, but that doesn’t mean I regret the choices I made, because I have learnt better ways to do things or other ways to approach situations from these mistakes, and that’s not something I regret. So my challenge to the students here is to get involved in life, and I mean really get involved, whether it means joining the Athletics team, playing basketball, getting involved in the Rock Eisteddfod or whatever opportunities you may be given. Step out of your comfort zones, dare to make mistakes, and learn from them because we’re all in charge of the lives we live.

Tim Kovess College Captain