College Captain’s Report

College Leaders

Back Row: Ms Olivia Wenczel, Stephen Athaide, David Kelly, Edward Cheesman, Luke Brownhill, Liam O’Callaghan, Thomas Brasher, John Buchanan Front Row: Michael Hoareau, James Yosiffidis, Ben Stafford, Mr Peter Houlihan, James Benton, Christian Di Donato, Matthew Swinnerton

Leaders 2014

From day one, the leadership group took to the challenge of leadership, knowing the responsibilities associated and the time they would have to put into the year. On the camp at Safety Beach, before school or lunch time meetings, over at Sydney or Brisbane for the Leadership Seminar, or the Lasallian Youth Gathering, and at other various events, they put in 110% — of their effort, ideas, and everything else they had at their disposal, to organize, plan and coordinate the events that help to create the strong community we have at De La Salle today. We have had such a fulfilling time as a group, experiencing our last year of school a little differently, but at the same time embracing the experience. Without a doubt, it has been a challenging year, but I believe De La Salle College’s 13 leaders measured up. The participation and spirit displayed by the Year 12 students, indeed from all of the year levels, was gratifying to see. It was worth the time and efforts taken and really gave the leaders a sense of accomplishment. We were proud to have had the chance to give back to the community that gave us all so much in our years of schooling. Despite the nerves before speeches or readings at Masses, or sometimes having to be a ‘bridge’ between student and teacher, and coming up against the classic line, ‘but you’re a leader’, every single minute has been worth it. I will miss Stephen Athaide’s indefatiguable optimism, Luke Brownhill’s humour, and even James Yosiffidis’ endless nicknames. I will miss all the leaders, and always cherish the memories I had with each one of them and as a group. I hope, with their talents and incredible attributes, they can do even greater things in the outside world and really make a difference. To the Year 11s students, I know you will all become ‘leaders’ in 2015, and continue to set the example that makes us proud to be Lasallians. Community, social justice and camaraderie are the ingredients of a great College — at De La Salle we have this spirit in spades.

James Benton College Captain