By Alex West, College Co-Captain When Lilli and I were asked to be School Co-Captains late last year, I hadn’t quite anticipated just how special this experience was going to be. Never before had I been bestowed with such responsibility and had the ability to have such a profound and meaningful influence on school life. After spending many years at College, I couldn’t have imagined a more special way to complete my final school year. This year, under the influence of Mr Nathan Jessup, Head of Senior School, the Prefect group was divided into smaller groups to focus more specifically on different aspects of the school and the school community. The four portfolios are Assembly, Major Events, Culture and Community, and this division has allowed a more even sharing of responsibilities among the group. Working under this framework has allowed more to be achieved by the Prefects in each portfolio. Being an APS school, our sporting program continues to be a major part of school life and is a vital factor in the school’s success in educating its students in the importance of team comradery, as well as individual fitness. Crossing the finish line of the Head of the River for the last time in March filled me with a sense of both achievement and sadness as my fourth and final school rowing season came to a conclusion. Through competing in both football and rowing, I have learnt the importance of working in a team as well as self-discipline, which will aid me in all aspects of my future pursuits. The progress in both skill and fitness achieved by all College sporting teams is something that all students can be proud of.
Lilli Balaam helped welcome Phil O’Brien and other members of the Geelong business community to the College at a Chamber of Commerce event.
At the beginning of Term 2, the Year 10 students returned full of stories of their experiences visiting less privileged communities both abroad and locally through the Fulfilling Lives program. I still reflect on my own experiences in Tanna in 2014 and the lessons I learnt while in their community. What stuck with me is how happy and generous these local people were despite their lack of material goods. The Fulfilling Lives program, along with our community service activities, give us the opportunity to support those less privileged than ourselves in keeping with an important part of the College ethos. The year to date has been made so much easier and manageable as a result of having Lilli as a Co-Captain, a fantastic and supportive Prefect group, and a ripper Year 12 cohort. Our thanks also go to Mr Jessup, Ms Kirsten Van Cleef, Mr Roger Smith, Dr Peter Miller and Reverend Tim Edwards for their support and guidance.
Alex West was the quizmaster at a Grey Day House Trivia fundraiser for the RCD Foundation, organised by the Prefects. 9 Ad Astra Issue No 130