Bayley Suters I was the Marist Solidarity Leader/ Mission Captain. In this role I assisted in fundraising for Lenten Appeal. I also assisted in fundraising for the Marist foundation in Timor Leste to help build new schools, toilets block and other facilities. I am proud of myself and the rest of the boys, for the efforts we put in throughout the year to help raise these funds, and in all other areas of College leadership we were involved in, including masses, assemblies and involvements with other year groups. During my time as a leader, I was challenged by the balance between aspects of school life, sometimes it was a very busy sport, learning and leadership balance. I also realised that our group didn’t see ourselves at the top, but rather that we were there to serve others and essentially be “servants”.
Leo Malaesilia I was the Co-Junior School Leader which meant that not only was I tasked to work closely with the Junior School with organising events, but to also help exemplify the same Marist characteristics set out in the Senior School. Presence played a crucial role in demonstrating our welcoming and loving culture at Greg’s. Alongside other Year 12 boys, we often visited the Junior School to help in the classroom and to participate in celebrations which included their Ash Wednesday Ceremony.
My best time as a leader was probably our leadership days where we spent a day or two together getting to know each other and setting our goals for the year. These days were fun and so many memories were made.
Year 12 Retreat It was such a blessing that we were able to participate in Retreat with the Graduating Class of 2021! Being together at the Hermitage in Mittagong is always a special time and COVID had meant that the event, usually held in Term 4 as the cohort began the HSC year, had been cancelled. I know that staff and students were grateful for the opportunity to gather at the end of Term 2, fortunately just before the second extended lockdown began.
“Awake My Soul” Each of our elected leaders is to be congratulated for their work for the College. They have truly witnessed to the characteristics of being Marist in a year of rapid change and unprecedented expectation. In person and in the virtual sphere they have upheld family spirit, modelled a love of work, been present for others, radiated joy in the simplicity of their words and actions and acted always in the Way of Mary – humbly and modestly. Congratulations Gents on a fine year! Quae Seminaveris Metes
St Greg’s students love to sing and for this group the hymn Awake My Soul has become a favourite. These words became the focus of our Retreat with each presentation, activity and discussion group aiming to enliven the spirit deep within. The Retreat experience built on the Reflection Day in Year 11, 2020. On that day we reflected on emotions and the importance of recognising these in our lives. We planted seeds in recogniton of our College motto and we set goals, short term and long term.
The greatest feeling of being a leader, in particular the Junior School Leader, will have to be the bright smiles on the kids’ faces when stepping foot onto their school grounds. Being that somebody who they looked up to energised my drive to give back to the community.
Some of the themes explored on Retreat included:
From guiding the growth of the Junior School to working behind the scenes of College Assemblies and Masses, enabled me to give back to the community I called home for the past six years.
10 S T G R E G O RY ’ S C O L L E G E | Hearts & Minds
• Making Decisions
Which decisions do you need to be attentive to currently in your life? How do you ensure you are making good choices?
• God Moments How can you recognise God present in your life?
• All About You
What are the strengths, challenges and hopes of this group?
• Heroic Habits and Masculinity What are the traits of a truly heroic person? How do you measure success as a human person; as a man?
IS S U E 02 | NOVE M B E R 2021
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