A lot to think about
07 May 2019
Head Prefect Zach Gallagher says meeting student leaders from across New Zealand and learning how different boys’ schools operate was among the highlights of the recent Head Boys Conference, held in Wellington from Thursday 2–Friday 3 May.
“It was a short meeting, but with a lot of action packed in. It was great having the opportunity to network with the other boys, to discuss the issues we face and ideas on how we can improve. We share a lot of common ground and have similar challenges, so it was good to get a perspective on how other schools do things.”
Zach says much of the conference focused on character and the importance of developing positive character attributes, which resonates with the approach taken at College. “The message was clear: character, more than anything, will define you as you go through life.”
The three guest speakers all touched on different aspects of character, leadership and teamwork – including working hard to achieve your dreams, the importance of giving back to your community, how to resist peer pressure and front foot challenges, and how self-control, integrity and social awareness are fundamental to forming good relationships.
The boys also let off some steam with a trip to Adrenalin Forest, Porirua, had time for quiet reflection and a history lesson at the National War Memorial, enjoyed lunch at and a tour of Wellington College, and had a quick-fire Q & A with head teachers attending the parallel meeting.
“It was a good time, good fun, lots of new faces, and gave us a lot to think about.”
Zach, travelling with Executive Principal Garth Wynne, attended the Headmasters and Head Boys Conference, which was hosted by the Association of Boys’ Schools of New Zealand.
