Colin Richard Harman (5853) advised never to hesitate “to give an account of anything that you think might help your successors.” And in 1957, John Alan Ross Fountain (6026) began what has become a very important part
of the Head Prefect’s Book – reflecting on the role of the Head Prefect. He wrote: “By far the most important job of the Head Prefect is to keep up the tone of the College. He must be able to sense the spirit and feeling
of the mass of the school which changes often in a matter of days. He must be able to sense when something is wrong and when everything is going right.”
Sharing wisdom and experience
One of 2019 Head Prefect Zach Gallagher’s final tasks was to write his thoughts in the Head Prefect’s Book. It was his chance to reflect on his time at the helm of College and to share some advice with his successors. Each year the Head Prefect adds his thoughts for posterity and to help those following navigate their path through their year of leadership. The writings start with nib pen inscriptions, and over the years move to fountain pen and finally to biro. Often free and frank, they recount how they dealt with experiences ranging from discipline issues to keeping on side with their peers.
“It was living up to the expectations of others and learning about time management. I learnt a lot about myself in the process. I was determined to enjoy the year and I did, even though I carried a lot of responsibility. It was not a burden at all. “The weekly Friday meeting with Mr Wynne, Mr Donaldson and Mr Thatcher was really good for sharing information, and it was pretty informal and relaxed.”
Zach is a fan of the tradition.
“I think having a Head Prefect’s Book is quite cool. It’s an old-fashioned concept, but still very relevant. “I was given the book at the start of my year and reading it has been useful and at times affirming. But the best message, and the one I want to give, is to just be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be unique and authentic, be able to take advice, listen to it carefully, but also trust your gut feeling. “There’s no doubt 2019 will be remembered as the year of the lockdown and the mosque terrorist attacks. College was locked down from around 2–5.30pm that day. The aftermath of the attack resulted in the school needing to be a cohesive tight unit as people healed following that unprecedented event.” Zach says one of the challenges of the year for him was finding a balance between being one of the Year 13 students and being Head Prefect.
College Issue 38 2020
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