ANGUS GRAY Head Prefect 2016
The first term as Head Prefect was full-on for Gus Gray as he balanced the pressures of settling into his new role with academic work, intensive training for the upcoming Maadi Cup regatta and dealing with a significant family health issue.
“It was hard as everything happened at once,’’ he says. “My brother was diagnosed with leukemia and went straight to chemotherapy at the same time as the team was leaving for the Maadi Cup. Mum and Dad had to support us both. However, everyone at rowing was so supportive and the team gave Jonty a huge amount of Lego to keep him occupied during his treatment. “I guess we hear about cancer when CanTeen comes to talk to us and you think that it must be awful, but you never really think it could happen to you and your family. It certainly helps you realise the importance of your family. Luckily for us, Jonty has responded to the treatment and is coping really well.’’ Gus, whose father had also been Head Prefect in 1986, says he wasn’t sure what to expect when he was made Head Prefect, but believes he has developed a range of skills, such as public speaking and managing people. “What I did initially have to think about was that I had to tell boys how things should be done, such as to stop talking, without being bossy as this is not really part of my personality. But I realised it is part of my role as Head Prefect and has to be done as it is what is expected of me.’’
Gus looked back at the head prefects he had seen over his time at College, and thought about what had made them successful in their role. He looked at their good qualities and decided to choose those qualities he admired in different boys to model himself on. “When I arrived in Year 9, Patrick Wynne was Head Prefect and I liked the easy way he got on with the younger boys. He made a point of chatting and getting to know them. So did Tom Raymond when he was Deputy Head. So I try always to be approachable and chat to the younger boys.’’ The pressure of his role and his two passions, rowing and First XV rugby, doesn’t leave him with much free time. “Yes, it is a balancing act, but I knew that it would be when I started out,’’ he says. “I don’t have enough time to take part in things such as the major production, but make sure I get involved in as many House events as possible, such as House plays. Sometimes it can be a struggle, but rowing teaches you to be organised and to use your time well and I try to make the best of study periods and ask teachers for help.’’ He also makes sure he has time out to catch up with his friends.
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College Issue 31 2016
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