Wellbeing - Senior School
Meet the Student Leaders
Daniel Bechara
What is your leadership portfolio?
Year 5 Prefect.
What are you most excited about in your leadership portfolio?
I am delighted to introduce the newly arrived Year 5 students to St Patrick’s College, just as it was done for me back in 2018 when I first started at the College—a full-circle moment. I want to guide these students and provide them with memorable experiences that will stay with them until it is their turn to lead. Ultimately, I aim to help the Year 5 students adapt quickly and transition smoothly from their previous primary schools, fostering a sense of brotherhood among them. Additionally, I look forward to being an approachable companion and sharing my knowledge and experiences from my time at St Patrick’s to strengthen the connection within the Year 5 cohort and the wider SPC community.
What is something about you that others may be surprised to know?
Although my cohort knows this, others may be surprised to learn that I used to be an amateur boxer, achieving a record of 5-0 over a couple of years. While I have hung up the gloves for now, I still enjoy occasional training sessions.
What would be a good theme song for your life? Why?
Till I Collapse – Eminem: This song resonates with my life as I have faced instances where I needed to keep pushing through challenges or pressure, whether in my personal life or on the sporting field. The song's message inspires listeners to strive for greatness in their everyday lives, metaphorically going ‘till they collapse’.
Hugo Matthews
What is your leadership portfolio?
Year 6 Prefect.
What are you most excited about in your leadership portfolio?
I am most excited about working with the Year 6 boys to make their final year of primary school as enjoyable and memorable as possible. I remember Year 6 as one of my favourite years at school—a time to have fun and enjoy all aspects of school before the pressure of exams sets in. Most of the boys have been at the school for a year and are starting to form strong connections with their peers. Now, in Year 12, I still have those same friendships from my Year 6 class. I aim to collaborate with the other Year 6 leaders to channel my energy into ideas and initiatives that resonate with the year group, ensuring my role is as effective and meaningful as possible for as many boys as I can.
What is something about you that others may be surprised to know?
People might be surprised to learn that I am a twin. I have a twin sister, who was born only four minutes after I was. We share a special bond as the only siblings in our household, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have a sister with whom I can not only chat but also play sports with, as she shares a similar passion for sport to mine.
What would be a good theme song for your life? Why?
Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi. This song has always been prominent in my life; it’s a personal favourite of both my grandparents and parents, and now mine as well. It’s a classic tune that represents my approach to life: enjoying the journey while persevering through challenges. The song also highlights the importance of working together, supporting one another, and holding on through tough times—values I strive to bring to the year group. Additionally, its relatable lyrics and upbeat tempo reflect my personality as someone who is approachable, relatable, and positive.
Michael Boustany
What is your leadership portfolio?
Year 7 Prefect.
What are you most excited about in your leadership portfolio?
Over the next 12 months, I am looking forward to fostering a sense of brotherhood and connectedness within the Year 7 group. Reflecting on 2020, my first year of high school, I was a quiet and shy student who didn’t fully appreciate that the boys around me, all starting with blue caps and high socks, would eventually leave wearing black ties. I am excited to unite this year group, whether through playing sport with them on the back ovals or simply having conversations in the yard at lunch. Ultimately, I aim to be a source of guidance for the boys, sharing lessons from the mistakes I made in Year 7 and highlighting the positive routines that helped me develop good habits for the rest of my schooling career.
What is something about you that others may be surprised to know?
One surprising thing about me is that I come from an extended family of 34 cousins. Family gatherings, especially barbeques, are always an experience, filled with a wide mix of personalities. With so many of us, there’s never a dull moment, and these memories are ones I’ll cherish forever.
What would be a good theme song for your life? Why?
A fitting theme song for my life would be Started from the Bottom by Drake. Its message about overcoming challenges and rising through hard work resonates deeply with me. The song reflects the journey of growth and perseverance, emphasising that success often comes from humble beginnings.
Xavier Antunes
What is your leadership portfolio?
Year 8 Prefect.
What are you most excited about in your leadership portfolio?
I am looking forward to fostering genuine connections with the boys in Year 8, offering support and guidance as they navigate the complexities of high school. A personal goal that I am immensely excited to pursue is bringing the cohort together and witnessing friendships being formed across different groups within the year. This will help establish the sense of brotherhood and community that makes St Patrick’s College so special.
What is something about you that others may be surprised to know?
People may be surprised to learn that I have two half-brothers who currently live in Norway. It’s usually something that, when I share it, evokes an interested and surprised reaction.
What would be a good theme song for your life? Why?
Alright by Kendrick Lamar. This song resonates with me as it conveys the message that, no matter what challenges life may bring, everything will eventually work out, and it will all be "alright." This reflects the optimistic mindset I strive to maintain, helping me focus on the present and not worry about things beyond my control.
Luke Hill
What is your leadership portfolio?
Year 10 Prefect.
What are you most excited about in your leadership portfolio?
I’m excited to work closely with the Year 10 cohort over the next year. I already know a few boys through Cricket and Rugby, and they’re great blokes, so I’m looking forward to meeting everyone else and helping guide them through the challenges of school. I’m also eager to help build a strong culture throughout the school. As a kid, my dad would take me to Breen Oval to watch the First XV play footy, and I loved the camaraderie and brotherhood among the old boys and students. I hope to work with the other leaders to preserve and build upon the strong school spirit we are so fortunate to have.
What is something about you that others may be surprised to know?
People may be surprised to learn that I used to play the cello and piano. I’m not exactly the musical type today, but I was part of the College Orchestra during Junior School and Year 7. Although instruments didn’t turn out to be my thing, I was fortunate to gain friendships and experience a different aspect of school life.
What would be a good theme song for your life? Why?
Khe Sanh by Cold Chisel. I love this song because I’m a fan of old Aussie classics. It’s especially meaningful to me as it was the song played in my first year of Firsts Cricket at the school after every win. Listening to it while celebrating our premiership win is a memory I’ll never forget. It represents my mates and sport, which are massive parts of my life.