Wellbeing - Senior School
Benjamin Kalifa
What is your leadership portfolio?
Inclusive Community Prefect.
What is one way you hope to make a positive impact on the school community this year?
I want to make sure everyone in the community feels a sense of unity and that our unique qualities are embraced. One of the best things about St Pat's is the camaraderie we all experience on and off the sporting field, so I hope, as Inclusive Community Prefect, to ensure every boy gets to enjoy their time here.
If you could have dinner with any leader (past or present), who would it be and why?
Jesus Christ. The greatest leader and inspiration for all our lives, I have a lot to learn in life, and a meeting with Christ is truly too great an opportunity to pass up. He continues to inspire the world with His sacrifice, and I can’t imagine the profound effect it would have on my life and perspectives to hold a conversation with Him.
What motivates you on tough days?
Knowing there are other people besides myself that I need to show up for. I try to think that everything in life is all part of God’s plan and go from there. Discipline is something I find hard to maintain, especially in my studying, so I often celebrate the little things and try to remember how blessed I am each and every day. It’s all about perspective.
William Ters
What is your leadership portfolio?
Social Justice Prefect.
What is one way you hope to make a positive impact on the school community this year?
I hope to expand not only the cohort’s engagement but also the entire school’s engagement with social justice issues. This year, I want not only to welcome everyone but also to encourage them to share their perspectives and values with me. I want this school to be a kaleidoscope of opinions and ideas, where all students are not only encouraged to be who they are but also to share their thoughts. It is only through knowledge and understanding that we can address the issues that curtail human dignity, our rights, and the greater world around us.
If you could have dinner with any leader (past or present), who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with Rosa Parks. While she is often remembered for one single act of defiance, she followed Jesus’ footsteps of countercultural leadership. Her actions were motivated by her values and beliefs, serving as a powerful reminder for me to always stay true to myself. Moreover, her advocacy wasn’t carried out through elaborate speeches and public addresses, but rather through her everyday actions, which inspires me to do good authentically and honestly, rather than for show. Finally, I chose Rosa Parks because she represents a key figure in modern-day social justice.
What motivates you on tough days?
My friends and the people around me. Often, if I am feeling negative or crestfallen, I like to pay attention to those around me. Talking to my friends opens me to a kaleidoscope of positivity, optimism, and laughter. They also help me to talk through and discuss my issues and the things on my mind.
What would be a good theme song for your life? Why?
Green Light by Lorde. Apart from the fact that the song is generally very up-tempo and energising, it emphasises the importance of moving on and embracing life. I like the metaphor of the green light as a sign to take on life again and overcome difficulty, strife, and heartbreak. The beat and instrumentation as the song progresses create a vivid sense of transformation and growth, which inspires Lorde—and hopefully the audience—to find themselves.
Roman Petrolo
What is your leadership portfolio?
Spirituality/Faith Formation Prefect.
What is one way you hope to make a positive impact on the school community this year?
I would like to ensure that everyone within the community feels inspired to celebrate and contribute to their faith. I also hope that all students feel comfortable approaching me with their own thoughts on the presence of faith within the College. In addition, I’d like to increase attendance at the weekly Mass and raise awareness of feast days within the school, as well as provide greater opportunities to learn from spiritual leaders in the community. Our school’s incredible sense of spirituality and belonging is what makes it such a wonderful and welcoming environment, and I wish to embody this spirit in my leadership.
If you could have dinner with any leader (past or present), who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with Constantine the Great. As the first Roman emperor to end the persecution of Christians, he played a vital role in expanding the faith into the global religion it is today. Additionally, Constantine was a fantastic leader for Rome, reuniting the empire and restoring stability in the region. Through his decisiveness, wisdom, and bravery, Constantine sets a remarkable example to learn from.
What motivates you on tough days?
My family and friends motivate me on tough days. Spending time with those I trust and care for gives me the energy I need to get through difficult moments. In addition, the teachings of Jesus and the saints provide comfort and wisdom, while also demonstrating true courage and faith, offering me the motivation to overcome anything.
What would be a good theme song for your life? Why?
Love’s In Need of Love Today by Stevie Wonder. In this ballad, Stevie Wonder powerfully describes the lack of love in the world, which ultimately diminishes society both individually and collectively. I see this song as a call to action—to express some of the “love” needed through compassion, empathy, and care for my fellow man.
Simon Nadile
What is your leadership portfolio?
Sustainability Prefect.
What is one way you hope to make a positive impact on the school community this year?
This year, I hope to grow current initiatives regarding sustainability and introduce some of my own initiatives to make St Pats a haven of sustainability. I would also like to delve into the four pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, social, and human. While many people think sustainability is limited to worm farms and biodegradable materials, there is much more to it. True sustainability is about finding a balance between protecting our earth, supporting our economy, nourishing our community, and taking care of our people. By aligning with these pillars, I strive to achieve lasting change and help foster a culture of awareness, responsibility, and achievement within our school community.
If you could have dinner with any leader (past or present), who would it be and why?Julius Caesar — one of the most famed Roman generals whose ambition, decisive thinking, and visionary skill have always inspired me and the way I view leadership. His charisma, persuasive tone, and ability to balance military conquest with social and political needs earned him unwavering support from the Roman public. The blend of ambition and vision for Rome’s future has never failed to inspire me, reminding me that life cannot go on without balance.
What motivates you on tough days?
On any day, tough or not, I’ve always turned to music to help me process emotions or simply to relax. I also turn to my friends and family when I need support, especially on difficult days, because they will always be there. Sometimes you can’t process what you’re feeling on your own.
What would be a good theme song for your life? Why?
On and On by Erykah Badu, a late 90s R&B track, describes my life through the repeated chorus “on and on” and “moving like a rolling stone.” Badu communicates that life moves on and there is no point in stopping in time. This resonates with me, as I believe humans often get too bogged down in the problems of the present. Instead, we should look toward the future and the opportunities it holds.