Wellbeing
Meet the 2023 Student Leadership Team: College Captains Edition
Alessandro Romeo
What is your leadership portfolio?
College Captain
What are you most excited about in your leadership portfolio?
I am most looking forward to the task of re-igniting the school passion and pride which in some ways, has been lost. As mentioned in my first address, I truly believe that the lockdowns and restrictions of COVID-19 have taken their toll and unfortunately, there are some students here at the college, who are yet to experience what we as year 12’s know as, the true St Pat’s experience. This is not to say that our College no longer beams of comradery, discipline, and high achievers. However, I know I am not the only one who sees a void that needs to be filled. I am excited to inspire our cohort to lead this revival.
What is something about you that others may be surprised to know?
One thing that often surprises people when they first hear it, is that I am one of seven children. I have three brothers and three sisters, both older and younger, who have played a vital role in my character development. Having a lot of siblings, its rare I find myself bored or without somebody to share my thoughts with. With each one being a completely unique person, I believe this has helped me in becoming a person who can talk to just about anybody and find something I can relate to them with.
What would be a good theme song for your life? Why?
“Walking on a dream” (by Empire of the Sun) is a good theme song for my life as it talks about constantly moving forward and living in the moment. This is by no means saying that there are no challenges in my life, but rather expressing my gratitude for the countless privileges and blessings in my life. One line that stands out to me would be, “always pushing up the hill searching for the thrill of it.” This resonates with me as I have a desire for progression in every aspect of life, whether this be academically, on the sporting field, within my relationships or in my personal development, constantly setting goals and looking forward.
James Bellamy
What is your leadership portfolio?
College Vice-Captain
What are you most excited about in your leadership portfolio?
I am looking forward to working alongside Alessandro, Martin and the rest of the student leadership team in reviving the school spirit and involvement that is not as strong as it once was. Some of my best memories from school have come from co-curricular involvement and participation in special school events which fuel the comradery and passion across the college. However, because of COVID, many boys aren’t even aware of the opportunities they have been missing out on. As we seek to return to normality, I am most excited to be a part of the process of reviving this, as everyone deserves to have the same fulfilling SPC experience that I, and the rest of my cohort have had.
What is something about you that others may be surprised to know?
One thing that often surprises people is that on top of having three younger sisters, my family also fosters a baby. Over the past eight years, our home has also been a home for eight different children, who through no fault of their own have unfortunately ended up in the foster care system. I have always enjoyed having these children in our household. However long or short they stay with us; we are able to have a positive impact during the early stages of their lives by providing them a loving and supportive environment.
What would be a good theme song for your life? Why?
Beautiful Day by U2 perfectly summarises my life, as it expresses the importance of finding joy in all situations, despite circumstance. This positive mindset is something I always try to uphold with my ‘glass half full’ approach to life. The song focuses on living in the moment and seizing the opportunities afforded to us before that time is lost, “It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away.” This is something that really resonates with me as I move into my last year at the college, knowing that if I don’t make the most of the opportunities St Pats has to offer now, it will eventually be too late.
Martin Quach
What is your leadership portfolio?
College Vice-Captain
What are you most excited about in your leadership portfolio?
Being able to work along with Alessandro and James and represent the College as a Student Leader, and extend my service with the school. I am looking forward to the year ahead as I believe that along with the Student Leadership Team, we can achieve great things across the student body and promote positive impacts which align with the College touchstones. I am also excited to be a role-model for the younger boys, as they will be the next generation who eventually lead the College and pass the flame to their junior year groups.
What is something about you that others may be surprised to know?
As social as I am, I treasure my individual, personal time. Although some may see it as boresome and uninteresting, it is a great way to step back from everything that’s going on. It is up to the individual with what they do with the time they have to themselves, but to me doing activities like going to the gym, playing or listening to music, or even simply having a nap, are great ways to just take a break from the textbooks and any problems, and freshen up so that I can be my best self for others.
What would be a good theme song for your life? Why?
“Lord, I need you”, an SPC classic, and a favourite amongst the boys. The reason why it would be a good theme song is because it highlights the importance that God and religion has in my life. My morals are heavily based on Christian and family values, and this was also represented in my relationship with God. There is something about this hymn that unifies each student, whether they’re wearing a blue cap, or a black tie. For those who have heard this hymn being sung by the whole College, you’ll know what I mean when I say that the passion and pride that can be heard by each boy is mesmerising.