The concept of servant leadership came from the example Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper. The washing of the dusty, mud-caked feet, normally the job of the lowliest slave, was done by Jesus. And, when He was finished, He said to his disciples:

‘If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.’  - John 13:14-16

The 2024 Prefect team had spent a week in the holidays at Marist Youth Leader, where they learnt more about servant leadership. In this opening liturgy they invited their Year 13 peers to join them in serving the college and community. As a symbolic gesture to accept this invitation, the year group washed the hands of each other.

With their eyes, a servant leader sees the gap in someone’s life.
With their heart a servant leader decides to fill the gap.
With their hands a servant leader works to fill the gap.
With their feet a servant leader stands in the gap. -  MYL 2024

Mr Mc Dowall then spoke to the Year 13s and asked them to remove their black and red ties. He spoke to them about the responsibilities that come with leadership but also, importantly, that this was a year that would set them up for the rest of their lives. It is a year to embrace opportunities and to serve from among our college and community.

Current old boys on staff – Mr Chris Hubble, Mr Simon Cooper, Mr Aaron Poulter, Mr Mark Ronan and Mr Matthew Greuber – then presented each Year 13 with his tie, which they were invited to put on, wear, and lead with them.