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Address to the Wesley Hall Junior School
By: Dennis de Peiza,General Secretary, CTUSAB
October 24,2012
Firstly, let me thank your Principal, Mr. Gittens for inviting me here this morning to speak to you.
I am happy to be here, for like you I was a pupil of this School.
Today is a special day for those students who are to be installed as Prefects, let us congratulate them.
Those of you, who have been selected as prefects, must understand that you will now have a leadership role to play. With this role comes responsibility. It is now your responsibility to assist your principal, teachers and other staff members in ensuring that fellow students follow the school’s rules and conduct themselves well, so as not to have members of the public speak negative things of the school.
It is expected that you will be a role model and you are therefore required to set good examples, especially in your behaviour, dress and attitude. Your fellow students will both be watching and looking up to you. If you fail to do what is expected of you, you will certainly disappoint your principal, teachers, other members of staff, fellow students, parents and guardians, and family members.
I anticipate that those of you who have been selected as prefects, are excited that you have been chosen. Did you individually take a moment to ask yourself the question...Why was I chosen? Do you believe it is because you are a bright, intelligent or a popular student amongst your peers? I believe that your teachers have chosen you because they see some good qualities and potential in you.
Your superiors would have taken into consideration whether you are a pleasant or an aggressive individual, if you are loud, bad behave, rude, impolite and one who often gets into trouble. They would have also considered if you are often late for school and if you are regularly absent. You would have been monitored to see if you are friendly, helpful, co-operative, trustworthy and most importantly, if you show respect for others.
Those of you who look forward to being selected as prefects in the future, should work hard at being a good role model as that is an expectation of a good leader. As a leader you strive to earn the respect and confidence of others, so that you can motivate them to follow your instructions.
Each student in this room has the potential to be a leader. As you grow in life, some of you who are not now prefects, will be expected to play a leadership role; you should know that no one is a born leader, you become a leader if you do the right things. Your actions should inspire others to do the right things.
One of the right things a leader does is to always admit when he/she has made a mistake. People respect you for this, and it helps to build their confidence in you.
You should also never abuse your power as a prefect or a leader. Don't for one moment feel that because you are a prefect the school rules do not apply to you. Don't believe that you can break the school’s rules and not be punished. Remember that if you break the school’s rules, not only will you be punished but you will put yourself to shame, as you will stand to lose your prefect badge. When a leader does wrong, that leader loses the respect and confidence of those persons whom he/she was expected to guide, direct and inspire.
Your teacher will also expect that as a good leader you should be able correct other students when they are doing wrong, be honest and truthful when you report a matter involving another student to your teachers, take good notes and keep good records, be responsible, encourage your fellow students, treat every student fairly, keep your promises, manage your time well, don't be afraid to take your initiative or make decisions, and most importantly, faithfully carry out the duties that your were selected as a prefect to do.
I will now offer a few words of advice to your teachers, parents and guardians. I urge you to go one step beyond recognizing the leadership potential these young ones have and to do all in your power to encourage and support them.
My final words are directed to all students. I encourage you to respect and support your prefects and moreover, to take pride in yourself and your work, this effort will make your school proud of each one of you. Remember that you too have the potential to be leaders and so you must prepare yourself for that time when you are called upon to lead.
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