"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge."

From my very first days in kindergarten to the present moment in Class 12-C, St. Columba’s has been my second home—a place where I have grown, learned, and developed into the person I am today. This institution has equipped each one of us with the core values of compassion, empathy, and brotherhood. I firmly believe that each one of us possesses the innate potential to strive for greatness, the devotion to persevere and the humility to work without expectations.

I am often reminded of the inspiring words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “To be the best of whoever we choose to be.” As members of the Columban community, guided by the profound teachings of our founder, Blessed Edmund Rice, I urge each of us to reflect deeply on this call to greatness.

Let us take a moment each day to engage in purposeful actions, no matter how small they may seem, and allow these actions to build our path to excellence. In an era where we are frequently driven by pursuits of fleeting pleasure and immediate gratification, it is essential to pause and explore our true selves.

We must challenge ourselves to question our existence and strive to fulfil our higher calling. By doing so, we not only elevate ourselves but also contribute to making the world a truly better place for all.

As we look forward to the year ahead, let us remember that each of us has a role to play in shaping our school’s future. Together, we can create a vibrant and supportive environment where every voice is heard and every idea is valued.

I believe in the power of unity and collaboration, and as the newly appointed president I am committed to fostering a culture of respect and understanding among all members of our school community.

I envisage establishing the essence of being a true Columban by igniting a feeling of camaraderie and conscientiousness amongst my peers, so that we may together endeavour to keep the Columban banner of green and gold flying high.

Ronel Jacob Mathew

XII-C