Following the end of term for J.N.Dela and L.M.Pereira, a representative of the media unit had a sit down with their successors to the College Offices of Head and Deputy Head Prefect, Dulmeth Perera and Kaveesh Kamalchandra (respectively).
Dulmeth is currently the Vice-Captain of the 1st XI Hockey team. He previously served as the Troop Leader of the Scout Troop. Kaveesh was formerly in the 1st XI Football team. He is the current President of the English Drama Society.
Both attest that the leadership roles they held previously within College, as well as the time spent on the pitch, have contributed to more than just their capabilities in the specific field. Their past experience has also played a large part in developing their character; which is what Kaveesh thinks being a Thomian is all about: – “having a character and a personality that stands out, and is unique, in a positive way”.
They have learned from these roles to always act responsibly, as leaders can influence people considerably and any seemingly inconsequential or insignificant detail can make a big difference in someone else’s life. Therefore, they hope to lead by example and constructively impact the lives of fellow
students.
The pair have very firm beliefs of what it means to be a Thomian. “Tradition, Honour, Discipline and Excellence – by inculcating all these together with the values, principles and lessons you learn in the classroom, the sports field and through the walk of life in College, that is what defines us as Thomians” said Dulmeth.
Each student has a large responsibility of upholding the standards of the school, both in terms of their conduct, and their ability to balance various activities simultaneously.
This is partly because the students of this institution compete with schools that
comprise many more students than our own; and largely because it goes hand in hand with the teachings and standards of the school which aims to provide a holistic education, rather than one that focuses simply on either academic or extra-curricular activities.
This is why they believe the school produces young men of good character and stature who do not need a badge stitched on their uniforms or pinned on their shirts to be identified as a Thomian but can instantly be recognized by their conduct.
As Revd. W.A. Stone once said “Live for S.Thomas’. Do anything for her whenever you are asked to do it. If necessary, die for her.” It is the ability and willingness to do so that sets Thomians apart from the rest.
During their time as College and House Prefects prior to their current appointments the duo has learnt to serve as a leader, and stress that other student leaders, office bearers, etc.., must remember to do the same.
In addition, they state that you must make the principles and values that govern your decisions clear, especially when these decisions are taken from a position of authority, because it is then that the students know what we stand for.
One piece of advice Dulmeth would like to impart to all the leaders within the school is to ‘go the extra mile’; to give it your all not for yourself but for the people you are leading because many leaders go wrong in forgetting that they have been entrusted with a responsibility not a reward.
Similarly, Kaveesh states that “being grounded and remembering your roots” is critical because “you were given these responsibilities because of whom you were prior to obtaining them”.
In the wake of their appointments, they hope to clarify some misconceptions of the Prefect system within the school. Crucial among these is the role of prefects that is assumed following the use of common terminology such as ‘Coll Cops’ and ‘House Cops’.
Dulmeth explains that “Prefects are not meant to be policing the students … I want everyone to know that any student should be able to, and is able to approach a College Prefect, or a House Prefect, at any time, for any concerns or issues that they have within the school or outside it.”
Both insist that the system functions most efficiently only when there is a positive relationship between the students and the prefect body. As Kaveesh further emphasizes, “we too have been in your shoes”. Therefore, no student should hesitate to approach a Prefect of the school.
As speaking with them makes clear, our new Head and Deputy Head Prefects are thoughtful and committed student leaders, with new ideas and approaches to suit changing times and challenges. On behalf of the College community, we wish them well.