By Kate Cobbing
St Andrew’s College is a kinder, safer and more inclusive place than it was five years ago. Tom’s leadership has helped to reinforce and advance the changes to culture and ethos that began in 2022, building on the legacy of his immediate predecessors.
Tom has compassion and social maturity beyond his years, and this has resonated in his influence. While he has been a visible and effective leader in the big moments, his most impactful leadership has been through the influence that he has had in the background. His example of inclusion, care and empathy has subtly, but profoundly, shifted the culture a little further away from the negative aspects of past behaviour. He has worked closely with the rest of the leadership team and their combined effort in this regard has had a significant impact on the ethos of College.
Tom has stood against the tyranny of fear, setting an example of respect and care. He has been particularly impactful in the junior grades, where he has built trust. He treats all College boys as brothers, making each boy that he interacts with feel valued and seen, no matter who they are or which sphere they thrive in.
Through this approach, he has fostered and strengthened the connections across year groups. He has been able to reach and hear a wide range of the College community and he has listened carefully to student concerns. In doing so, he has been a voice for all boys, promoting what they have felt is important and representing the College boys with integrity.
As a College prefect and Head of School, Tom has also had the opportunity and the responsibility to engage at a high level with issues that College has grappled with. He has played a pivotal role in transformation and diversity initiatives at College and has helped implement initiatives that promote and foster a culture of belonging for all boys, staff and DSG girls. His ability to engage and empathise with individuals from varied backgrounds, and his deep respect for human rights and dignity, has allowed difficult conversations around equity and inclusion to bring progress.
Tom has respect for the traditions and ethos of College but is innovative and has looked to move the school forward. He formed the house Disciplinary Committee and has championed sports codes that have not always enjoyed the same attention as traditional sports. He has been an integral part of the 1 st Football Team and achieved Colours for Cross Country, setting an example of involvement and endeavour. Tom played a leading role in the development and implementation of the new Academic Blazer, an historic move to introduce the first braided blazer at College outside of Rugby and Cricket Colours. He also motivated for the Academic Improvement Awards, recognising all boys who had made a significant improvement academically over the course of the previous year.
Tom has shown moral courage, standing up for what is right, and he has served College through his principled leadership. His leadership at the head of a group of boys advocating for a kinder College has left a legacy which will be remembered for years to come. Tom has led the school well this year and is a deserving recipient of Honours for Leadership.
