The annual Prefects Investiture and Junior School Student Leaders Induction remains a cherished tradition at Ormiston College. The ceremony, held on Friday 6 February, brought together the entire student body, staff, and parents of the student inductees; Mr John Miller, Ormiston College Chairman of the Board; and invited guests including Wendy Boglary, local Division 1 Councillor.
The event provides an important opportunity to acknowledge the significance of leadership, responsibility and the shared values that shape the Ormiston College community.
Mr Miller officially presented the 2026 College Captains, Ella Jeffries and John Cowen, along with the 11 assisting Prefects, with their badges.
Following their official induction, Ella and John addressed their fellow students with messages of encouragement and inspiration, urging students to embrace opportunity and to be patient in their own growth.
Ella opened her speech by expressing gratitude to the College community for the opportunity to serve as a College Captain and reflected on the power of patience. “In a world where instant gratification is everywhere, patience, I believe, is the true difference between your potential today and your progress tomorrow,” she said. “And that is what I wish for the students of Ormiston College to embrace this year; patience in the process, patience with yourself and patience with those around you.”
John continued the theme of gratitude, acknowledging the honour of his new leadership role and encouraging students to make the most of the many opportunities available at Ormiston College. “It is so easy to forget just how truly lucky we are here at Ormiston College. Considering the opportunities and support presented to all of us, it would be remiss of us not to spend some time exploring the unknown,” he reflected. “I challenge you to go to that try-out, to start playing that instrument or to sign up to that club. To spend some time falling in love with the unfamiliar.”
Mrs Lee Catterall, Head of Junior School and Deputy Head of College, then welcomed the Year 6 Student Leaders to the stage, where they received their badges from Mr Miller.
Guests also enjoyed a wonderful performance of ‘This Is Me’ by Octave.
At the conclusion of the assembly, inductees’ parents and invited guests joined the Headmaster and Chairman of the Board in the Hall of Fame for morning tea; an opportunity to celebrate the newly appointed leaders.
Headmaster Mr Michael Hornby congratulated all newly inducted student leaders, commending their commitment to service and personal growth. “Our student leaders play an important role in shaping the culture of the College,” he said. “I have every confidence that this group will lead with compassion, integrity and respect, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make over the year.”
