Greetings and best wishes form the Board of Governors, staff and students of Barnes School to all our parents and well-wishers.

First may I congratulate the Head Boy, Head Girl, Vice-Head Boy, Vice-Head Girl, Captains, Vice Captains, Prefects and their families for the appointments you are receiving here today.

I know that the nominations and the selection process have been rigorous and you should be justifiably proud of your selection.

It is interesting to note that prefects were officials in ancient roman times and more recently in British and Commonwealth schools .In some schools prefects were so powerful that they ran the school outside of the classroom.

While times have changed entering the realm of student leadership remains both a challenge and an honour. Head Boy, Head Girl, Captains, Vice-Captains & Prefects are representatives of the student body and embody the best in student quality that the school has to offer. Be mindful of this and also of the rich heritage of the Barnes School as you go about your task and duties. Always remember “He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander” Aristotle.

For many of you this is your first exposure to leadership .It will likely be the first in a life long journey of leadership-something the Barnes School boys and girls are well known for-a tradition that I hope you will carry on in humility and in service to God.

“From everyone who has been given much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” St Luke 12:48

We all know that Barnes and its students have been blessed with much and so much will be demanded of us and much more will be asked.

For those of you who have been called it is my hope that you will take your responsibilities seriously and represent Barnes, your fellow student and yourself as Student Leaders who uphold-the fine traditions of this Great School, and remind yourself each day of the four lines of the chorous of your school song.

Onward Barnes! Upward Barnes!
Shall be our watchword and our aim,
Till the echoes ring, let us sing
To your honour, praise and fame.

This will inspire you, motivate you and never let you fall from grace.

To those of you who might have wanted to serve as Head Boy, Head Girl, Captains, Vice-Captains and prefects but who were not chosen at this juncture, do not feel disheartened ,but use this opportunity as a development experience and continue to strive hard and seek different  avenues of leadership. “To you I say “Don’t be discouraged. Its often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock” Unknown

I know that the prefects here will be up to the task and if ever in doubt- remember a verse that has often helped me and many like me through their journey- Proverbs 3 Verse 5-6.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight”

Finding good and capable leaders is a problem that many institutions face; it is a problem that our government faces as they look for next generation leaders. Our hope and pray is that one day, one among you, will be that face which will make us proud.

As prefects the experience that you gain in student leadership-dealing with school management, dealing with your peers and juniors, organising and representing your school will be a great training experience for your future leadership role in life.

To all the students who are present here today to participate in the investiture ceremony, I Say, “Always remember your School Motto.” “Accepto Robore Surgam” which in Latin can be translated “I shall arise with the strength I have received”

I wish you all every success and pray that you will focus on doing your work without fear or favour and making a positive difference in the lives of the people around you.

May God Bless Each One Of You & May You Grow In The Knowledge, Love, Fear & Wisdom Of The Lord Each Day Of Your Life.

Julian Luke
Headmaster