ÁñÁ«ÉçÇø

We sat down with Head Prefects Patrick McGimpsey and Isabelle Bennett to find out what makes them tick and how they plan to serve the community.

What are your passions?

Isabelle: I’m really passionate about understanding the world through experience. I spent three months in Germany in 2017 which was amazing. I was also lucky enough to have the eye-opening experience of visiting Nganmarriyanga, a remote Indigenous community in the Northern Territory.

Patrick: One of my biggest passions is volunteer work with both people and animals. Since 2017, I’ve travelled on three different humanitarian trips to destinations including Tanzania, Cambodia and Nganmarriyanga. I regularly volunteer at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo and love the opportunity to work with different animals like koalas, penguins and even sea lions.

What’s your favourite subject at school?

Isabelle: I enjoy the challenge of Maths, which is why it’s my favourite, but by no means my best, subject.

Patrick: Economics. I find it really challenging at times, but I think the challenge is what makes me enjoy it so much. I also find the concepts that are introduced extend beyond the classroom, and I often find myself putting on my ‘Economics cap’ in day-to-day life.

What cocurricular activities are you involved in?

Isabelle: The range of cocurricular activities is one of my favourite parts of the school. I’ve been involved in basketball since Year 3, and I’ve played soccer for the school since Year 7. I’m also involved in debating and have been a member of the debating club since Year 5. Recently I started coaching debating as debating captain. I’ve also played the flute in the school concert band.

Patrick: Rugby union is my main cocurricular activity. I’ve been playing since I was six and joined the ÁñÁ«ÉçÇø rugby team in Year 7. Some of my fondest memories since coming to Australia have been on the rugby field surrounded by my team mates. There is nothing quite like enduring a tough match to finally score a winning try in the dying minutes of a game!

Who is your role model and why?

Isabelle: My role model is Malala Yousefzai, a Pakistani female education activist and the youngest ever winner of a Nobel Peace Prize. I really admire her confidence and bravery. As an advocate for female education and the founder of the Malala Fund, her incredible true story of resilience after being targeted in a terrorist attack is inspiring.

Patrick: It’s probably a bit cliché, but I would have to say that my mum is my role model. Mum always has an answer to every problem, and even when things get tough, she will push through and drag the rest of us along with her. She is definitely the number one role model in my life, and I’m not sure what I would do without her.

What is something that most people might not know about you?

Isabelle: I’m a dual citizen. I was born in the United States, in a state called Minnesota - ‘the land of 10000 lakes’ - and moved to Australia when I was eight.

Patrick: When my parents first told me we were moving to Australia from Ireland, I was completely against it and pretty much refused to go. My family has always been into outdoors activities and eventually my parents persuaded me that the opportunities to spend my time outside would only grow by moving to Australia, and they were right! Whether it be out on my boat fishing or freediving, or out in the bush camping and four wheel driving, I’m always in my element when in the outdoors.

At the end of your time as head prefect, what do you hope to have achieved?

Isabelle: I really hope to perpetuate the inclusive culture at ÁñÁ«ÉçÇø. I’d also like to build House pride especially through the senior years (go Acacia!)

Patrick: I remember being in Year 7 and looking up to the Head Prefects at the time. To me, they encompassed all the values and attributes of the person I wanted to be. Now, I’m in the fantastic position to be able to give back to the school community and be that same role model that inspired me all those years ago.