Cadet Promotions In School House
In 1984 I was in Yr 9 (Yes I’ve had a very hard life). The two things I remember of Yr 9 was the Brother in-charge who ruled with an iron fist and Cadets. I had the privilege to be the last unit of cadets through, as the Government of the time, had pulled funding and it all got a bit too hard. Call me Shirley but I have always been of the belief that Cadets can and does play a very significant roll, in the development of an adolescent. It’s one thing being tough on your own terms but true toughness lies in one’s ability when it’s on someone else’s terms.
Shore, in conjunction with Wenona, have a fantastic Cadet program which reflects all the good bits of the 80’s, infused with individual wellbeing and social equality. For example, the SUO (Senior Under Officer) for 2021-2022, the top rank that a school student can gain, was from Wenona….. It’s a shame that what I have just said, is helping to make a point. The reality is, this should not be of any significance, just simple the norm.
During the last week of term 1, several School House boys participated in the cadet leadership courses. Throughout the course, all boys adapted and overcame challenges which replicated their future leadership potential in the unit as junior or senior rank. As expected, the School House boys performed at an exceptionally high standard receiving pleasing results.
On the Junior Leaders course, recruits could receive the rank of either corporal or lance-corporal becoming section commanders throughout the unit. Roo Taylor and Jock Fenwicke were able to adapt their well-practiced leadership qualities from School House into the course, both receiving the rank of lance-corporal. Similarly, Justin Gao and Marlon Cayley performed superbly, displaying their outstanding control and confidence in tense situations, receiving the rank of corporal. Jock Litchfield, one of School House’s newest members, has transitioned smoothly into the unit by previously attaining the rank of corporal from another course.
On the Senior Leaders course, Hunter Shepherd stood tall and strong, displaying his hard-work ethic and dedication throughout the entire course, start to finish. As a result of Hunter’s commitment and determination, he received the rank of CUO, as Independent Company Commander. Hunter should be very proud of his achievements as school House will support Hunter every step of the way.
Hunter Black (School House Captain) was an assessor on the course. When asked about the Promotions Camp, he reflected that he felt very proud watching and assessing fellow School House boys as they excelled into the realms of leadership opportunities. He went on the say that he wishes them all the best of luck in their future cadet endeavours.
