Good morning Dr Shaw, Staff and Northwood gents
I would like to start off this morning by acknowledging that the position of Head Boy is an incredible honour and privilege that I don’t take lightly in any way.
I know that this position comes with much responsibility, and I am very excited to tackle the challenges that lie ahead with the support of Dr Shaw and the Deputy Heads for 2026.
Attending Northwood since grade 8 has been a journey that I look back on with absolutely no regret, I have loved every single moment. This school has taught me so much about myself and the man I’m striving to be. If I look back on these last 4 years, there are 3 things that stand out to me about Northwood:
1. Firstly – THE BROTHERHOOD The brotherhood we have at Northwood is so rare and it is what sets our school apart from other schools. The brotherhood I have experienced these past 4 years has been nothing short of remarkable and something that I struggle to put into words. This is what keeps Northwood ticking and it is something we should never take lightly. We have to treasure this brotherhood and the massive value it plays in our lives.
2. Secondly – OPPORTUNITIES Northwood is a school that gives opportunities to anyone and everyone regardless of who you are. Whether you’re a musician learning to play the trumpet, whether you’re a top 10 academic, you may thrive serving the school as a First Aider, or you may play U14D rugby or 1st Team Hockey – everyone is given the best chance to show their strengths, and these strengths are celebrated in our school. This next year, my dream would be to see every Northwood boy involved at every level and together we become a school that celebrates our peers regardless of where you’re involved.
3. Thirdly, and the last thing I’ve learnt is that Northwood isn’t just giving us an education, it is equipping us with helpful tools for our futures. These teachers and coaches sitting behind me, do what they do because they love to see you and I constantly growing and being equipped for our future. Northwood strives to see their students shine not just in their 5 years spent at Northwood, but in the years that follow our High School Careers.
For me this is something that we as students need to recognise, appreciate and build on into our future.
As we head into 2026 I want to challenge us as the young men of Northwood with two questions. Firstly – WHAT IS A REAL MAN?
We will all have different opinions about what a real man looks like but this is what I’ve learnt in my short life:
● A REAL MAN leads himself first and always takes responsibility
● A REAL MAN leads by example and by serving others
A wise man said, “Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example.”
● A REAL MAN stands up for those who are weak
● A REAL MAN honours authority not because we have to but because it’s right as men.
● A REAL MAN brings about positive change wherever he goes
● A REAL MAN pitches up even when it’s tough
My 2nd question is a very simple one – “ARE YOU AND I REAL MEN?” There are times in my life if I’m honest, where I fall short of being a REAL MAN. What I’ve learnt though, is that every time I fail, I have a choice to give up or to get back up again and push forward! You may feel like you don’t resemble anything of what I’ve described a REAL MAN to be. The good news is that it’s not too late to make that change. Today you and I have a choice to become a REAL MAN!!! This idea of being a REAL MAN is so important to me, because I know that if Northwood as a school has 1400 REAL MEN walking into school everyday, Northwood will bring change to this country.
Albert Einstein said, “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” This is a REAL MAN!!!
I am aware that I am very far from the perfect Head Boy and I can’t promise that I won’t make mistakes along the journey but I can promise that for the next 12 months I will give my all for this school because of what it has given me.
I want to finish off by thanking:
● My parents for their endless support in my life – They are the people that raised me to be the man I am today and without them I would be very far from where I am today.
● I would like to thank my coaches and teachers for all that they’ve done for me. A special shoutout to Mr Hayward and Mr Deen. Both these men have backed me and I’m forever thankful for their contribution to my life.
● Lastly I would like to thank Jesus Christ, my Lord and saviour for the way He has been a pillar for me to lean on in times of hardship but more than that a God that I can look to for guidance. This year I am looking to seek a lot of guidance from Him.
Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust!
In closing, I heard someone recently say that “There is no such thing as leadership without a task!” For the next 12 months I have been given the task of leaving Northwood in a better space than how I received it. I recognise that this is a tall order, but I commit to embracing the task of leading by serving and giving my all for this great school we all call NORTHWOOD!
My name is Jamie Wimble your Head Boy for 2026 – signing in.
