A Testimony of Growth

GLA’s 2012 Head Boy Speech
Dylan Collings A testimony of growth
Those of you who attended the 2012 Awards Evening will testify that we had two remarkable young leaders leading the Ambassadors and students of 2012.
We would like to share with you the Speech made by our Head boy for 2012; Dylan Collings
Good evening Mr & Mrs Mc Farlane, members of the governing body, parents, teachers and my fellow students.
It is a great privilege and honour to be standing here in front of you all representing the school I love - Global Leadership Academy.
I have been asked to share a message about growth…                 I’m no expert on the topic of growth – but the more I read  and researched the topic,  the more I began to see just how important it is in our lives. I recently read the book entitled ‘Today Matters’ by John C Maxwell, it highlights 12 daily practises which guarantees tomorrow success – Growth is one of them.
An extract from the book reads, ‘The Tartar tribe of central Asia spoke a certain curse against an enemy. They didn’t call for their enemy’s swords to rust or for their people to die of disease – instead they said –“may you stay in one place – forever”. The unhappiness and frustration caused by this was punishment enough.'
I’m privileged enough to have been at GLA for the past three years under the love, guidance, safety, knowledge and care of all of the Amazing Christian teachers at GLA. These valuable, wise and wonderful teachers have nurtured and guided us all that we were all able to grow into Christian human beings; they continually guide us into reaching our potentials. It would be impossible not to grow in a school such as Global Leadership Academy
Certain species of fish will grow according to the size of their environment. Put them in a small bowl and they will remain small even as adults. People are the same. If they live in a harsh, limiting environment – they stay small but put them in an environment that encourages growth- they will expand to reach their full potential.Thank you GLA for providing us all with an environment filled with love, warmth, trust, care and knowledge - the learners are able to flourish.
Mental and spiritual Growth however does not occur naturally –I feel it comes from a decision to want to continually improve yourself.
Learners – we need to take responsibilities for our own growth. Jim Rohn once said – In order to do more – we need to be more. Our duty as Christians is to give of ourselves to others.
We have a responsibility to grow, to seek and experience improvements daily. In doing so our potential grows and so does our ability to make an impact on the world
Learners I encourage you all to set a goal for yourselves – a goal to grow in all areas. Surround yourselves with valuable, wise people. Learn from them,  read, talk to people, help people, participate in class and school events, learn from youth groups and most of all ask our heavenly father to aid us in our  growth journey. And remember that this journey never ends.
Global Leadership Academy has taught me to be responsible and accountable for my decisions, it has taught me independence and encouraged me to stay focused and accomplish missions. I came into this school just another face in the crowd, but I leave here an individual. I have decided to take my core values to heart and will strive to live by them daily – striving for excellent work ethics, compassion towards my fellow beings, to always be respectful and to have integrity in all my deeds.
To my fellow ambassadors - Vasti, Marelise, Caro, Johan, Franko and Wouter –Thank you that we could grow together, thank  you for all your support  - we are a great team.  I love you all and wish only the best for you in the future. To Charne, one word- WOW, couldn’t have asked for a better head girl, you were always on the frontline, prepared to help and always gave it your best.
To my fellow learners – I’m so proud of you all. It is a great honour to receive a prize tonight – continue learning, continue growing! The world needs people like you. I challenge you all to go out into the world and make a difference, it need not be a huge deed, but lots of little deeds are good enough – be strong witnesses of your faith.
Mrs Franken, Mrs Mc Farlane, to the amazing teachers at GLA as well as the global teams – We thank you for all your hard work, dedication, faith, love and prayers. You are all truly amazing!  One doesn’t realise how lucky we are to have teachers like these, they not only aim to develop us intellectually, but spiritually, socially and emotionally. Through this they have made me who I am today.
Learners do not take them for granted!  Love and cherish them.
Lastly I would like to compare myself to a tree – I need sunlight which is God in my life – without him I cannot survive!
I have roots which are my Christian values and principles; - they keep me anchored in life
I need nutrients and minerals in order to grow and flourish – these are the valuable teachers, wise friends and love of family who play a role in every part of my life!!
I want to be a tree where people can shelter under.
On that note I would like to thank my parents, friends, family and teachers who along with God’s blessing have made me who I am today.
There is a forest growing in GLA, so take this advice from a tree:
1.            Remember your roots
2.            Go out on a climb or limb
3.            Stand tall and proud
4.            And enjoy the view
GLA FOREVER IN MY HEART
Thank you and God bless

D_Collings_webThose of you who attended the 2012 Awards Evening will testify that we had two remarkable young leaders leading the Ambassadors and students of 2012. We would like to share with you the Speech made by our Head boy for 2012; Dylan Collings


Good evening Mr & Mrs Mc Farlane, members of the governing body, parents, teachers and my fellow students.It is a great privilege and honour to be standing here in front of you all representing the school I love - Global Leadership Academy.
I have been asked to share a message about growth…I’m no expert on the topic of growth – but the more I read  and researched the topic,  the more I began to see just how important it is in our lives. I recently read the book entitled ‘Today Matters’ by John C Maxwell, it highlights 12 daily practises which guarantees tomorrow success – Growth is one of them.


An extract from the book reads, ‘The Tartar tribe of central Asia spoke a certain curse against an enemy. They didn’t call for their enemy’s swords to rust or for their people to die of disease – instead they said –“may you stay in one place – forever”. The unhappiness and frustration caused by this was punishment enough.'I’m privileged enough to have been at GLA for the past three years under the love, guidance, safety, knowledge and care of all of the Amazing Christian teachers at GLA. These valuable, wise and wonderful teachers have nurtured and guided us all that we were all able to grow into Christian human beings; they continually guide us into reaching our potentials. It would be impossible not to grow in a school such as Global Leadership Academy    Certain species of fish will grow according to the size of their environment. Put them in a small bowl and they will remain small even as adults. People are the same. If they live in a harsh, limiting environment – they stay small but put them in an environment that encourages growth- they will expand to reach their full potential.Thank you GLA for providing us all with an environment filled with love, warmth, trust, care and knowledge - the learners are able to flourish.Mental and spiritual Growth however does not occur naturally –I feel it comes from a decision to want to continually improve yourself. 


Learners – we need to take responsibilities for our own growth. Jim Rohn once said – In order to do more – we need to be more. Our duty as Christians is to give of ourselves to others. We have a responsibility to grow, to seek and experience improvements daily. In doing so our potential grows and so does our ability to make an impact on the worldLearners I encourage you all to set a goal for yourselves – a goal to grow in all areas. Surround yourselves with valuable, wise people. Learn from them,  read, talk to people, help people, participate in class and school events, learn from youth groups and most of all ask our heavenly father to aid us in our  growth journey. And remember that this journey never ends.Global Leadership Academy has taught me to be responsible and accountable for my decisions, it has taught me independence and encouraged me to stay focused and accomplish missions. I came into this school just another face in the crowd, but I leave here an individual. I have decided to take my core values to heart and will strive to live by them daily – striving for excellent work ethics, compassion towards my fellow beings, to always be respectful and to have integrity in all my deeds.

To my fellow ambassadors - Vasti, Marelise, Caro, Johan, Franko and Wouter –Thank you that we could grow together, thank  you for all your support  - we are a great team.  I love you all and wish only the best for you in the future. To Charne, one word- WOW, couldn’t have asked for a better head girl, you were always on the frontline, prepared to help and always gave it your best.To my fellow learners – I’m so proud of you all. It is a great honour to receive a prize tonight – continue learning, continue growing! The world needs people like you. I challenge you all to go out into the world and make a difference, it need not be a huge deed, but lots of little deeds are good enough – be strong witnesses of your faith.Mrs Franken, Mrs Mc Farlane, to the amazing teachers at GLA as well as the global teams – We thank you for all your hard work, dedication, faith, love and prayers. You are all truly amazing!  One doesn’t realise how lucky we are to have teachers like these, they not only aim to develop us intellectually, but spiritually, socially and emotionally. Through this they have made me who I am today.Learners do not take them for granted!  Love and cherish them.

Lastly I would like to compare myself to a tree – I need sunlight which is God in my life – without him I cannot survive!I have roots which are my Christian values and principles; - they keep me anchored in lifeI need nutrients and minerals in order to grow and flourish – these are the valuable teachers, wise friends and love of family who play a role in every part of my life!!I want to be a tree where people can shelter under.On that note I would like to thank my parents, friends, family and teachers who along with God’s blessing have made me who I am today.

There is a forest growing in GLA, so take this advice from a tree:

1.            Remember your roots

2.            Go out on a climb or limb

3.            Stand tall and proud

4.            And enjoy the view

GLA FOREVER IN MY HEART

Thank you and God bless