Reflection by Mr Duncan Greenbank, Head of Senior School
A group of 31 senior boys ventured to Brisbane on Tuesday, 29 May for the second immersive event in our “2025 Leading Men at Flinders” program.
It was an inspiring and fascinating experience for the students across Years 11 and 12. They gained a unique insight into ethical leadership, justice, respectful relationships and life beyond school for young men in the 21st century.
Their first stop was the Supreme Courts in George Street for a guided tour and meeting with the Honourable Justice David Boddice.
Next, a visit to St John’s College at the University of Queensland for a tour and dinner with members of the Leadership Team along with some of our Old Flinderians who are residing there.
The students were guided by Dr Louise McCuaig, the Director of our Flinders Discovery Institute, which facilitates the “Leading Men at Flinders” program, and myself.
Guided Tour and Conversations with Honourable Justice David Boddice
Exploring respect for oneself and others—in person and online
At the Courts, the group had the privilege of hearing from Justice David Boddice, who delivered a powerful and timely address. While emphasising the enduring values of integrity, accountability and service in leadership, Justice Boddice also spoke candidly about the unique challenges young men face in today’s digital and socially complex world.
He warned of the perils that arise when the lines between public and private conduct are blurred, particularly through the misuse of social media. In an era where a single post, photo or message can have lifelong consequences, Justice Boddice reminded the students that the law is no longer silent on these matters. He outlined how legal frameworks are rapidly evolving to address online behaviour—especially where it intersects with issues such as consent, harassment, defamation and image-based abuse. (Learn more on this topic from the e-safety Commissioner here.)
Justice Boddice stressed that respectful relationships begin with respect for oneself and others, both in person and online. He urged the young men to critically reflect on how their digital presence reflects their values and impacts others, reinforcing that the legal system holds individuals accountable for actions that may once have been dismissed as “harmless” or “just a joke.” In particular, he noted that ignorance is no defence under the law when it comes to breaches of consent or harmful communication.
Drawing from his own experience in the justice system, he highlighted real-world consequences that have resulted from lapses in judgement, reminding the group that leadership requires not only standing up for what is right but also resisting the pressures to conform to group behaviours that undermine respect and dignity.
Justice Boddice’s address was a sobering and inspiring call to action: a challenge for these young men to lead with integrity, to understand the legal and moral implications of their behaviour, and to become ambassadors for a culture of respect and responsibility in their communities.
Year 11 student Jesse Robertson had this to say about his experience at the Courts:
“I’d say the best part of the night was having that discussion and questions with Justice Boddice as I thought some of the insights he gave, like patterns in men’s behaviour leading them down certain paths in their lives, was really interesting.”
Justice Boddice’s Associate, Juliette Oliver, emailed Dr McCuaig after the visit to congratulate the Flinders boys on their manners and conduct. Ms Oliver said, “I just wanted to reach out and say a massive thank you for your visit and I also wanted to say just how impressed I am by the group of young men from Flinders. They all had immaculate manners and their engagement throughout the visit was amazing.”
Justice David Boddice also generously made time to visit the Flinders campus on Monday, 26 May to meet with all Year 12 students and discuss a range of timely topics, including the importance of respectful relationships for carving a healthy and positive life—valuable advice and points to ponder as our students prepare to graduate and make their own way in the world.
College Tour, Dinner and Conversations | St John’s College, University of Queensland
Following their visit to the Courts, the students proceeded to St John’s College at the University of Queensland, where they were warmly welcomed by a cohort of Old Flinderians currently pursuing their studies at UQ and residing at St John’s. The students enjoyed the opportunity to chat with alumni and ask questions about university life, academic pathways and the transition from school to a tertiary environment.
The evening's program was thoughtfully curated by College Pastor Reverend Samuel Dow and Vice Warden Nick Spinks, both integral members of the St John’s leadership team. Vice Warden Nick Spinks, an alumnus of St John’s College (2002–2004), shared his journey from his time as a resident to his current role. He explained how the College fosters student wellbeing, leadership and academic excellence, reflecting a holistic approach to education and a positive and inclusive culture.
Year 11 student Eddie Connor had the following to add about his experience:
“A highlight from the trip was having dinner at St John’s College at the University of Queensland. Not going to lie, but before that night, university was something I wasn’t really looking forward to. However, seeing the culture and mateship the students had there was unreal. The constant joy and smiles on everyone’s faces, even the cooks, really highlighted the strength of their community. It changed my outlook and made me genuinely excited about what university life could be like.”
Reverend Samuel Dow, serving as the College Chaplain, led the students through a series of reflective activities centered on the concept of positive masculinity. Drawing from his extensive experience in pastoral care and his role in promoting spiritual and emotional wellbeing, Reverend Dow facilitated discussions that encouraged the young men to contemplate the values and behaviors that define respectful and constructive expressions of masculinity in today's society.
The combination of alumni engagement, leadership insights and the reflective session on positive masculinity provided the students with a comprehensive perspective on personal development and community involvement. The students came away with a helpful and positive glimpse into university life along with a deeper understanding of the qualities essential for responsible and empathetic leadership.
Image caption: Old Flinderians hosted Years 11 and 12 students from Flinders at St John's College, UQ, May 2025
Naish Roberts, College Captain for 2025, reflected:
“Everyone agreed that the circle exercise led by Reverend Dow was a great opportunity to clear your mind and be present in the moment. You don't often get the opportunity to sit in silence, surrounded by young men who are all going through their own challenges, and think about what it means to be a man and what masculinity means to you.”
The “Leading Men at Flinders” experience in Brisbane was a memorable blend of inspiration, reflection and connection. It will no doubt have a lasting impact on the young men who participated.
About the "Leading Men at Flinders" Program
The “Leading Men at Flinders” program is a leadership and mentoring initiative launched in 2024 by the Flinders Discovery Institute to guide senior boys in stepping up as role models of positive masculinity.
The program features a series of experiential events for boys at Flinders in Years 10, 11 and 12. The events are guided by high-performing role models and designed to be fun, challenging, practical and positive, with the goal to address concerns in society about ‘toxic masculinity’, violence, matters of consent and respectful relationships.
The first immersive event for 2025 was a three-day leadership retreat in April this year, and the culminating event for the year will be the Father’s Day Breakfast on Thursday, 4 September. Our current male Year 12 student leaders and participating Year 11 students will coordinate the Father’s Day event, which will feature guest speakers along with inspiring capstone speeches by Year 12 leaders to share their personal learnings through the program.
