Becoming a head student is an honour many have been bestowed in years past. Nelson Magazine talks to some volunteer senior head students from across the region about what the role means to them and what they hope to achieve during their tenure.
NAYLAND COLLEGE CO-HEAD STUDENTS
Bo Kessler, Lani Kalapu, Astrid Sayer and Ruth Buckland
Describe yourself in three words.
Bo: Positive, adventurous, enthusiastic.
Lani: Authentic, progressive, understanding.
Astrid: Empathetic, ambitious, outgoing.
Ruth: Caring, passionate, diligent.
What would you like to achieve within your role?
Bo: I'd like to be someone who all students can come to with their ideas, concerns and things they'd like to see within our school. I'd also like to make sure everyone in our school feels included.
Lani: My goal is to ensure that Nayland College is an equitable environment for all rangatahi (students) where they can succeed on their own pathways. I want to make sure we are doing all we can as student leaders to help rangatahi feel they belong at Nayland and to encourage diversity and representation in all spaces.
Astrid: After years of disruption due to the pandemic, our school (particularly new students) have missed out on lots of opportunities that usually bring us together, such as sports and house days. Therefore, along with continuing to encourage our school to embed Te Ao Māori and Kaitiakitanga (sustainability) into the kura, I think it will be especially important in 2023 for Neirana to lift our school spirit and have fun together.
Ruth: To achieve small steps that benefit current students, however, I believe that some of my goals especially around culture, will take time and therefore I hope to contribute in a way that benefits Neirana for the years to come. Therefore, I would like to come away from my role at the end of 2023 knowing that I have contributed to my school in a way that will benefit future students as well as knowing that I have learnt new things and have developed personally.
Where do you see yourself in ten years' time?
Bo: I have no idea where I'll be or what I'll be doing, and I think that's what makes life so fun.
Lani: I know that I want to be working in an education or political sphere with focus on Pacific and Māori issues. I would enjoy working in government, a museum or a university and would love if that took me overseas.
Astrid: I could see myself working within the Ministry of Health in Wellington, but of course I will be coming back to Nelson often which will always be my home.
Ruth: Although I am unsure exactly of what I am wanting to do after school, I imagine I would have been to uni, travelled the world a bit, and would be
settled down somewhere in Aotearoa making the
most of life!
NELSON COLLEGE FOR GIRLS HEAD STUDENT
Charlotte North
Why did you want to become a head student?
I saw it as an opportunity to prove to myself what I am capable of. I wanted a chance to be more directly involved with my school as a lot of my activities are in the community rather than the school. I have enjoyed my years at Nelson College for Girls (NCG) and felt it was important to give back to the school. Lastly, it gave me the resources to build new connections with the wider community.
What would you like to achieve within your role?
Continuing to improve the inclusivity and diversity of the school. I want to work on building relationships with other schools and community members near NCG. I want to continue building on the foundations of past projects and have the chance to represent my school. I hope I can help to achieve a more cohesive and well rounded school that feels safe and exciting to learn in.
What would you like to change about your school?
There are no major areas that I feel need to change at the school, rather small improvements and building on current projects. Saying that, now that I have this incredible opportunity I have begun to think more seriously as to what I want NCG to look like next year and beyond.
Who is your role model?
It has to be my parents. I feel incredibly grateful and privileged to have them. I will forever appreciate the time, money and work they've put in for me. They have continuously supported and encouraged me in everything I have done. Not to mention, they have shown me the importance of believing in myself and being proud of who I am.
Where do you see yourself in ten years' time?
This has always been a hard question for me to answer because I have so many areas of interest that I want to explore and develop. I do see myself somewhere overseas and remaining fit. I absolutely adore performing and playing with others, whether that is on the flute or other instruments, so I hope I continue with this. I'm still debating about a career choice but medicine or an area in the science field has always been a possibility for me. Apart from that, as long as I'm happy that's all I can ask for.
If you were given $1 million, what would you do with it?
There would be a couple of things I would do with it. Number one is to donate to charities. I would also invest some for the future. Lastly, I would go and travel. This would include the chance to dive in places of the world, such as the Maldives,
go swimming and visit remote and breath-taking environments. As well as visiting culturally-rich parts of the world, enjoying good food and being amongst some big cities.
NELSON COLLEGE HEAD STUDENT
Matt Donald
Why did you want to become a head student?
I believe, along with the rest of the student leadership team, we can make a positive difference in our school and its wonderful diverse community. I’m inspired by helping others to achieve success at Nelson College in whatever shape or form that may be, and if I can help empower them, then that will be very rewarding.
What would you like to change about your school?
I would like to enhance Nelson College’s culture of school pride. I would particularly like to increase the sense of participation and service through giving back to the community and so increasing the school’s profile and involvement in community projects and initiatives.
What would you like to achieve within your role?
To promote a culture of inclusivity and look to empower others by being friendly, approachable and leading by example. I look forward to establishing an enhanced sense of connectedness and engagement across the school environment, right through from year 7 at the Prep School, to year 13.
Who is your role model?
Through triumphing over adversity and his incredible ability to lead Africa from the depths of its despair, Nelson Mandela was an extraordinary man and one I personally aspire to be like. I believe we all can learn from Mandela’s teachings and remarkable leadership capability to conquer our own battles in life.
Where do you see yourself in ten years' time?
I would like to have graduated from university and be in a position where I am excelling in my place of employment. I’m also keen to explore passive income opportunities. I hope to keep strong ties with my family and close friends and be living life to the full.
If you were given $1 million, what would you do with it?
I would live the life of luxury and go on an extended overseas trip exploring the world! I would also, with the remaining funds, give some, save some and
invest some.
WAIMEA COLLEGE CO-HEAD STUDENTS
Zariyah Andrews and Lucas Trench
Why did you want to become a head student?
Zariyah: Being a head girl is such a rewarding role because I get to represent Waimea College but also can give back to the wider school community, which is something I have always wanted to do. I aspire to positively influence other students to work hard and follow their dreams. I strive to be a positive role model that promotes resilience, determination and a growth mindset.
Lucas: I want to become a role model/positive influence on the younger students at the school by showing them that investing time and effort into all aspects of the school (academics, sports, arts, etc) will provide you with great opportunities in year 13. Also, I see it as an opportunity to further my own personal growth which will benefit my future endeavours.
What would you like to achieve within your role?
Zariyah: When applying, I made my top three goals I want to achieve relating to the Waimea College values whilst in this position. My first goal is to create a supportive environment that enables every year 13 to experience their best and most memorable year of school. I will achieve this by connecting and uniting all year 13 students together, coordinating with other leaders to organise activities and being the voice of year 13 students. This goal is supported by the Waimea College value of Manaakitanga (caring). My second goal is to remove the stigma of striving high and getting merit and excellence in class or the community. In order to take away this stigma, I would like to recognise students' excellence both in school and in the community. This goal is supported by the Waimea College value of akōranga (learning). My third goal is to ensure that all Waimea College students feel welcome and have a sense of belonging at this school. I will enforce the school value of whanaungatanga (belonging) by promoting a positive school culture.
Lucas: I want to work well with all other senior leaders and fulfil my goal of becoming a positive influence on the younger students at the school. To achieve this, I will work on forming relationships with a wide range of students and ensure that the positive environment at Waimea College is experienced by all students. I would like any student to feel comfortable approaching any leader with their ideas or thoughts and ultimately make our school a better place.
What would you like to change about your school?
Zariyah: Waimea College is already an excellent school. I wouldn’t specifically change something, but I would like to keep strengthening our school values.
Lucas: There is not a lot that needs to be changed at my school, but if I could change one thing it would be to increase the interactions between all year groups
to provide a more inclusive school environment.
Where do you see yourself in ten years' time?
Zariyah: My ultimate goal would be to have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, management or teaching. I would still hope to be involved in the hiphop dance scene and would like to keep expanding my knowledge and life skills through travel and experiencing different cultures.
Lucas: I'd like to be involved in business ownerships/property/stocks - what the degree that leads to this looks like I am still figuring out. I would still hope to be involved in my sporting interests and to have a good work/life balance would be a key goal of mine also. Travelling and experiencing other cultures is also something that I would like to have done in the next ten years, after my study.
GARIN COLLEGE LEADERS
James Ivamy and Julia Kersten
Describe yourself in three words.
James: Motivated, passionate, ambitious.
Julia: Enthusiastic, honest, supportive.
Why did you want to become a head student?
James: I have always wanted to lead. I am passionate about working to achieve something, and to inspire others to do the same. Garin College and its people
have given me much over the past four years. Being Academic Leader is my way of giving back to the people of our community - a way of saying thank you, but also a way of giving more shape to something I am passionate about.
Julia: Because Garin has provided me with valuable support and enjoyment in areas including, sports, academics, Catholicism and wellbeing. And so, I wanted the opportunity to give back to the community and support other students and the Garin community.
What would you like to achieve within your role?
James: My aim is to give meaning to what academics really is, that it goes beyond y=mx+c, or that “i goes before e except after c.” I want to aid students in realising that academics go beyond the classroom and that there is massive importance in committing oneself to one’s studies. I aim to inspire students and provide for them a means to channel their energy into personal growth; guided by gospel principles. Next year I want students to not only know what they are taught, but also why they are being taught it, as I believe these two concepts rely heavily on one another.
Julia: For my role of Sports Captain, my main goal is to encourage all students to be involved in physical activity and increase the participation of students involved in sports. I think it is important for everyone to take part in a physical activity as it benefits both mental and physical health.
What would you like to change about your school?
James: Covid has wrought much disruption to everyday school life. With this, there has been a reduction in our school spirit and culture; caused by isolations, cancellations, thus less elations. My aim as a student leader in 2023 is to dedicate myself to furthering Garin College’s spirit and enhancing our community focus.
Julia: I would like to improve the connection between senior and junior students to create a more cohesive and supportive environment.
Who is your role model?
James: For me to say that I have only one rolemodel would be misleading. Every day I am inspired by the Gospels, and the values which they preach. I am inspired by the teachers who come to school every day; driven to help their students succeed. I am inspired by the people who defend our freedoms, and those who have created so much despite having started with so little.
Julia: My role model or someone who inspires me is Kennedy Simon (Black Ferns captain). This is because she led the Black's Ferns to world cup victory. Through this she has shown so many young kiwi girls that they can be just as good and do everything that boys can do.
Where do you see yourself in ten years' time?
James: My ambition is to enter the corporate world with a job in finance - preferably overseas. However, one day in the distant future I hope to enter into politics as I believe that our country is in need of some much-considered reform.
Julia: I hope to have graduated from university, travelled the world and still be playing my favourite sports, hockey, football and cricket.
MOTUEKA HIGH SCHOOL CO-HEAD STUDENTS
Aaron Bensemann and Nicole Gray
Describe yourself in three words.
Aaron: Determined, outgoing and imaginative.
Nicole: Passionate, creative and curious.
Why did you want to become a head student?
Aaron: Our dean shoulder-tapped me saying I’d be a good candidate and I saw this as an opportunity to be able to carry out my ideas for the school.
Nicole: Because I want to make our school a safe place for all students.
What would you like to achieve within your role?
Aaron: To be able to start up events and revive traditions that our school lost due to Covid.
Nicole: I’m hoping to achieve more of a tuakana/teina system between seniors and junior students.
What would you like to change about your school?
Aaron: I would like to see more students coming together and more connections between the years so that we can have a stronger school community.
Nicole: I would like to change the way students interact with each other so there is more connection through the school and the different year groups.
Where do you see yourself in ten years' time?
Aaron: I hope to be well known for directing/acting.
Nicole: I hope to see myself working as a ranger for DOC or something along those lines.
If you were given $1 million, what would you do with it?
Aaron: I would put it in my savings account, also help pay off bills and mortgages and go on a holiday.
Nicole: I would save some, donate some, and probably buy some nice things for the people I care about.
GOLDEN BAY HIGH CO-HEAD STUDENTS
Malakai Thorpe and Hinewai Lewis
What would you like to achieve within your role?
Malakai: I would like to help create or re-establish the Golden Bay High School community that seems to have lost its form due to the pandemic. It's valuable, specifically as the head boy of a school, to help create a safe, comfortable, fun environment for all the students. I have noticed that with the new generation this safe environment where students can trust and rely on each other is commonly lost.
Hinewai: I would like to create a positive and safe environment for the students; including fun activities and making sure their voices are heard. I would also like to see a connection between students and a positive learning environment.
What would you like to change about your school?
Malakai: I think that a wider range of things for students to learn and participate in would be beneficial to create new perspectives and ideas within young people and help them find what they want to pursue in terms of a career or hobby. Getting people involved in these activities also helps create the sense of community that people strive for.
Hinewai: I would like to incorporate more activities that students can look forward to and make them want to participate in their learning, as well as more friendly competition. As well as an increase in the representation of our school values.
Where do you see yourself in ten years' time?
Malakai: I see myself in a comfortable position in my career (whatever that may be, as I haven't decided yet). Some thoughts of joining the army and doing tertiary education through that, or doing a trade to earn money and save while gaining real-life experience that could spark more ideas for study or my future.
Hinewai: I hope to have done further education in midwifery, criminology, or psychology, and to be working in a job where I can help people, while
travelling within New Zealand and the world.
