It’s all very formal, new blazers, new insignia, and the intent for every student to reach their peak resting on their shoulders.
Waimea College’s head student team for 2025 are an eclectic nine who have epitomised the school motto, ‘Always Strive, in academics, sport, culture and service’.
Speaking on behalf of the ennead, Adam Hobbs and Xanthe Southward say every member was honoured to be elected to the college’s pivotal positions when the announcements were made in October 2024.
They remark that larger groups calling the shots allow for a healthy balance between their personal and head student commitments, and the pair have rejoiced in the college environment.
“I think, when we step up and show them that it is exciting and fun to be involved, then everyone will get a lot more involved and have more fun, because it is more fun to be involved, even if they think it’s not cool,” Xanthe says.
“If we can be a little bit, maybe vulnerable, and get out of our comfort zone, for the younger students that might encourage them to do the same thing, that’s something that we should strive towards,” Adam says.
Adam and Xanthe commended the staff for their journeys to head students.
“I love the atmosphere, everyone’s really inclusive and I think the values are definitely shown around the school, especially the teachers trying to incorporate them a lot, which is good,” Xanthe says.
“I’ve had some really good teachers over the years, some that have made me invest in the subjects I might not have previously… and being in a class with like-minded people early on helped me thrive,” she adds.
Adam and Xanthe say the head student targets also include amplifying the success of their predecessors and hosting the three-a-term assemblies, and versions of the British games shows The Chase and Taskmaster.
The head students also include its Year 12 board of trustees student representative Gemma Armstrong, and Tyler Eggers and Ezra Tōpine are spearheading the newly-minted Pou Herenga Waka roles to revolutionise the college’s Māori culture.
“One of the things that we will be involved in heavily this year is the Matariki festival that Waimea College will be doing, and we’ll also be involved in trying to push kapa haka and Māori in our school,” Tyler says.
