Year 13 students Sophie Rogers and Ethan Nirmalaraj are doing a sterling job as Aquinas’ Head Girl and Boy of 2023. But who are they? And what makes them tick? We asked them a few questions to help students get to know them better. Below that we feature the highlights from their inaugural speeches.

1. What summer & winter sports do you play?

Sophie: I am very busy with basketball and I also play tennis in the summer.

Ethan: Hockey.

2. What do you like to do outside of school?

Sophie: Sports take up most of my time out of school. I also do speech and drama which I have done since primary school. I will be completing my diploma in that this year.

Ethan: I like to watch movies and shows, play hockey and do fitness.

3. Are you the oldest, youngest or middle sibling in your family? How many brothers or sisters do you have?

Sophie: I am the oldest of three. My sister Emma is in Yr 10 and Matthew is in Yr 8, both at Aquinas.

Ethan: I have an older brother who is three years older than me and a former student at Aquinas, which makes me the youngest in the family.

4. Do you have a cultural heritage you would like to share with us?

Sophie: I am a proud Māori descending from Ngati Kahungunu.

Ethan: Both my parents are Sri Lankan. My Dad was born and raised there and my Mum was born here in NZ, however, both her parents are full Sri Lankan. I was born in Auckland but have some family here in NZ so I can still embrace my Sri Lankan side whenever I visit extended family in Auckland or outside of NZ.

5. What is your best advice for younger students?

Sophie: Make the most of your time at school, it does go really quickly, and have a positive attitude toward everything.

Ethan: Get involved in sports and activities you enjoy and find your passions early on. The key to success is consistency so once you find those passions keep going with them at 100 per cent effort.

6. What's your favourite song at the moment?

Ethan: Careless Whisper by George Michael because when the boys and I sing it we always get hyped up.

Sophie: None at the moment.

Head Boy and Girl Speech:

In their inaugural 2023 Head Boy and Girl address, Sophie and Ethan challenged students to make the most of every Aquinas opportunity, forge bonds and strive for success.

Speaking to the student body on the first day of term, Sophie urged newcomers to join Aquinas’ array of groups and activities to build connections and confidence and share their talents with the school.

“Be brave and immerse yourselves in our college life. I promise you, you will definitely get out what you put in.”

Building relationships and developing established connections, she said, will ensure a sense of belonging. “Wait I the toipoto, kata I the toiroa.” Let us keep close together, not wide apart.

Echoing this, Ethan said his top priorities as Head Boy are to represent the student body — standing for each and every student — and to help bridge the gap between juniors and seniors.

“Aquinas is an amazing place, it’s where I grew up and it’s where I belong. I love this place and want every Year 7 to feel the same way I do because it really can be a second home to you."

Ethan encouraged Aquinas’ senior students to set goals for the year and work hard to achieve them before their remaining time here runs out.