When I first walked into Girls’ High in Year 9, I never would have imagined that the time would move so quickly or that I would have been up here in front of you all saying goodbye. I never imagined that the time would come when adults would be constantly asking, “what are your plans for next year” or “what are you going to study” and I had to have a proper answer for them. It’s both exciting and nerve wracking growing up but I know that Christchurch Girls’ High School has prepared us all well. We were constantly encouraged to give things our best shot, and to learn from the mistakes. We were challenged, and asked questions of, and provided with opportunities that I know I personally will be forever thankful for. Most of all though, the school has taught us to be ourselves and helped shape us into the young women we are today.

To the upcoming Year 13s, I wish you all good luck, only one more year left of NCEA, and tests and formals and then it’s all over! I encourage you to take every opportunity as it comes and strive to be the best you can!

To my year group. Year 13 has by far been the most rollercoaster of a year hasn’t it? We had not one but two school formals to prepare for. University is now something real and important instead of something we could worry about in the future. And most importantly it’s our last year at CGHS. We’ve made it through the ups and downs, the friendships, the boy dramas, and had our last ever NCEA exams (thank goodness!). And in all honesty there is not another group of girls I would have wanted to do it with. So I want to take a moment to congratulate you all, as there are times when it seems pointless or hard showing up everyday, but we did it! And now here we are, our last time sitting in this heavy winter uniform, in the middle of summer. And I wish each and everyone of you all the best for the future, whether it be going to University, taking a gap year, travelling or even just taking a break for a while. There is no wrong way to live your future and I am so excited to see you all live your best life. Who knows when, but I’m sure we will all meet again some time, and laugh over the memories we had here.

To the staff and all the teachers, thank you for the endless amounts of support and encouragement you have given us throughout the years. Although it may not always seem like it we appreciate you all so much

To our Year 9, 10 and 11 Dean, Mrs Officer, thank you so much for everything you did for us back then as I know you may have gotten the more drama filled times of our year group!

To our Year 12 and 13 Dean, Mrs McCleary, (or MC hammer as she is sometimes known) thank you for taking us on and for the endless support that you had for us all, and the tea dates with Helen, Alice and I.

To HOC and Alice, you have honestly been the best deputy and Head of Acland I could have ever asked for, and I don’t think you will ever understand how amazing your help and friendship has been this year. There has definitely been more than one time when you have both saved me from messing up.

To the amazing team of Prefects that I was lucky enough to lead this year, thank you so much, you are all amazing and I couldn’t have done it without you.

To the Peer Support Leaders, the work you have put in this year has been amazing and I’m sure you made all the Year 9s really feel like they belonged and had a friend.

To the Senior leadership team, PTA and the Board. You all do so much work for the school and the girls behind the scenes and I just want to say a big thank you for that.

To Mrs O’Neill, our new Principal, the second you walked into that interview I got very excited about the possibility of having you here, and you have been absolutely amazing. Your complete and utter enthusiasm, encouragement and passion towards the girls in this school is unmatched and you deciding to come up and watch our hockey final in Auckland, the day of the final is something I will never forget. So thank you, and I am so excited to see the school progress under your guidance.

And finally to the parents and family that are here with us today, even if not actually in the room. I hope you are all proud of each of your children, and I know they are extremely grateful for the constant support and guidance through school and life, that we still may need for a few years to come.

And thank you to you all for having me as your Head Girl. I hope I did an alright job. I would have loved to end this Prizegiving with a bit of a song or dance to really go out in style and pretend we are in highschool musical for a bit or even a sneaky tiktok to try and get on the For You page, but I think we have all had enough dancing after Tuesday. So once again thank you so much and all the best for the future.