As we are all aware, 2020 has been a crazy, uncertain year. However, the perseverance of all Rolleston students despite the circumstances has proved rewarding and worthwhile.

The first big school event of the year, Athletics Day, was definitely a highlight. Not only did I enjoy watching the participation from the competitive Rolleston athletes but also the high encouragement and engagement from non-competitive students was phenomenal. Being able to build and establish connections and relationships with other Rolleston students on this day was extremely gratifying and left me feeling super excited for the events to come further in the year.

Unfortunately, not long after, we were all given instructions to stay at home and ‘self-isolate’, meaning we could not physically attend school for several weeks. Although we weren’t at school, there were several initiatives generated for house points (and for fun) during lockdown. Some fabulous Rolleston girls got really into the House Service competition, which was designed for students to simply do a little bit of service for someone in their ‘bubble’. For example, we had service from girls doing cooking, baking, cleaning, walking dogs, washing cars etc!

With Lip-Sync being postponed to September, we were all so excited that we were going to have the opportunity to showcase some of the many talents of Rolleston House. It was exciting watching the dances choreographed by my wonderful deputies Ella Kortegast and Gabby Goodenbour come along and seeing the number of girls show up consistently practice after practice. However, unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, we were unable to have the LipSync event this year.

From starting Christchurch Girls’ High School in year 9, it was always a dream of mine to be a leader of the school in my final years. With support from my house teacher Mrs Nicholls and deputies Ella and Gabby, it has been an absolute privilege to be the 2020 Rolleston House prefect and I hope Rolleston continues to thrive in the following years to come!

Amber Houston