Hero photograph
 
Photo by Michelle Abbasi

Introducing Piha Mini School Class and Vice Councillors for 2022

Michelle Abbasi —

Congratulations to the students who have been elected from Rooms 9-16 to represent Karekare mini school on the school council this year. Read to find out a little more about them.

Room 9:  Jade Dockery - Class Councillor

Kia ora, ko Jade toku ingoa. I have been chosen as Room 9’s class councillor. I'm 12-years old.  I have one younger sibling but come from a big Maori and British extended family.  I love playing many sports. My favourite sports are diving and waterpolo.  I love to cook and that was learned from my parents who were both chefs.  I would like to work towards more students being involved in activities across the school and the opportunities that GEIS has to offer.

Luke Doherty-Heeringa - Vice Councillor

Hi my name is Luke.  I am 12 years old.  My family is Dutch and Irish.  I like to play football and hang out with friends and family.  I like that GEIS has a lot of opportunities for students.  A goal for me as Vice Councillor is that I would like to see more students get involved in things that like at GEIS.  

Room 10: Uzayr Bharnji - Class Councillor

Kia ora koutou, ko Uzayr toku ingoa, I am pleased to say that I have the honour of being Class Councillor for Ruma Tekau for 2022. I am grateful I had my parents to support me through my journey to being elected. If it weren't for them listening to me practising and encouraging me to go for class councillor I don't  know whether I would've even gone for the position, so I am really happy to have my parents by my side.  I am 12 years old and I enjoy playing sports. I was born in Tamaki Makaurau, Aotearoa. I play rugby league for Glenora Bears and I also like to play basketball at school. My nationality is Maori and Indian, this combination is especially good for the food.  I would like to see what challenges this year brings us but I'm sure if we can stay strong then we can defeat anything.

Olivia Leuloso'o - Vice Councillor

Talofa Lava, O lo’u igoa Olivia Leulusoo, I’m the Vice Class Councillor, Room 10.  I am 11 years of age and am turning 12 on November 25th. I was born and raised in Brisbane, Australia. I lived there for almost 8 years and I moved to NZ in 2018. I really love playing Netball. I play for Luna Jets! I also get chances to play golf with my dad because he’s a golfer. I want to thank my parents for helping me during this journey of getting the privilege to be on the school council, I want to thank them for encouraging me even though I was going to give up. My advice to GEIS students is to never give up and keep going!!

Room 11: Sam Drayton - Class Councillor

Kia ora my name is Sam Drayton I have been selected as Room 11’s Class Councillor.  I was born in London, England but moved to New Zealand when I was one. I still have some family in the UK but most of my family live in NZ, in the cities of Hamilton and Auckland. I do many sports such as skateboarding, surfing, mountain biking, and soccer. I have also recently started snowboarding. I love going on fun holidays with my family down to Raglan and Mangawhai where I surf, skate and snorkel. Finally, I would like to thank my class for voting me to represent them on the school council this year.

Tui Iosefo Teo - Vice Councillor

Talofa Lava, my name is Tui Iosefo Teo and I am proud to be Room 11’s 2022 Vice Councillor. I am 12 years old. It’s been 10 years since my family and I moved from Samoa, I was just 2 years old at the time. Three of the most important things about me is that I’m a very independent, stubborn, and shy person. But with this role I hope my confidence will increase and I will work differently, more creatively. This role is great for me to develop my leadership skills to represent Room 11 and GEIS which will be beneficial. I enjoy singing and listening to music, reading chapter books, watching anime, writing, playing sports (Netball & Rippa Rugby) & playing video games.

Room 12: Luseane Vea - Class Councillor

Kia Ora, my name is Luseane Vea,  I am in Year 8 and am 12 years of age. I am Tongan and am proud of my culture.  I like to play sports, especially Netball and Rugby League. I enjoy spending time with my family and learning new sports. I am excited to represent Room 12 with Ollie and take any task that comes our way.  Thank you to my fellow students for electing me.

Oliver Stobart - Vice Councillor

Kia ora ko Oliver James Stobart toku ingoa, but I go by Ollie, and I'm the Vice Councillor for Room 12. I am a Year 8 student and I'm 13 years old. I was born in Auckland, same as my dad but my mum is English. I am privileged to be the representative for Room 12. That is a little about me. Thank you for reading and have a good day!

Room 13: Hayley Cunningham - Class Councillor

Kia Ora, my name is Hayley, I have been fortunate enough to take on the role of 2022 Class Councillor in Room 13! I am currently in Year 8 and am 12 years old. I have lived in Auckland my entire life, the same as most of my extended family. My main sports are soccer, cheerleading, and netball. I did dance from the age of 5 but I recently stopped. I was fortunate enough to get into sports camp both this year and last year, and I also was chosen for NZAIMS last year but unfortunately didn't get to go due to Covid. I have one brother, a dog and 2 cats! And I absolutely love all animals. I’m really excited to represent Room 13 in many different things, and hopefully we can make some awesome changes to G.E.I.S. I am so grateful for being chosen for Class Councillor and I can't wait to see what the year brings!

Ella Larsson-Hogman - Vice Councillor

My name is Ella and I am 13 years of age.  I was born in Sweden.  My family and I have lived in New Zealand for four years.  I have one younger sibling.  I like to dance especially doing jazz, hip hop and lyrical.  I play netball and I like going walking with my dog and getting some exercise.  I like that GEIS has a lot of opportunities for everyone.  I would like to leave GEIS having made some change and I think I can do this on the school council.

Room 14: Campbell Wike - Class Councillor

Kia Ora, my name is Campbell and I am happy to represent you Room 14. I am 12 years old.   My mother is called ‘Claire’ and my father is called ‘Kevin‘. I have a sister called ‘Bonnie‘, my stepmother is called ‘Anthea‘ and my stepbrother is called ‘Tyler‘. I have two dogs called ‘Fido', and 'Whisky’. I also have a cat called ‘Princess’ ( I didn’t name her ) and a bird called ‘smudge‘. I like to play video games such as, Forza Horizo 5, Minecraft and more. I like watching the TV show ‘Friends’. I turn in my work on time to a high standard. I respect everyone around me and I am very kind. I value peoples perspectives and I am easy to get along with. I have experience with working in the school office and helping out around my old school. I look forward to the future as working in the GEIS school council. 

Eliza Tate - Vice Councillor

Kia Ora my name is Eliza Tate and I am Room 14's Vice Class Councillor for 2022. I’m11 years old. I am from West Auckland. My mum is from Warkworth (up north) and my dad is also from Auckland. I have two older sisters, one named Molly who is 17 turning 18 and one named Phoebe who turned 16 this year. I love to play video games such as Kingdom Hearts, the Legend of Zelda, The Sims Four and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. I also like to watch TV shows such as Stranger Things, Loki, Wanda Vision and more. I used to do contemporary style dance but stopped a few years ago. I look forward to being a part of the school council and want to congratulate anyone who earned these roles.

Room 15: Louis De Biasio - Class Councillor

Hi name is Louis and I am 12 years of age.  I live in a household of 5 people.  I have two older siblings.  I enjoy playing the piano and I'm currently grade 7, I like reading.  I enjoy GEIS, it is interesting because it offers SPEC and AKO which makes it fun for all students.  What I hope to achieve as Class Councillor is I want to make sure my class has a voice, their ideas are heard and they make an impact in the school.

Jemma Mohammed - Vice Councillor

My name is Jemma and I am 13 years of age.  I live with my mum and dad.  I was born in South Africa but I have lived here most of my life.  I like writing and art.  I bake quite frequently.  I like GEIS because it is a diverse and inclusive place to learn with lots of opportunities.  As Vice Councillor I would like to help organise events that students can participate in.

Room 16: Zahir Gani - Class Councillor

Kia ora koutou, my name is Zahir and I’m 13 years old. I have been selected to be a Councillor for Room 16. I really enjoy GEIS because it gives us many opportunities. My favourite thing to do is gaming. I enjoy it because I get to meet up with most of my friends from school and out of school. As a councillor I would like to let other people share their experiences and ideas with me so I can get to know them better and understand them. Thanks to my classmates for the opportunity to represent them on the school council.

Megan Evans - Vice Councillor

Kia Ora, my name is Megan Evans and I am the Vice Class Councillor for Room 16. This is my second year at GEIS I am excited for the opportunity to represent my class. I always aspire to be a good friend and student and always try my best. I would like to thank my parents for helping and supporting me.