Everyone gets excited over the release of a new HGHS video clip on social media. We are all eager to see people we know, relive the event or enjoy a few moments of school pride. Many captured memories are only possible because of a team known as Girls’ High Eye.

“Girls' High Eye are integral to the quantity and quality of media content that we are able to share with our community,” says Toti West, Deputy Principal, School Culture. "We are very fortunate that they are led by Ms Brittany Kenny, whose passion and energy ensures all our important kaupapa get some well-deserved screen time.”

Putting together quality video is no small task. It begins with students planning the type of clips they want to get. This will change depending on the event. Each event has a focus or theme, and shots are planned to optimise that look. Several students use phones, school equipment and GoPros to collect the footage. Then the really creative work begins - cutting and splicing segments of the captured video, perhaps blending in video snippets from other sources to enhance the theme, and adding in soundtrack and narration. Back and forth until the entire product runs smoothly, sensibly and fits within the required time allowance.

“We do most of the editing during school hours because not many of us have the software at home. We use Adobe Premier Pro, it’s the film industry standard. It’s really good knowing that we are learning to use the software that professional editors are working with. And at the same time we are creating things to include in our own personal reels for our CVs,” explains Morgan van Loggenberg, 2022 Media Prefect.

Ms Kenny, teacher in charge of Girls’ High Eye, said of the club “It is a great way for students to get involved with activities around the school and help to showcase the school community. The club meets as often as required depending on the types of events. This year's students have been incredibly hardworking - some setbacks with Covid have meant that projects arrive a bit later - but despite this there have been many successful projects to date. Well done to the young people who are participating in the club.”

There are currently around 26 members of the team and both Morgan and the Girls’ High Eye Leader, Te Aniwaniwa Leefe, are keen to encourage others to join so that they can cover more events. “The reason I spend so much time and effort with Girls' High Eye is because it is a great reminder that school is more than just credits and assignments. There are a lot of cool events happening at school. There is nothing better than sitting in assembly while they play back videos from cross country or athletics - everyone is laughing or cringing at themselves and their friends and it is a real boost in morale to see everyone cheer up for a bit and reminisce about school events," explains Te Aniwaniwa.

Morgan suggests that students shouldn’t be intimidated by the technology and shouldn't think that those who have been part of the group for a while know how it all works. She says everyone started out knowing nothing and learnt from more experienced students. And today’s more experienced students want to share their knowledge. So if you want to learn some new skills, get to attend a range of school events and make some memorable HGHS memorabilia, get in touch with Morgan, Te Aniwaniwa or Ms Kenny.

Current Girls’ High Eye members include Tegan Andrews, Avigail Reyne Ariz, Gianna Aston, Eilish Bates, Phyu Chit, Chloe Dangawen, Emily Dudley, Lauren Forbes, Sam Gardiner, Korihi Gates, Qazzandrav Gines, Nico Goodman, Jessie Hilton, Shallan Kelly-Langley, Jakeita Klenner, Stella Larsen, Niwa Leefe, Kate Leslie, Gigi Lyndon, Beth McNaughton, Tia Merrilees, Bailey O’Brien, Sophie Patterson, Keese Ronquillo, Jovi Taylor, Morgan van Loggenberg.