This month's edition introduces Michaela Foster, 2016 Sports Captain and Deputy Head Girl, who has returned as a Sports Co-ordinator and part-time teacher of Ko Wai Au.

Name and background
Ko Michaela Foster tōku ingoa, nō Kirikiriroa ahau. I was born and raised in Hamilton, and it is still my home.

Your last year at HGHS
2016

What is it that you currently do outside of school?
I have just graduated from the University of San Diego, on a football scholarship. I returned looking to get work in the education setting and was fortunate enough to be able to return to my old stomping ground and work here at GIrls' High. 

What was your favourite thing about being a student at HGHS?
My favourite thing about being a Girls' High student was the opportunities that school allowed me to pursue. It pushed me to be a better student as well as an athlete because that was what I was passionate about.

What was your greatest accomplishment at school as a student and why?
My greatest accomplishment was being Deputy Head Girl and Sports Captain in my final year. Building up to Year 13, I was able to develop leadership skills in and outside of the classroom, which helped me be the best leader that I could be while I was on the Executive Council.

What are you looking forward to most about being a staff member at HGHS?
Being able to develop experience and skills that will help my career in the educational field. I am excited about working with my classes and seeing my students grow through each term and the entire year.

What advice would you give to current students?
The advice I would give is to get involved in lots of different things. Try your hand in multiple extra-curricular things, like sport, the arts, and academic events. These will help you to grow in confidence and to build friendships that will make your time at high school really enjoyable.