Academic Prefect - Elsie Burnside

When I started my St Hilda’s journey I was a timid 10-year old, very apprehensive of what was to come, surrounded by a new environment filled with, what seemed to be at the time, lots of scary-looking older girls. I had previously been at Maori Hill School and before that St Joseph's Cathedral School, both considerably smaller schools. Seven years later it's amazing how much I have learned and grown during my time here. This positive experience has been my driving focus to get involved and give back to the community which gave me so much and made me into the person I am.

From a young age, I knew that St Hilda’s was where I wanted attend for high school, the image of a St Hilda's girl was burnt in my mind. At the time I thought that to fit in here you needed to be the best at everything and be perfect. This illusion faded, as during my time here I learned to be a St Hilda’s girl means being your authentic self, following your passions and thriving to better yourself every day.

Throughout my time here I tried to make the most out of all the opportunities presented to me. I’ve taken part in multiple sports, most favourably, Rowing. The self-determination and girt needed was a great experience during my high school years and the people and community within Rowing is truly unmatched. I’ve also been part of lots of clubs and commitments including; Z club (a personal favourite for my feminine self), the Wellbeing Committee, and being on the Board of Trustees as the student representative to name a few. The Board role so far has taught me invaluable skills about working together to achieve a common goal, as well as encouraging me to speak up for other students to make sure everyone's voices are heard. I’ve also developed a love for debating, taking part in both local and regional competitions, building great friendships in the process and developing confidence

I feel extremely grateful to be in the role of Academic Prefect for 2023, being able to help and support all students in their academic journey regardless of their individual abilities and interests. I personally have always enjoyed learning and exploring the world we live in and the components which make up our society, this love of learning is something that I’m proud to share and ignite with other students. Helping others become the best version of themselves is definitely one of my favourite parts of this role. This year one of my goals within my role is to redefine what and who you have to be to be considered academic or smart, helping girls realise and embrace their own unique type of genuine ability.

I’ve also had the honour to work and study alongside some amazing young women who have continuously inspired me with their strength, determination and kindness. All that I do in my role would not be possible if it wasn't for the support of the prefect team, as well as all of the projects which we undertake together to make the school a better place. The culture within the school has also allowed me to build strong and meaningful relationships with girls in other year groups, leading to a sense of connection and support among the students. I also have the privilege to be part of such a high-achieving and close-knit year group and this group of girls is a major part of what has made St Hilda’s such a special time for me.

I would be lying if I said that every school day has been perfect or that there weren't highs and lows, but the environment at school was there to support me through it all, inevitably helping me grow and learn more about myself and who I want to be as an individual. I have learned to be flexible and expect change, acknowledging that at times reality and my own ability may not live up to what I would had expected from them in the past and how to see the positive side of things when this happens.

I’m looking forward to seeing where my next journey will take me, regardless of what it ends up including I know that I will carry the skills St Hilda’s has taught me. But for the rest of the year, I will try and make the most of what little time I have left here, squeezing out every little bit high school has to offer.

St Hilda’s has truly been my home for the last seven years and will be a place I miss dearly as we loom closer to the end of the year. I'm extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff at school who have supported me throughout this journey and have believed in me the whole time, pushing me to be the best version of myself.