Hero photograph
Ella Hodgson
 
Photo by Isla Huffadine

Meet the Prefects

Ella Hodgson —

Ella Hodgson - Sacristan

13 years ago in 2010, I stepped out my front door rocking my new all pink outfit including a backpack, t-shirt, skirt, socks and sandals - what a combo, and I was ready to make it big time! Fast forward to today, 2 uniforms later and I can’t quite believe I’m in my final year of high school.

I began my schooling at East Taieri School where I spent my time making friends, practicing my times tables and playing in the playground. I was a kid who leaped at every opportunity and enjoyed giving everything a go. While being there I developed a love for music, helping others and having fun. Towards the end of 2015 I came to making the decision of where I would spend my next 7 years of school. While there were lots of options, in the end it came down to either St Hilda’s or Columba. I’d toured both schools and from my wee preview into life at SHCS (and the light blue uniform), I was sold that Hilda’s was where I wanted to be. A few months later on the 1st February I was walking into the archway in my slightly oversized kilt and blazer ready to start a new chapter. 

Moving from a relatively small primary school to a school with 450 girls was certainly daunting, but after a few weeks, as written in my Yr 7 RE journal “I was starting to find my way around and loving all the new subjects.” Since then I’ve absolutely loved my time at St Hilda's, having made so many friends and memories along the way.

Throughout the last 7 years, St Hilda's has provided me with so many opportunities to follow my passions, try new things and to grow as a person. I’ve always been someone who likes to put their hand up for things and take whatever opportunities I get offered, from this I have met amazing people and made some lasting memories. A few highlights would be traveling on the 2018 Japan Trip, attending Hands on Otago, completing 3 science extension and enrichment programmes at the NZMSC in Portobello and the annual Big Sing choir competitions.

Both my upbringing and time at St Hilda’s has instilled in me a passion to serve others and give back to those who have supported me along my journey. This has included serving as a member of the Chapel Committee, supporting younger students as both a Peer Mentor and Peer Tutor, encouraging students into the Arts as an Arts Liaison, representing my year group on the Student Council and serving in the positions of Vice-President (2021) and Treasurer (2022) of the St Hilda’s Z Club.

I feel very honoured to have been selected as a prefect for 2022 and have the opportunity to give back to the school community that has given me so much. I feel very grateful to be working alongside my fellow Sacristan, Madi Baker, and also Dr Townsley to lead the special character of St Hilda’s. This role has certainly challenged me at points, but I’ve also loved every minute. As a wider prefect team we’ve been working on our mission to create memories and share happiness in the little things and it has been so rewarding to see the smiles on everyone's faces when we run our different events. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what the rest of 2022 has in store for us.

I’ve learnt so much throughout my time at St Hilda’s and I’ll be forever thankful to everyone who has made my time here so special. My teachers have certainly always encouraged me to be the best I can and strive to reach my potential. The idea that 'practice makes progress' is something I’ve learnt through my education and is a mantra I now stand by.

I can’t quite believe we’re now halfway through 2022 and for us Year 13s we’re beginning to take those important next steps in preparing for life beyond St Hilda’s. Next year I’m hoping to attend the Otago University to study a Bachelor of Science, but in terms of majors and minors, I seem to be changing my mind daily! All I know is that I want to try new things, while also continuing doing the things I love. For now though, I’m excited to make the most of the final few months of high school with my peers!