Esther Whiteside - Liaison Prefect - Wellbeing

My journey at St Hilda’s began in 2020, coming in as a shy, wide-eyed Year 9. Packing up and moving from my family crop farm in Waiwera South to joining my other 32 sisters at Tolcarne was definitely a daunting but exciting step. Leaving behind my small primary school of 32 students to 450 felt huge, but the positive and uplifting school environment I had experienced for those past 8 years continued into secondary school, making this adjustment so much easier.

Adapting to city life took a bit of time. Going from being the oldest of three girls to living with my friends was slightly overwhelming, but it was like a giant sleepover every day! I started to come out of my shell, throwing myself into all the amazing opportunities that were available. I loved that there was something for everyone,  and trying new things (even the ones that scared me a little) was so worth it.

As I grew in confidence, I found my people, and these friendships are something I will forever cherish. I met so many new people from all sorts of backgrounds, which helped me grow, learning so much from everyone around me. I think it was the uplifting and inclusive environment at St Hilda’s that made my transition into high school life so seamless. As we learned and grew alongside each other, the support we share within our community is so inspiring, something I am truly thankful to be a part of.

St Hilda’s has given me the confidence to grow into the person I am today. I have found new interests and passions, especially through sport. I am extremely grateful to the sporting environment at St Hilda’s, through a range of sports like netball, rowing, hockey and touch, I have met so many amazing people. One of the biggest highlights was representing St Hilda’s at the Maadi Regatta in Karāpiro. It was so rewarding to see all the work the squad had put in over the season be recognised. I pushed past barriers I once thought were impossible to overcome, through the ups and downs of my three seasons, I can truly say that rowing, and sport at St Hilda’s, has allowed me to trust and have confidence in myself.

I am also incredibly thankful for the teachers and staff who have continuously supported me. Their dedication to encouraging curiosity and growth of the learners at St Hilda’s is so uplifting. Being in an environment like this has allowed me to grow so much as a learner, and I’m so excited for where this will lead me in the future.

When we made the decision to come to St Hilda’s, I knew it wouldn’t always be smooth sailing. Whether I have four internals due, didn’t make a team, or everything feels too much, I’ve learnt to believe in myself. To be confident in who I am, and develop strategies to work through this. Things will not always be easy, it's part of life, but at St Hilda’s, I have learnt to embrace the hard, because there will always be challenges. We just learn to adapt.

I’m so grateful to be a part of the amazing community that St Hilda’s has.  As Wellbeing Liaison Prefect, I now have the opportunity to give back to the people who have made my five years here so special.  I’m so thankful for all the support from the 2025 Prefect Team, the staff and the students of St Hilda’s. And as I continue to grow as a leader, I look forward to helping others be their uttermost authentic selves. Looking ahead, I’m not sure what the future holds, but when I reflect on how much I’ve learned during my time here, I know I’ll carry those lessons with me. The skills I’ve gained have shaped who I am, and I can step forward knowing that St Hilda's has prepared me with the confidence and support to take on whatever comes my way.

Esther Whiteside - Liaison Prefect - Wellbeing