In the end of Term 2 Newsletter, we feature our remaining Prefects.

Georgia Roy - Head Boarder

Coming to St Hilda's had always been the plan, both my parents went to boarding school so they both wanted me to have the awesome opportunity that they both got to experience. It was definitely a huge change to my everyday life, especially coming from a small rural school with around 200 students and of course moving into a hostel to live with 150 other girls.

I come from Balfour, a small rural town located in Northern Southland, where I have grown up on a sheep and beef farm. Coming into the big city of Dunedin, and adapting to the city life certainly wasn’t easy. Looking out my bedroom window to see buildings galore was a bit of a change from looking out to the sheep in the paddock at home. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Tolcarne. They are a very special bunch of girls I have lived with for the last five years and it will be very hard to leave. I have made some great connections with the girls from all over, and have created some pretty awesome memories.

Since coming to St Hilda's I've been offered so many opportunities that I would have never been able to have if I was still at home. I would definitely recommend giving everything a go, as you don’t know if you're going to like it until you try. I’ve been lucky enough to take part in so many sports teams at St Hilda's, the majority being hockey teams, going to plenty of tournaments and making many memories while doing it. I have played hockey since I was five years old and coming to Dunedin and getting to play with the girls that I had always played against at rep tournaments was pretty special. Being a part of the St Hilda's 1st Xl has been a massive highlight of my time at St Hilda's, the environment within the team is extremely unique, our team culture, commitment and hard work has led to success as we achieved our goal of winning the Audrey Timlin Cup last year. This means that our 1st Xl has qualified to go to the Federation Cup tournament this year. This was a pretty big achievement, especially for the girls in Year 13 this year who finally get to attend the National tournament. I have also been involved in coaching during my time at St Hilda's. I am coaching the Year 7 and 8s and it is very rewarding seeing their improvement.

This year I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to be Head Boarder and I have thoroughly enjoyed my role alongside Lucy Wright. We have both been working towards goals that we set at the start of the year and it is very rewarding watching them come to life. It has developed my leadership skills and has definitely helped me improve my organisation and time management, which will be a huge asset when next year comes around.

Next year is still a big blur to me and to be honest I wouldn’t mind staying around here for a while longer until I really know what I want to do! Wherever I go, and whatever I plan to do, I know that I will be leaving St Hilda's knowing that the person I have become wouldn’t have happened without challenging myself throughout my time here. It's certainly not going to be easy leaving as Tolcarne has become my second home.

Georgia Roy
Head Boarder

Lucy Wright - Head Boarder

Wow! All I can say is little Year 9 me would have never thought I’d still be at St Hilda’s today, but words can’t describe how truly glad I am. I started boarding at Tolcarne in Year 9, alongside my other ‘32 sisters’. It took me a long time to settle into my new family of 150 other girls as well as the constant chaos, but ever since I turned that page I haven’t looked back.

After living overseas where boarding school wasn’t as common, I never thought of the possibility of attending high school away from home, and I can’t say I wanted too at the time! However, when my parents sent my older brother to John McGlashan Collage I knew it wasn’t looking too good for me! Both of my parents attended a boarding school during their high school years and often refer to it as the “best decision their parents ever made for them”, hence why they felt very passionate about me having the same opportunity here at St Hilda’s. Five years later I can confidently say I 100% agree with them.

People always have something to say about the Dunedin weather, and my response is “At least it’s slightly warmer here than at home!”. Although it’s cold during the winter months, I’m lucky enough to call Queenstown my real home, however my home away from home is Tolcarne!

You’ll probably find me anywhere but in my room as I enjoy, and think it’s important, to socialise amongst the year groups, catching up on how everyone's week has been, or going!

I have loved being a part of the Tolcarne community and I can truly say I’m proud to be a part of the family. Being a part of Tolcarne has not only built independence, integrity, self confidence and much needed organisational skills, but it has also ingrained a strong sense of sisterhood between us girls, which I know we will all cherish moving forward into the future.

Taking on the role of Head Boarder this year has been a huge privilege. So far I have continued to learn and grow with more knowledge to achieve my goals within this role to my best abilities. There have been times where I have been challenged, however reminding myself of the goals Georgia and I set at the start of the year and being able to watch the initiatives slowly play out and bring happiness to the girls up at Tolcarne makes it all worth it! It’s been one of the best learning experiences and I’m sure stepping into the next half of the year, there will be many more to come!

I can’t believe how quick this year is flying by already, and for us Year 13s it’s hard to believe we are starting to think about the next chapter ahead. As daunting as it is, I know St Hilda’s has taught and provided me with life skills that will send me off well equipped for the future. Next year I am going to be studying Law and Commerce, however, as time is running out I need to decide whether I would like to study at Otago University or Canterbury University. Choosing between universities is proving to be more of a struggle than choosing a degree at this point! All I can say is a huge thank you to all the people who have supported and encouraged me to be who and where I am today. I am so excited to make the most of my last few months here at St Hilda’s with my peers.

Lucy Wright
Head Boarder

Claudia Christie – Liaison Prefect – Wellbeing

The first chapter of my life began in Singapore. Even though I was young when I lived there, I believe this start to my life helped shape me into the person I am today. Moving to Dunedin I attended Māori Hill Primary and then Balmacewen Intermediate. As soon as the idea of choosing a high school came to mind, I always knew that St Hilda’s was the place I wanted to go. Having had many family members attend and love the school, and an older sister who was enrolled at the time, I was certain that St Hilda’s was the school for me.

Looking back on my years at high school, I have many fond memories of all the opportunities I have been given. Some of my highlights include coming third in the South Island Tennis tournament as part of the school's tennis squad, performing plays in our drama class, and being part of the school's winning team in the Otago ‘Showquest’ competition last year. Whilst tennis has been my main sport, I have also represented the school in many others, including Netball, Basketball, Volleyball and Touch.

I believe the leadership and interpersonal skills that I have gained over the years at St Hilda’s have equipped me well for the future. As a Prefect, this is a skillset I continually draw upon. From coaching younger girls on the netball courts, to helping organise formals on the Formal Committee and planning school initiatives as part of the Student Council. I know these skills will help prepare me for the adventures ahead. I think Year 9 me would be impressed with all I have learnt over the years here.

The most rewarding experience of my time at school has been without a doubt, taking on the role of Liaison - Wellbeing Prefect. It has been an absolute privilege and I couldn’t be more happy to be in this role. Being part of an amazing prefect team, and working alongside incredibly supportive people including Brooke, Mrs McMillan and Marcelle has been such a fulfilling experience. This role has given me the opportunity to help and support the school community in many ways which is something that I have always been passionate about.

I believe that one of the greatest strengths of St Hilda’s is their pastoral care. I had first hand experience of this last year, when in September I became critically ill at the start of my mock exams. After spending some time in hospital and then several weeks recovering at home, I was unable to sit both my mock and end of year NCEA exams. This was a huge curveball thrown at me, especially given the importance of Level 2 results. The support from staff through this difficult time was amazing and I felt very fortunate that I was within such a caring community.

Next year I am planning on staying in Dunedin, and completing a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts, majoring in Marketing and Psychology at Otago University. These two majors have been something that I have always been interested in and I can’t wait to see where this will take me. I believe that St Hilda’s has well and truly prepared me for the next chapters of my life, and I will wear my St Hilda’s ring with great pride in the years to come.

Claudia Christie
Liaison Prefect - Wellbeing

Brooke Duncan – Liaison Prefect – Community

A little controversial to some, I made the move from Columba College in Year 11 to attend St Hilda’s for my senior years of high school. Despite being at Columba for only four years, previously attending Abbotsford Primary, I grew and learnt a lot while being there. Being exposed to a self-driven and high school environment at the young age of eleven was something that I found challenging at the time, but began to appreciate as I grew older as I realised it helped me mature into the person that I am today. Although grateful for the lessons that I learnt and the friends that I made at Columba, I decided I wanted a change. It was not an easy decision, however it is one that I never looked back on.

Coming to St Hilda’s in Year 11, I was slightly worried. The thought of not fitting in and worrying what people would think of me played on my mind. However, as soon as I settled in, the welcoming nature of the girls and the tight knit community of the school made me feel as if I had been at St Hilda’s from the beginning. While in my three years at St Hilda’s I have had the opportunity to take on my passions. I have been a part of the Touch team, Rugby team, Netball team, Basketball team, social Hockey and social Volleyball teams. I was lucky enough to have been a part of the Senior A Touch team when we took out the South Island title two years in a row... against Columba, which is always good. Aside from sporting opportunities, I have also been able to be a part of extracurricular groups including the Wellbeing and Volunteer clubs, as well as Amnesty International, Student Council and Formal Committee. The immense opportunities that St Hilda’s has to offer has been something that I have really valued in my time here.

Getting the opportunity to give back to the school being a Prefect this year has been a valuable experience and one that I have taken many lessons away from. Being able to create new initiatives within my Liaison role, alongside Claudia, has been a really rewarding experience, and one that I am privileged to have. So far we have initiated the Blood Drive, where a group of Year 13 students donated to those in need, been in contact with retirement villages, where we sent them cards of appreciation, as well as the Dunedin Hospital where we are in the process of planning to visit the Children's Ward to read to them and keep them company. Alongside this, we have plans to bake for the Homeless Shelter, create funding for the Ronald McDonald House and give back to, not only the school community, but the wider community as a whole, hoping to bring everyone closer together. We aim to focus on the little things, as sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest and most powerful impacts.

The positive environment that the school entails has created a safe and welcoming environment for all students at the school. The ongoing support from the staff that pushes you to be the best version of yourself, while encouraging every student to simply be themselves, has been incredible. The sisterhood that is created within the school is something that I will forever cherish, along with the lifelong friendships that I have created. As my time at St Hilda’s is coming to an end, I never imagined being in Year 13 would happen so quickly. St Hilda’s has given me all the tools that I need to take on the big wide world and as I step into the next chapter of my life, I have confidence that St Hilda’s has prepared me for what is to come.

Next year I plan to study a Bachelor of Law and Commerce, or Nursing, here at Otago. I am really looking forward to this new chapter in my life, however I will no doubt miss being a part of the school. I am sure I will continue to hear great things about it and I will see you all around! I appreciate all that St Hilda’s has given me, and thank you all for your support.

Brooke Duncan
Liaison Prefect – Community

Billie Crowe - Sports Prefect

Growing up I always knew that I would be going to boarding school, and it had always been something I had looked forward to as it seemed just like a big sleepover, but every night, and after being here for nearly five years I can tell you that it is basically just that!

I grew up in Wanaka, where I attended Holy Family Catholic School for all my primary and intermediate schooling, where I found my love for sports. I did as many sports as I could growing up to keep me entertained after school, Netball, Rippa Rugby, Hockey, Soccer, you name it. So when I came down to Dunedin for the St Hilda's Open Day, I was very excited to see what they had to offer, but also to see how much fun high school could be, so from that day onwards I spent days hoping that one day I could be wearing that blue blazer.

Coming to Tolcarne in 2019 as a 12-year-old, was a big change, from going from a school with 200 students to a school with 450 girls. Also living with 30 new friends is a lot to get used to. However everyone at Tolcarne makes you feel very welcome and over my time they have helped me grow to be the person I am today, giving me the independence, leadership skills and friendships that I will have forever. One thing I have loved the most about being a senior at Tolcarne is the friendships and connections that I have made with the juniors and building the sisterhood.

I am very grateful for the opportunities that St Hilda’s has given me throughout my five years here. From meeting new people, the various activities you can get involved in, and, for me in particular, all the sporting opportunities that were not offered back in Wanaka. After being involved with many sports through junior school I now focus on Hockey and Athletics, and St Hilda's has allowed me to grow within these sports. Most of my favourite memories are made from the tournaments I go on with my Hockey team, the culture we make and the memories that we will all have. I have also learned to give back to my sports by coaching the Year 7 and 8 Hockey team and being a Liaison for both sports, where I love seeing people develop within their sports.

I am very grateful to be allowed to be the Sports Prefect this year alongside Demi. I have loved everything we have done so far this year, and seeing what we can accomplish together. This leadership role has also taught me some valuable lessons that will be very useful for next year such as time management and speaking up to be heard. I love seeing everyone getting active in our weekly lunchtime movements and seeing everyone at school come together to support our initiatives.

Next year, I'm still not 100% sure what I want to do, but I do know that as St Hilda's has grown my love for the sport and leading and helping others, whatever I do will be under that umbrella. I know I will cherish my time at St Hilda's and will keep all the learning and memories I made with me for a long time.

Billie Crowe
Sports Prefect

Demi McAlwee - Sports Prefect

I began my St Hilda's journey in 2017 as an excited but nervous Year 7. Having come from Outram Primary, a small school just around the corner from my house with many people I knew, to a much bigger school 30 minutes from home and only knowing a few people was a big change. My transition to St Hilda's was not as daunting as I was doing it with my older sister Brooke coming into Year 9. After the first few days at St Hilda's getting to know the students and the staff, I knew that St Hilda's was the right school for me.

St Hilda's has provided me with many different opportunities in many different areas but for me my passion is sports. I have played Hockey, Netball, Cricket and Touch. As well as these sports teams I have also competed in cross countries and triathlons. Through these teams, I have loved the sisterhood amongst the students in all year groups. I feel as though this is something very special about St Hilda’s as there is a great connection between all of the students in the different year groups coming from our whanaungatanga groups into our sports and cultural groups.

Having the opportunity to be a Sports Prefect of 2023 with Billie is such an honour. I have loved getting to know many different people around the school from a range of different year groups. It has been so awesome to see lots of participation and students getting active in and out of the school environment in many different ways. One of my highlights from this year has been our Wednesday movements where we play many different games during lunchtime from Bench Ball to Kio Rahi. These games are always filled with fun, laughter and some friendly competition. I am looking forward to getting to know many more students in the school through these activities as the year progresses, as well as putting into place more initiatives that improve sports and physical activity within the school and the wider school community.

I am sad that my time at St Hilda's is coming to an end as I have learnt so much and loved all the experiences I have had whilst being here. Although I am sad about leaving, I am looking forward to my future studies next year. Thank you to the staff and the students that have been here during my time at St Hilda's for making my school experience so special. 

Demi McAlwee
Sports Prefect

Hannah Lawrence - Arts Prefect

The last seven years I have spent at St Hilda’s seem to have rushed past within the blink of an eye! In 2017 I was the baby of the school as a Year 7. I came to St Hilda’s from St Francis Xaiver, a small primary school with 100 people so it was a daunting and big jump for 10 year old me to attend a school with over 400 students. I can still remember the first day walking through the archway and the combination of excitement and fear in my stomach. I told mum not to walk in with me as I wanted to look like a “cool kid” and there I was - small Hannah with a fringe, ready to begin her high school journey.

Throughout my seven years at St Hilda’s I have been offered many opportunities that have helped me follow my passions and enhance my skills as a person. Predominantly my heart lies within the arty aspects of life. Hence my subject choices: Drama, Music, Photography, Media and English. My love for The Arts has continued to grow each year I have attended school.

Participating in multiple school productions, winning the Otago “Showquest” with schoolmates and being a part of Sings Hilda Choir and Kapa Haka has immersed me in my passions with endless support. My time at St Hilda’s has also helped my love for serving and helping others grow. This is by supporting students in both Peer Tutor and Peer Mentor roles, embracing The Arts as an Arts Liaison and also serving as the co-president of Zonta (2023) and being a part of the launch of the Aunty Hilda website. All of these extracurricular activities within school have allowed me to build a strong sense of sisterhood. I believe that the connections and sisterhood we build within the St Hilda’s community is one of my most valued aspects of my high school experience which I am so grateful to have had.

One thing that really helped me find my feet at St Hilda’s was being a part of the Rowing Squad for three seasons as a Coxswain. It was not an easy ride - many challenges were faced, however, in the end I came out a stronger and more mature person. I was pushed in a positive way in order to grow! Travelling up to Twizel for regattas and even Cambridge for the National Maadi Cup are lifetime memories. At St Hilda’s you do not have to be the best sportsperson, as long as you have a positive attitude you will fit right in (this is based on personal experience as sport is certainly not my forte).

When I think about the opportunities I have been offered my brain automatically thinks of the 2018 school exchange to Japan! Traveling across the world as a 13 year old, being able to submerge yourself in a new culture and being able to share the experience with friends is something I will never forget.

I am very honored to have been selected as one of the Arts Prefects for 2023, it has been a rewarding experience being able to encourage and watch students of St Hilda’s embrace and love The Arts - just as I have throughout the years. I value the support and smiles I have with the staff of the Arts Department - never allowing a dull day in the Art’s block. It is special to share this Arts Prefect role with Olivia who I have known since Kindergarten, both being at St Hilda’s since Year 7 and now working together as a cohesive team.

I am currently looking at multiple options for university but am intending on following my passion of Performing Arts and hoping to incorporate my other passion - of helping people by including sociology into the mix. The feeling of leaving St Hilda’s is an exhilarating yet nerve racking feeling, just how I felt on my first day walking through the arches. It feels like a full circle moment! I am excited to see what the next chapter of my life will hold, but I am feeling prepared with the tools St Hilda’s has provided me with.

Hannah Lawrence
Arts Prefect

Olivia Ollerenshaw - Arts Prefect

Dressed from head to toe in pink, I began my school journey at age five. Little did I know in 13 years time, I would be about looking back, astounded by how fast it's gone.

For the initial six years of my education, I attended Kaikorai Primary School, where I was a very busy kid and immersed myself in a wide range of activities. I was a part of the Kapa Haka group, Choir and Orchestra, featured in multiple productions and was involved in many sports teams. Kaikorai not only laid a solid academic foundation that would prepare me for the years to come but also taught me how to always give everything my all, express myself and care for others.

My St Hilda's story began at the age of 10, standing outside the arch, wearing a uniform far too large, in shoes that mum insisted on buying two sizes too big, hoping I would eventually grow into them (which never happened, as I still wear them to this day with two innersoles). At the time, I was overwhelmed and wondered what was in store for me. I felt like a small fish in a big pond, but fast forward seven years, I can say I have enjoyed every minute of my time.

Throughout my time at St Hilda's, I have been provided with many incredible opportunities and have tried to make the most of every one presented to me. I have been involved in various activities, including Hip Hop, Aerobics, Kapa Haka, Zonta and the Magazine Committee. I also have participated in multiple sports ranging from social Basketball to Rowing. Even though I have loved every activity, Rowing is the one I stuck with throughout my time at high school. In my first rowing season, I was the opposite of good. However, it was just something about being surrounded by supportive girls, getting out and enjoying nature in the fresh air that kept me getting up at 5 am to row before school started. It is not only a sport that allows me to get away from stress and zone out, but it has also taught me how to push myself beyond where I thought my limits were, while knowing there is always something to improve on, something to practise, something to fine-tune and learn. Over time, due to a massive amount of support from the girls and time from the coaches, managers and the school I improved and went on to win a Maadi medal with my teammate, which is a moment I will never forget. This wouldn't have been possible without the school providing this opportunity for me to learn and grow in a sport I love.

This year I am incredibly grateful to have the role of an Arts Prefect for 2023. I love working alongside Hannah Lawerence (the other Arts Prefect) to share the artist talent at St Hilda's with the school and wider community. I have always loved The Arts and found painting, in particular, a place to escape and express myself. The Arts Department at St Hilda's has allowed me to do this. The teachers are always inspiring, passionate about their topics and incredibly supportive of every student, regardless of their artistic abilities. The Arts Department is a safe space where everyone can express themselves and love what they are doing!

I will always cherish the friendships the school has allowed me to build. Regardless of the circumstances, my St Hilda's sisters have supported me during challenging times and celebrated my accomplishments. I am privileged to work alongside such an incredible group of motivated, supportive and caring students. As a part of the 2023 Prefect Team, we work together to create a safe and inclusive environment at St Hilda's, where every student feels comfortable and empowered to embrace their true authentic selves. The supportive and inspiring staff at St Hilda's constantly challenge and encourage students to push themselves to be the best version of themselves and strive for their personal best, which I can be nothing but grateful for.

My journey hasn't been without its challenges; as always, life has its ups and downs. However, my St Hilda's family have been there for me every step of the way, supporting me through every bump in the road. The caring, supportive environment has led me to understand that perfection is not attainable for anyone. Instead, it encourages celebrating every individual for their personal growth and unique qualities.

As 2024 looms, I am still unsure where I will be next year, let alone in a few years. My intention is to follow on with some sort of tertiary study and to continue rowing.

I know it will be sad saying goodbye to St Hilda’s, but I know the school community has taught me so many valuable life lessons and skills over the past seven years, which I know will stick with me no matter what I do going forward.

Olivia Ollerenshaw
Arts Prefect

Hannah McCoubrey – Sacristan

We moved around a lot when I was younger, and started primary school in England, in the Lake District. I went to three different schools in England, until I moved back to New Zealand when I was in Year 2. I then went to St Clair Primary School, where I remained until intermediate. I enjoyed all of my primary school experiences, and they all helped to shape me and my personality into who I am today. I remember coming to St Hilda’s open night as a 10 year old, and deciding this was definitely the school for me! It was awesome meeting all of the students and teachers, and seeing how much passion they had for their school. I loved the size of the school, and how the teachers all seemed to know you by name, and how you can get to know a wide range of people from all different ages.

I was so happy when I got the call to say I was going to St Hildas! I arrived as a very excited and nervous Year 7 student, whose uniform was far too big for me, and I could practically fit into my massive backpack. Instantly, I wanted to join as many clubs and activities as I could, to get as many badges as possible for my blazer, like trying new sports or joining the junior choir!

Over my years here, St Hilda’s has given me so many opportunities. It was great throughout the younger years being able to do multiple different subjects, to find out the different subjects I really enjoy. I've loved doing camps and trips with school, like going to Wellington in Year 9, the Geography field trip to Mt Cook, or tramps and bike rides with Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

As I have gotten older, St Hilda’s has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, and try new things such as leading and public speaking, which I would never have done otherwise, like leading the school's 40 hour famine last year.

It has been such a privilege to be a Sacristan Prefect this year! Along with the help of Alexia, Dr Townsley, and the rest of the Prefect team, it has been awesome to be able to serve and contribute to the school that I have been a part of for the past 7 years. It has been really awesome to have a say in the Special Character of the school, and to grow and push my own faith while sharing it honestly with the school. I am really looking forward to seeing what we are going to do with the rest of 2023, especially with the Special Character side of the school as the new Chapel is opening!

I have absolutely loved my time at St Hilda’s, and all of the lifelong friendships and memories it has given me. Next year, I am hoping to study at Otago University, and I am very excited to see what this new and challenging next step in my life is going to be.

Hannah McCoubrey
Sacristan

Alexia Jones - Sacristan

Before coming to St Hilda’s I went to Māori Hill Primary School and Balmacewen Intermediate. I have great memories from both of these schools and believe that they helped shape me into who I am today.

When it was time to choose a high school, I knew that I would end up at St Hilda’s and follow in my two older sister’s footsteps. So when I came to St Hilda's in Year 9, with my hand me down uniform, I was excited to be given the opportunities which I’d heard so much about from my sisters.

When I was younger I was a pretty shy kid, with school reports saying that “she needs to ask more questions”. Coming to St Hilda’s, and always being in a supportive environment, lead to me becoming more confident in myself and growing as a person. I never felt like the teachers didn’t care about (what were sometimes stupid) questions. I feel like school is an environment where I have been encouraged to be my best.

Whilst it took me a while to find my voice, I was given challenges and pushed to step out of my comfort zone. I was able to meet so many new people through trying different sports and joining different groups. Some of the sports I tried were Touch, Basketball, Rugby, Badminton and Water Polo. Having grown up doing Gymnastics it was a nice change to be a part of team sports. I gave Water Polo a try in Year 9 and discovered that it was a reasonably humbling experience - although, I found that it was in the times of drowning with my teammates that we grew closer. I have no regrets trying new sports as it has provided me with funny memories to look back on and laugh about, and lots of new connections with people.

I started Rugby in Year 11, which no one saw coming. If I told my younger self this she would have just laughed. Interestingly though, my Mum remembers thinking when I was two, as I launched myself off the ground to land fully slammed on top of my older sister, that I would be a good rugby player. Although I am not great at rugby, I like looking back and seeing that I have improved over the three years of playing. Rugby has definitely been a character building sport and has taught me a lot about myself and the person I want to be. I have learned to get back up when I’ve been knocked down (literally) and to carry my head high even when it feels like I've let the team down. It is a sport that involves trusting your team to the fullest and never giving up.

One thing that really made St Hilda’s stand out to me was Art and DVC (Design and Visual Communication). I had grown up always loving art and once I came to St Hilda’s and got to use the great new facilities, this love only increased. DVC has allowed me to use my creative skills and put them to use more practically, which is a lot of fun.

I am very grateful to have been given the role of Sacristan for 2023. The Special Character at the school holds a special place in my heart and I was excited to get to have an impact through it. My own personal faith has been challenged and grown throughout this year and has been positively changed for the good. I have learnt to trust in God when it feels like I have way too much to do and the challenge is too much. I have had great support from my Prefect buddy Hannah, from Dr Townsley and from the Prefect team. Each week Hannah and I are faced with small work that must be done, meaning there’s always something that needs organising. We have tried to be real about our faith in the Chapel Services we have run, and to show that God loves us all so totally.

As I look back over my years at St Hilda’s I can’t believe how fast time has gone by. It may be because there was always something to look forward to that kept me excited, that I have a great group of friends around to laugh with, or just that time flies when you’re having fun.

As I move on to the next stage of my life I will never forget the lessons I learnt at St Hilda's. I will always look fondly over the memories made and I know that it had a massive impact on the person I have been and will become.

Alexia Jones
Sacristan