Christy Foster by Isla Huffadine

Meet the Prefects

Christy Foster - Deputy Head Girl

My St Hilda’s journey first started back in 2018 when my older sister made the move to Dunedin, leaving me as an only child for the first time. Although this didn’t last long, as the next year I followed her down to start my own high school experience! I’d done most of my growing up in towns quite a bit smaller than Dunedin - the majority was in Cromwell but with a few years in Woodend thrown in as well. So moving away was a bit of a shock to the system and I had no idea what to expect!

I remember my first wee while at St Hilda’s being a bit overwhelming, I mean adopting 32 Tolcarne sisters all at once is a rather big deal! But learning to grow and thrive in this environment has been one of my favourite things about the school. I came in a little, quiet (and slightly awkward) Year 9, but with the help of my newfound friends, I was able to really come out of my shell and try out some things I would never have expected myself to do!

One thing I will be forever grateful for is the amazing friendships I’ve made over the past four years at St Hilda’s. Being at the hostel has allowed me to form such strong bonds with girls who come from all over the lower South Island. With so many different people from different backgrounds, everyone has their own story to tell and things to teach. The mix of day girls and boarders from all over is something that I think builds the school community greatly and helps to create such a warm, supportive school environment.

St Hilda’s sport is something else I will always cherish from my time here. I have tried a range of sports over my time at school - some being a bit more social than others. Netball, touch, basketball and rugby all make the list, but rowing is the one that I’ve stuck with. I’ve had a bit of a rollercoaster ride with my school rowing, but it’s taught me so much along the way. I have to admit, I’m not the tallest person you’ll meet (not really ideal for rowing…) but I can say from this I have learned to give everything my all, because at the end of the day you only get one shot and there really is nothing to lose. 

I’ve had my fair share of tough races and placed 4th more times than I could count, but the teammates I have been surrounded with in the Hilda’s rowing squad are so incredible and I don’t think there’s anywhere you could find support quite like it. Getting up with the sun and being able to compete on the amazingly blue Lake Ruataniwha is something pretty special and contributes to my appreciation for the environment we have!

Obviously, in my own high school journey there have been good times as well as not-so-good times and I’ve realised that growing up can be hard. Whether it be not being at home, missing out on a sports team or struggling with an internal, sometimes things get stressful. This is where I can say St Hilda’s has taught me to believe in myself, to back myself and never say never because there are so many amazing opportunities to jump at. Things will not always be easy, but the bumpy parts of the road are where you learn the most and will help you to appreciate the smooth parts even more.

I feel so incredibly lucky to be able to represent St Hilda’s and wear our crest with pride. At first, I was quite taken by surprise to be named as Deputy Head Girl of 2023, but I feel so grateful to be given the opportunity to give back to the school and I hope to leave a positive influence on the younger and future students! The 2023 prefect team aims to allow students to create an environment where they feel encouraged to be their authentic selves and I am so excited to see how we can leave our mark on St Hilda’s and the wider community.

I’m not 100% sure of where I’ll be after school and I can’t read into the future or predict exactly how this year will go, but I am certain that I will continue to make the most amazing memories surrounded by the most inspiring and encouraging community! 



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