Meet the Prefects
Before starting St Hilda’s as a boarder in Year 9, I spent most of my childhood living in Wanaka, attending Holy Family Catholic School for my primary school days. Growing up I always knew that I was going to attend boarding school, and loved the idea of living with my friends, hoping I would be able to attend St Hilda’s and wear the blue blazer. So when the time came for 13 year old me to be dropped off at Tolcarne, I was excited but also nervous to see how the next 5 years would go. However, I soon settled into life at Tolcarne and St Hilda's and have never looked back.
Coming to St Hilda's has opened up me up to a lot of new opportunities. I have played hockey since I was 5 years old and was able to play hockey alongside girls who I had always been playing against. Across Dunedin, there is also better competition, coaching, and representative teams. The team culture in the St Hilda's first XI is one of the best team environments I have been a part of and is one of the reasons why I enjoy playing so much. Over the past 5 years, I have also been able to play a range of sports, both socially and competitively. I have played netball, cricket, basketball, tennis, and touch. Touch is one sport that I only started playing in Year 9, but have been lucky enough to make it into the senior A team in Year 11 and it is now my main summer code!
During my time at St Hilda’s, I have been able to take a wide range of subjects and learn a variety of different things. This year I am taking Geography, Biology, Chemistry, PE, and Statistics and I am grateful for all the teaching and support my teachers provide. Some of my favorite memories from St Hilda's include the Year 13 PE ski trip to Snow Farm, our Abel Tasman trip, and most of all, winning the Aubery Timlin cup this year for hockey and qualifying the team for Federation Cup next year.
This year I have been lucky enough to be one of St Hilda's Sports Prefects working alongside Gemma, the other Sports Prefect, and the rest of the Prefect team. In this role, I have learned so much about myself, leadership, and working with others, along with enjoying being able to bring excitement and joy to the St Hilda's student body. This year Gemma and I had the goal to offer a range of different types of physical activities, trying to get as many girls involved in physical activity. To do this we have offered a variety of activities to cater to everyone, from 'Walkie-Talkies', morning group workouts, and even 'Queen of the Court'. We have loved seeing everyone participate!
Next year I plan to stay in Dunedin and have applied for a Bachelor of Nursing at the Polytechnic and a Bachelor of Science at the University. However, I know that whatever I do I will be able to take everything I have learned during my time at St Hilda's and apply them anywhere. Even though I am excited for next year, I know I will miss life at Tolcarne and St Hilda's. I have made friends and memories that I will cherish for a long time.