Nga - kau nui

“Dio provides us with so many pathways to choose from and supports us on our journeys, so be brave, explore what you love and express it proudly.”

Maddy Gault, Head Prefect

BEING BIG-HEARTED

Head Prefect’s vision for 2020, delivered at assembly on 14 February.

Iwant to introduce myself in the context of what Dio offers us all, and then introduce my vision for the School.

I’ve been at Dio since I was five. My second home. Here I’ve learnt about myself personally, the way I learn, and the way I should treat others and expect to be treated myself. I’ve also learnt that running really just isn’t my thing. I may start at the front, but I always end up at the back. From the very beginning, I’ve met some incredible people – who are still tolerating me to this day.

We are taught by the most amazing teachers. For example, Miss Pardiwalla taught me to C3B4ME, and as simple as it might appear, this taught me not to be afraid to ask others for help, to see the value in my peers’ opinions, and to consult widely, recognising that everybody has something to learn from each other. Our teachers reassure us that asking for help isn’t a weakness. That person sitting next to you, that teacher in front of you, your tutor teacher, your dean, they are all here to help… and of course, the Revs!

Dio gives us some of the best opportunities. We must remember how lucky we are with everything we have here. Take the amazing facilities – that pool we all used at swimming sports wasn’t there when I first came. A lot of you didn’t have to walk to the Olympic Pools for PE! The new pool provided my Junior School generation with our first real competition: who could sell the most tickets for the Dig Deep fundraiser? I mean, how could you say no to that Junior School hat? Well some did, because I didn’t win, but that’s fine!

Reflecting on my Dio journey, we are always supported and empowered. As an example, in Year 9 I became obsessed with Grey’s Anatomy. Even though science wasn’t really my forte, all I could think about was becoming the best trauma surgeon ever. Dio let me explore this passion. I was moved into the advanced science class and was able to put my heart into it. It was such a positive environment, surrounded by people who want to lift you up and give you the best experience, despite your level of ability. What more could you ask for?

Around this time, and with the amazing pool, water polo really started to take off at Dio. We were so passionate and dedicated to the game. We felt unstoppable. Dio arranged a European trip when I was in Year 10. I was able to go with some of my closest friends. My sisters. Not only has water polo given me skills in the pool, it has helped me bond within a team, and immerse in a different culture. Dio water polo shaped my childhood. It taught me discipline, how to manage my time wisely, and provided me with friendships I’ll treasure forever.

More recently, drama has become important. Mrs Spicer created such a welcoming and comfortable environment that I was able to express a much more artsy side of myself. I was again lucky to travel to Europe to join my incredible drama family for another Dio adventure. We learnt from some of the best and grew more confident together. With the new Performing Arts Centre opening soon, more and more opportunities will fly our way. Without being judged, Dio let me put my heart into something new.

Throughout my journey on these pathways, which Dio supported, I was able to realise an underlying passion. I’ve been learning French since Year 2 in 2009! I loved class, but since I had been doing it for so long, it had become just another one of my subjects. But the experiences Dio provided, roaming the streets of France and hearing the locals, inspired me. I relished listening into many conversations and was so excited that I could pick up some of what was being said. Learning French at such a strong IB school is an amazing opportunity.

Now to our vision for 2020.

Our opportunities confirm how important it is to set a vision for ourselves as young women. So, Francesca and I would like to share with you our vision for 2020 – Ngākau nui. Ngākau nui best translates as ‘big-hearted’.

First, Dio empowers us to explore our own aspirations and paths as they arise, and to realise that we should never be afraid to put our hearts into them – whether mainstream or not. You should choose what you put your heart into and express it proudly with a big heart. If your choice changes over time, that is fine too. Sometimes it will endure, and sometimes it is just a pathway you travel to get to your next destination. Whichever it is, there are always valuable learnings. Everyone deserves to be happy, deserves to step out of the classroom, off the field, out of the pool, off the stage, or wherever, with a face sore from so much smiling; because that’s what passion is all about – putting your heart into something that brings you the utmost joy. In short, be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your heart on fire.

Secondly, as a family at Dio, we must all be big-hearted and support one another’s passions by accepting and respecting our choices and being inclusive. We can only be confident expressing our passions if collectively we are positive and accepting when others express theirs to us.

I encourage you to turn to someone, anyone, and tell them what you are currently putting your heart into. And when someone does that to you, be bighearted back and encourage them. Then tell them yours and celebrate each other!

Dio provides us with so many pathways to choose from and supports us on our journeys, so be brave, explore what you love and express it proudly. And be positive when others do so to you.

Never be afraid to share your passions. Speak them to life. Own them.

Be big-hearted – Ngākau nui.