HEAD STUDENTS From the freshmen year of 2015 to the end of an era 2019, Karamu High School, you have done me well. Time has travelled and has gone too fast where what seemed to have been endless hours of class time & homework to now, what only remains of a few short weeks before “adulthood”. I am grateful for all the experiences and opportunities that I’ve had over these 5 years from adventures of Outward Bound, ski trip, lunchtime schemes with Mr Ross, incubator programme, Friday night basket balling, early games of footy and of course the school events which show the true rivalry of friends and teachers: House sport (Kaweka for the win).
I have come to learn that Karamu High school is far more than just academics and sporting abilities, it’s about growth and building of character within a person. The hardships we experience inside and outside of the classroom are only something to learn and grow from. I know for sure these hardships have shaped the person I am today, safe to say after five long years of heartbreaks, 2nd place badges and sweat marks after every interval and lunch, I’ve made it.
As of course I would have never been able to make it without the help of the staff and my friends. First, to the people I have great respect and utmost admiration for. Constantly giving their time and effort for the students, that would be teaching, organising timetables, references, career interviews, cleaning the school grounds, making sure all IT is functioning and, of course, the help needed due to the lack of knowledge of not knowing how to tie a tie. I am thankful to each staff member who has helped guide me into the world of learning and shown that, with perseverance and belief, anything is possible.
Ben Randle Head Boy
To the students of KHS and especially to my own year group, the class of 2015, you lot are a crazy bunch. Getting to know you guys throughout the years, I have come to conclude that you all are individually unique in your own way. We have all been through many highs celebrating them as individuals or as a collective. We have all been through many lows but always had a shoulder for support. We’ve been there for each other and always will be, pushing one another to exceed our limits. I am truly grateful and blessed to have been surrounded by fantastic people on a daily basis. As always, study smart, dream big, set goals and always smile. - Ben Randle
16
When I started at Karamu, I remember looking up to the prefects, especially when I was in junior school, and knew I wanted to be in a position to make an impact on members of the school community when it was my chance. So when I was lucky enough to be announced Head Girl for 2019, I knew I was being set up for an amazing year. We often hear “what would you tell your Year 9 self now if you were able to change something?”, and although there are a few things I would do differently, I would have to say that my willingness to try all the endless opportunities that Karamu has to offer is a trait that I am proud I kept up, and is why I’ve been able to look back and say I’ve had an amazing 5 years at Karamu. I’ve lived through my high school years with the knowledge that you only regret the chances you don’t take, and through this I’ve had endless amazing experiences. From the extremes such as kayaking through Marlborough Sounds, getting a medal at the Grant Jarvis football tournament this year, ski trips, high ropes, completing a half marathon, to the more mellow things such as the feeling of getting a good grade on an exam you know you worked hard for, or the proud feeling of watching the juniors you coach win their debate. However, I can’t act as if all these things I’ve been lucky enough to partake in have been achieved simply because of my willingness to give things a go, but rather because of the amazing teachers, and school that have allowed the success of any student who should want it. Whether it’s been Mrs van Rijk organising all our Duke of Edinburgh trips, the PE staff pushing us to the limits on the skiing and Rotorua trips, Mr Rafferty coaching our team up to silver in our tournament, Mr Chamberlain printing out hundreds of pieces of paper to get the chemistry message across, Mr Blake setting up endless opportunities in the sports sector, and so many more teachers in so many different areas, all backed up by an amazing senior staff as well. So, if I can recommend something to every student at Karamu, it would be to take up as many opportunities as possible that Karamu has to offer in order to reach their full potential, because you won’t regret it. Knowing that very soon I’m going to have to say goodbye to the place that’s been a home for the last 5 years in order to chase my dreams is very bittersweet, but I know that I’ll live the rest my life remembering Karamu and everything it did for me. -Lucy McKay
Lucy McKay Head Girl
