Head Girl’s Report

HEAD GIRL’S

Report

“2020 went by in the blink of an eye. Full of challenging and demanding times, happy moments, crazy memories and everything in between; the year was an incredibly emotional rollercoaster for all. As I come to the end of my journey here at St Cuthbert’s, I have nothing but love and gratitude for this school. Despite the circumstances and the trying times that our cohort, our school, our teachers, and our country have been through in 2020, what an amazing learning journey it has been.”

From the minute you enter this school you look up to the Year 13s, excited about when you will grow up and be just like them. To not be able to have the usual rites of passage, celebrations, the Ball and time together, was truly devastating. Rather than brushing shoulders in the hallways, we were all stuck at home on our screens. We were upset and frustrated that we could not have the normal Year 13 ‘time of our lives’ that St Cuthbert’s was known for. But despite this, what a special year we had! When one event was cancelled, a virtual one replaced it. We realised that as the leaders of the school, our role as Prefects was even more important in these unprecedented times. We set up a student led e-magazine, a buddy programme - ‘Big Sister, Little Sister’, and an ‘Amazing girls of the week’ initiative. Our time as a cohort, although limited, felt all the more precious. We truly appreciated the times of joy and sadness that we shared together, never taking for granted one another’s presence. We developed an amazing sisterhood within Year 13 that was strengthened by the shared experience we had this year, and I know this special bond will keep us connected always. How grateful I am to be living in New Zealand, as we were able to make up for so much lost time in our final term of school. The first week back, the spirit of St Cuthbert’s was felt across the College as we came together for our annual House Music. The performances were some of the best I have ever seen despite the limited time for practice. The half-time entertainment from the male teachers of the school, that left everyone clutching their bellies in laughing fits, and the sheer joy on everyone’s face in the Clouston Hall as they cheered for their friends are memories that I will cherish forever. When asking friends around the school for their highlight of the year, everyone came to the unanimous consensus that House Music was the most epic day of this school year. Another highlight was the new and improved ‘Making Your Mark’ awards that provided hope and inspiration for the girls, especially the Year 13s nervous for our adventures in 2021 and beyond. The event was a special time for the Year 13s to be inspired by the amazing work of the Old Girls’ Association in the community and to be appreciated for their leadership and resilience. I will especially remember Old Girl, Janine Smith, for her words of wisdom, encouraging the class of 2020 to be confident that we can tackle anything that life throws at us, which seemed so fitting considering the final year we experienced. I am so thankful for the confidence, resilience and work ethic that this school has instilled in me. The willingness of the teachers to go beyond what is expected to make sure we personally succeed is the essence of St Cuthbert’s and has kept me motivated academically. I have been hugely involved in sports at the school and the highs and lows that come with being part of a team have shaped me as a person. I am so grateful for all of the teachers, coaches and other support people that I have had or those that inspired me from afar; the girls that I knew or those that I passed in the hallway. Every person that has been part of this school community has helped me develop into who I have become today. Now the time has come to pass on the torch to the 2021 graduates. Although your final year may still be affected by the pandemic, taking place in this ‘new normal’, we know you will continue to inspire and lead the way for our school. Have courage and empathy to navigate an unknown future and be forever grateful for the wonderful school that you are able to grow in. For the 2020 graduates there are no words to describe how much I care for you all. The strength you have brought me and the love you have shown is something I will remember for the rest of my life. Good luck for your future endeavours and may we all stay connected for years to come. Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei. Aroha Nui, Ruby Sussock, Head Girl