Full of Grace

We sat down to get to know our new Head Girl, Grace Merrilees, with a light-hearted Q & A session.

What have you enjoyed so far about being in your role as Head Girl?

I’m honestly still buzzing. It’s such a special privilege to be a voice to so many students. It’s been busy of course, but I’m really loving it.

What is your family link to St Cuthbert’s?

My nana, Margaret Merrilees (nee Willoughby) was a student and Head Girl, in 1963. She was in Elgin like me, but she was a boarder.

How does she feel about your appointment?

She’s proud – it’s very special for us both. I can still remember my first day at school and seeing Nana’s name up on the wall and feeling inspired by that.

Nana loved her time at St Cuth’s, and she sings the College song better than me! She’s still got friends from school as well. Although she got up to way more mischief than me. Her boarding stories are wild, and not repeatable here!

What are you most proud of as a St Cuthbert’s student?

The connectedness and community we have here are just incredible. And it doesn’t stop at school either – when you meet an Old Girl you can feel that sense of legacy and pride that everyone seems to carry for life. A bit like my nana.

I also think we’re blessed with the best teachers in New Zealand. The statistics speak for themselves, but they really are wonderful people on so many levels – not just from a formal learning perspective. They love the girls and give so much to us.

Is there an inspirational leader that you look up to?

Absolutely. I would say Isha, our 2022 Head Girl.

She was one of the first leaders I had true admiration for – I think this is because she was present in my everyday life. I was in her L3 Stats class last year, and she was always a kind, positive face, and a leader with an amazing sense of humour. She also had great speech writing abilities.

If you could invite three famous people over for dinner with some friends – who would you choose?

I’m a rugby fan so probably an All Black, like Beauden Barrett. Or Ed Sheeran – I’ve always been a fan of his music.

I would like to make room for an empowering woman at the party too. A name that comes to mind is Emma Watson – a strong feminist advocate. I admire the way that she stood up for herself and had a bold voice, in a discriminatory society.

What message do you have to younger girls about leadership?

I think we should remember that leadership comes in many forms, such as through kindness and the way we conduct ourselves. But I would also say to younger girls to make the most of the opportunities you get at St Cuth’s. Try new things! That helps you to be open to growth and develop your own path to leadership.

Do you have plans for next year?

Next year I am planning to go to uni, perhaps with a Health Science pathway. I’ve had that idea for a while. But right now, I am concentrating on this year and this role, as well as general schoolwork and some sport.

What does academic work and sport look like for you?

I’m a science girl through and through, but still like English and I loooooove rowing which I have just started. It’s awesome to see the rowing programme go from strength to strength and become so popular.

I’ve also played water polo and done orienteering which were fun.

In your Head Girl speech, you made it clear you didn’t like tomatoes. Is there any other food that’s a no-go?

I, unlike most NZ children, do not like chocolate fish. Something about the marshmallow has always seemed off to me.

Online shopping or in-store?

In-store shopping – definitely! I like to make a day of it – making it feel more special. Plus, I’m too indecisive to order anything online without the ability to try it on for size like you can in-store.

About once a year, my mum and I spend a day shopping together. It is lovely to have a day with no set plans, simply deciding where to go on a whim, and stopping for lunch and coffee whenever we feel like it.

What’s the last movie you cried to?

I couldn’t even tell you the name of the last movie I watched in general! Actually, I do distinctly remember re-watching the Lion King a few years ago and crying throughout. It’s a lot sadder than my younger self ever realised.

What do you do to relax?

I enjoy reading and walking our dogs, and spending time with friends.