Introducing our
2020 leaders
student
Another wonderful group of students have been appointed to more than 100 leadership roles for 2020. Leadership is an opportunity and responsibility our young leaders take seriously, and they are well supported in their roles. The 2020 prefect team, under the leadership of Heads of College, Emily Tyrrell and Hugh Montgomery, have introduced a theme called 2020 Vision as their guiding principle for the year. Emily Tyrrell Head Girl Emily is excited about the theme of 2020 Vision, and in her role as Head Girl, plans to encourage students to get clear on their goals and values, remain true to themselves, and engage in some of the many academic, cultural and sporting opportunities available at St Andrew’s. She would like to be seen as a positive, approachable leader, who is open to talking through new ideas with fellow students. Emily is an accomplished dancer and was Head of Dance in 2019. She also plays touch rugby, social basketball, and flute in the orchestra. Highlights of Emily’s time at the College include being a 2019 Robert Burns Scottish Scholar and helping to organise Dance Revue and the Senior College Formal in 2019. Next year, she is considering studying Veterinary Science at Massey University or having a gap year at Camp America. Hugh Montgomery Head Boy Helping students to understand the positive impact of setting achievable goals and striving for them is a focus of Head Boy, Hugh Montgomery. As a young Samoan man, Hugh enjoys ensuring students of all cultures feel welcomed and accepted at St Andrew’s, where Inclusivity is a key value. He says his most important qualities as a leader are being relatable, genuine, and courteous. Hugh is a talented academic, plays guitar and piano, and is a star sportsman, having played for the First XV for four years. He also competes in athletics, touch rugby and swimming, and has played other sports for the College. Hugh’s options post St Andrew’s include studying Sport Psychology or Business Studies at the University of Canterbury or having a gap year. He also hopes to progress his rugby career with the Crusaders after being a member of the franchise’s Junior Academy.
Aleisha Davis Deputy Head Girl Aleisha says she is privileged and humbled to be Deputy Head Girl, and her plans include building on the College’s already amazing culture, to create a fun and enjoyable St Andrew’s College experience for as many students as possible. She would like to be seen as a hard-working, dependable role model for younger students, and an approachable leader who is always available for a chat. Aleisha is a talented hockey player who has been in the First XI since she was in Year 9. Attending Tournament Week with the team is one of the highlights of her time at St Andrew’s, along with playing in the Senior B touch team. When Aleisha leaves the College, she hopes to go to university to study a science-based field, potentially Engineering, Veterinary Science, or Forensic Science. Omri Kepes Deputy Head Boy Omri Kepes is excited about the year ahead, with his main goals as Deputy Head Boy to create a positive vibe within the College, and to leave it with a sense of ‘togetherness’, and a tighter, more connected community. He aspires to be a leader who is personable and approachable, and someone who students feel comfortable asking questions of, or talking to. Highlights of Omri’s time at St Andrew’s have included playing for the First XI hockey team for several years and taking part in debating since Year 9. He has also taken up squash this year. Omri plans to take a gap year to travel with friends after leaving St Andrew’s, and on his return to New Zealand, potentially study Engineering or Architecture. He may also look to work on some start-ups, or similar business development options.
Libby McKinnel Head of Girls’ Boarding As Head of Girls’ Boarding, Libby McKinnel is determined to be a positive role model, and to ensure boarders, particularly those new to the College, feel at home in the boarding environment. She is proud to give back to the boarding community she first joined in Year 11, from Southland. Libby is committed to the boarding theme of Inclusivity for 2020, and with Head of Boys’ Boarding, Mini Toga, has implemented new initiatives to bring students of mixed ages and genders together. Attending Federation Cup with the First XI hockey team and going to camps to Castle Hill are among the highlights of Libby’s time at the College. She also participates in athletics, cricket, and Speech and Drama. After leaving St Andrew’s, Libby would like to go to university, possibly to study Marketing and Design. She is also keen to progress her hockey career. Aminiasi (Mini) Toga Head of Boys’ Boarding Mini Toga came to St Andrew’s from Fiji on a rugby scholarship in Year 11, and says he is proud to be the first Pacific Island student to hold the role of Head of Boys’ Boarding at St Andrew’s College. He is keen to be a role model for the younger Pasifika generation at the College and enjoys looking out for all of the younger boys in the boarding houses, to ensure that they feel welcome and comfortable. Mini is a key member of the First XV rugby team, had a prominent role in the 2019 Senior production, Parade, and is a member of the Māori and Pasifika group. He hopes to get a spot in the Crusaders Academy in 2021, or be awarded a university sports scholarship. Starting a building apprenticeship is another possibility for Mini once he leaves school.
