2 minute read
Stronger Together
Finding the words to describe 2020 was challenging. I don’t think we’ve felt so many emotions in one year.
I’ve watched excitement pour across the room as people reunite, I’ve seen ‘plan c’ be used too many times and I’ve discovered that a pandemic can present opportunities to do things differently. We’ve learnt to live through alternative activities - ones that are ‘COVID-19 friendly’. We’ve learnt that laughter can keep us united even if it’s over a Teams message or Facetime. We’ve learnt the importance of spreading a little bit of love and kindness to others to help them get through tough times.
Throughout 2020 we have celebrated Live Week, Laugh Week and Love Week. As a school we raised $9642 for the 40 hour famine alone - the greatest amount in Rangi’s 40 hour famine history. Georgina, Asta and their councils held the first ever Pride Day and despite COVID-19 being around, we found ways to enjoy together Boarders Day, International Women’s Day and the Green Market.
But, before all of this, when we were sitting down at the start of the year not knowing what lay ahead, we were asked how we could help bring our diverse school community together. We decided to start Humans of Rangi - short documentaries showcasing the talent, cultures and background of our Rangi community in Assembly, in the hope that we’d grow together in acceptance. Millie shared her story of her family’s coconut farms in Vanuatu, Molly inspired us with her solo-pilot certifications, and Phoebe and Alice told us about twin life and growing up on an isolated farm. Elisah taught us about her culture and religion, whilst Jorja spoke to us about her home in the Chatham Islands and Sienna shared bravely about her dyslexia. Our Year 13s, Harriet, Brooke and Daisy gave their advice about how important it is to be kind to your mind. All ten of these Rangi students showed admirable bravery and vulnerability by speaking to our whole school, and it was these stories that we grew from and learnt about the different kinds of people in our community.
2020 has been one for the history books. Our sense of resilience has well in truly been tested, but we’ve ridden the wave of uncertainty, gratitude, and disappointment together.
Words by Sophie Pye HEAD GIRL • 2020
