“We've been leading it since we got here”, “we were born ready” another one chimes in.
Some of the remarks by the 11 head students at Garin College after making the grade to represent around 640 students in 2026.
Principal John Maguire has praised the group as outstanding leaders who reflect the Catholic school’s motto, Faith and Wisdom.
Adam Ward, Amelia Marfell, Ben Gray, Chloe Burnett, Emma Heywood, Etenei Talamaivao, Finn McTague, Lennuu Nang, Mya Soong, Rosie Goomes and Renee Ogden-Bell say their goal is to strengthen Christian service, sports, arts, academics, and Māori and Pasifika culture, while encouraging every student to see themselves as a leader.
For a Catholic school, we have some really good values that other schools may not have, and everyone in the school environment has those values, making it a really safe and caring environment to go to school,” Mya says.
“Our school is very encouraging of leadership. We are the leadership team, but our whole year group are definitely leaders, and even people throughout all the year groups develop leadership skills. By year 13, everyone is more than capable,” Renee says.
Ben believes many students who shift schools only then realise Garin’s strengths.
“Kids that leave Garin end up coming back, because they find that the school they went to is actually not what they thought. Some people don't realise how lucky we are and the amazing opportunities we get,” he says.
“There's no judgment around anything in our school.”
Emma and Rosie are the Ngā Amorangi leaders with plans up their blazer sleeves to strengthen kapa haka, and Christian Service leaders Renee and Lennuu are encouraging students to embrace Catholic values and be a participant in an area of their choice rather than a spectator.
Adam and Amelia have a game plan as sports leaders to further boost the college’s already strong sports culture by encouraging both competitiveness and compassion.
Pasifika leader Etenei wants to elevate Pasifika and other cultural identities, while arts leaders Ben and Chloe hope to help students overcome hesitation and get involved in music, dance and visual arts.
Mya and Finn take on what they say is a vital portfolio as academic leaders.
Finn says strong academic support is “absolutely crucial for every student here”.
“Obviously it impacts your life. If you're going to university and you're feeling comfortable with where you're at in all your subjects, you're going to have an easier time,” he says.
“So, we're really going to try and build tutoring and study groups to make everyone feel comfortable at school and in their learning so they can achieve the best that they can.”
