Head Students

CHRISTIAN GRANT I came to PHS as an excited kid ready for the five years ahead. I learnt five years of maths, science, English, physical education, technology and other subjects. I worked for many things including, winning two rugby finals, becoming a Head Student, Captain and Vice-Captain of multiple rugby teams and also earned a qualification for my dream job. These things are very important for your life but something I took out of schooling is that it’s also important to enjoy hanging with your mates and friends, because after school you’ll regret it if you don’t. Make sure you surround yourself with people who lift you up and not people who put you down, you’ll thank yourself for it!

In 2015, when little naive Kara walked into the gates of Pukekohe KARA IRWIN High School, I was blissfully unaware of all that the growing experiences high school would give (let me tell you now, it’s not like High School Musical). Something that I will never forget, is my homeroom teacher telling me on my very first day of Year 9, that in Year 13, I was going to be head girl. And to this day, that desire to lead my school never left me. I am still not entirely sure why I wanted it so badly, but through my adventures of self-identity, plenty of good times, a handful of not so good times, lots of learning, and a whole lot of hard work, my goal came true and I will forever be grateful to be one of the leaders of 2020. I truly believe that your high school experience is what you want it to be, so dive into every opportunity that goes your way, enjoy every moment you can, believe in your ability, and be proud of your achievements. Five years goes quicker than you may think, but high school is the place of lessons, mistakes, experiences, support, happiness, love, and lifelong friends. The biggest thank you to the class of ’20 for an incredible year of school, this year wasn’t how we imagined it, but we made it to the end! What a wild ride it was, best of luck for wherever your future takes you. Lots of love, Kara

OLIVIA FAUSETT On the first day at Puke High, I couldn’t get over how big the school was, and I was constantly getting lost. On this day as a little year 9, I would have never thought I would be where I am today. This shows that anything can happen if you make the most of opportunities and put the work into yourself and have a vision. Starting High School was a huge step up from what I was used to but before I knew it, I was engrossed in everything high school had to offer. Since then I have loved our wide range of sporting, arts and co-curricular activities offered at our school and it has been one heck of a journey! One piece of advice to everyone coming through PHS it to make the most of the time you have here and embrace the laughs and opportunities you get because you’ll never get this experience again. And to our class of 2020, it’s Richard Petty pix been interesting, but I wish you the absolute best in your next endeavours and I can’t wait to see what this crazy world has to offer for us. All the best! Olivia x

Walking into P.H.S for the first time 5 years ago, I was RICHARD PETTY excited, but slightly nervous. I was so eager to finally get to high school, as my older sister had been here for 4 years before me, telling me a lot about what to expect. The first week was a lot to take in, but I found that as time went on, there were less strangers and more friends. Making the gradual changes through each year of school definitely came with its challenges, but with help from all my friends, I have overcome them, and somehow managed to make my way to this section of the magazine! I have found over the years, that you never know what you are fully capable of if you just sit back and watch, so I urge you all, whether you leave or return to high school next year, to push the envelope. If I had not become more involved, I would not have met the wonderful people I got to meet over the years, and been able to experience 2020 in the positive manner I was able to. Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to the teachers and students alike who have made my time here so memorable, knowing this period of my life is something that I will hold onto dearly for a very long time. To everyone reading this, whoever you are, I wish you good luck with your endeavours wherever they may take you.