Hagley College Learn Your Way Student Profiles by Hagley College

Learn YOUR WAY

2018

You can learn about things that interest you at Hagley. The School of Music was a humungous change for me because, for the ﬁrst time, I could follow my passion and learn about something I really enjoyed. At my old school, I wasn’t given this option. I wanted to learn Te Reo as well, and the teachers not only allowed me to do this but supported me too. If I miss a class because I’m at Te Reo, they’re always willing to catch me up.

I’m juggling my music and my studies, and the teachers are helping me to manage my learning and offer huge amounts of support. It feels like the teacher’s sole purpose here is the student, while in other schools it sometimes seems like you’re just a statistic.

I’ve really developed as a vocalist and have learnt a lot about different musical genres as well. I now have a much wider perspective on music and life. I’ve just been selected as a finalist for the Tangata Pacifica Beats Competition and next year, I’m off to the UK to continue my studies as a vocalist.

LEARN YOUR WAY at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

Rongomai Vocalist

I can follow my passion and learn about something I enjoy

Rongomai Callahan

I’d heard great things about Hagley from a friend, so I came in Year 11, but it wasn’t till I got here that I found out about the variety of courses available. It seems at Hagley you can take a course in almost anything you’re into.

I’m passionate about both Drama – I won the best actor award at this year’s Sheila Winn Festival - and Music, and I’m planning a career in performance. I’m currently co-directing the Year 12 major production, and this is an opportunity I don’t think I’d get at another school.

This year I was lucky enough to get into a special course for Drama and English students that combines both subjects and makes learning much more engaging and meaningful. We studied Hamlet in English, and then went on to act in a play about Ophelia in Drama, so it all made more sense.

The teachers are super helpful here and it feels like there are so many diﬀerent ways you can go about your learning.

LEARN YOUR WAY at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

Josh Performer

I wish to create stories worth caring about

Josh Turner

I chose to move to Hagley in Year 12 to focus on my music and still get UE, but also because the timetable is so ﬂexible. Some days I started later and ﬁnished early, which meant I could work on my music projects at home.

My goal was to try and complete UE and Year 13 in 6 months, so I could attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston and study song writing, and with the support of my teachers, I did it and start in September. It was challenging. My teachers encouraged me to drive and manage my own learning, but still kept me on task. I had an individual learning programme and was allowed to take work home.

The Hagley School of Music has a strong theory component that has helped me develop as a musician. The main diﬀerence is that at Hagley everyone can work on what they are interested in, and if you have a strong passion or ambition, Hagley will cater for it.

Lydia Songwriter

LEARN YOUR WAY at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

Lydia Fay I completed UE in six months: America here I come!

Grace Dressage Rider

Dressage rider, student and perfectionist.

I chose dressage because you have to be precise and organised and that’s who I am. It’s also why I moved to Hagley. I can be in control of my learning here. When I ﬁrst came, I sat down with the Deputy Principal and worked out a programme that helped me combine my riding and study. At my old school I had to choose one or the other, and would have had to sacriﬁce my riding.

I’ve just spent four weeks in New York grooming for the NZ Dressage representatives for the World Equestrian Games. Without the ability to control my learning at Hagley this experience would not be possible. My goal is to compete Dressage internationally, although it’s diﬃcult to set long term goals because horses are unpredictable. My short-term goal is to get UE, and that’s a certainty.

I like to be in control and at Hagley, I can be

TillyElite Athlete

H agley helps me manage my training and study commitments. I’m a kayaker. I’ve been placed in national championships and was selected to represent New Zealand at a international competition in Australia this year, where I gained multiple titles in team and individual events. I was able to select subjects here that were fully internally assessed, so I can work on them in my own time. The timetable allows more freedom too. I can move my training sessions around my free periods, and the double periods are easier to manage and focus in.

I came to Hagley because of the wide subject choice. I knew I wanted a career in either psychology or law and you can study these courses at year 12.

The freedom and ﬂexibility I have at Hagley is helping me reach both my academic and sporting goals and to become the best person I can be. It’s supported me in ﬁguring out who I am and what I want. It puts me in the driving seat here.

LEARN YOUR WAY at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

I have the 2028 Olympics in sight, but ﬁ rst I’m working on becoming the best version of myself I can be

Tilly Prichard

Not a Stereotype

I had to repeat Year 12 and came to Hagley because I thought I wouldn’t be judged. I knew the school saw students as individuals rather than stereotypes, and when I arrived, no-one cared that I was a second year. I went part time this year because I only needed a certain number of credits and was able to focus on getting those and improving my grades.

If you have a good reason for wanting to do a subject, the teachers will listen, even if you don’t have all the pre-requisites. It’s the same with changing courses – if you don’t need the credits or you’re not enjoying a course, they will help you change. The teachers seem to be connected here and communicate with each other, so they know what I need, which makes me feel supported.

I had cancer when I was 12 and have been in remission for almost 4 years, but I still have some side eﬀects like memory loss and the teachers have been very understanding.

LEARN YOUR WAY at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

I’m on an individual programme because I’m an individual

Ryan Holley

Hagley works for me because I’m a volunteer firefighter, and there are times when I’m late or miss class for Fire Service duties. The teachers are always understanding and take it into account. At other schools there are no excuses for being late. If you’re late, you’re late. I o en come to school tired toowhen the alarm goes off during the night! - and the teachers work with that, and check in on me.

I struggled with Maths at my previous school but got pushed to the side because I wasn’t at the same level. Teaching there was more class-based, whereas here it’s more individual; the teachers care more about individual achievement, which helps me because I’m not good at asking for help when I get stuck. The teachers seem to genuinely care and notice when you’re not thriving and don’t give up on you – they dig deeper and push to see where you’re really at.

Zoey Fireﬁghter

The teachers don’t let me get behind when I’m putting out fires

Zoey Harris

I came to Hagley in Year 12 mostly because I got suspended for dyeing my hair blue at my old school, but it’s helped me in many other ways. I have a busy life outside of school. I’m on the board for UNITE Union, I volunteer for the Christchurch Central MP, Duncan Webb, and have just come back from the OECD forum in Paris as a youth delegate.

Lucy Political Activist

I can study part-time at Hagley to work around my political commitments. The teachers move deadlines and work with me outside of class. As well as this they allow me to incorporate my interests into my tasks, which probably makes their lives diﬃcult, but makes me more engaged and more interested in managing my own learning. Last year I did a night class, so I could work during the day, and when the teacher found out I was walking home from class, she was so concerned she drove me home. The teachers really care here.

LEARN YOUR WAY at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

I’m studying part-time so I still have time to change the world

Lucy Constable

I moved to Hagley because I wanted a less stressful learning environment. In my old school, learning was packaged in a way that didn’t suit me. It seemed that everyone had to learn and progress at the same stage, and if you weren’t at that stage, it was easy to get le behind.

At Hagley, you can manage your own learning a lot more, and are given time and support to catch up. It’s also more individual in how you learn. In my Maths class people are all working at diﬀerent levels, and if you need extra support, teachers will organise it.

It’s easy to talk to teachers here too; there seems to be more mutual respect, and they are open to diﬀerent learning styles. It helps also that it’s a much nicer social environment here. Because there’s such a wide range of students, no-one stands out, which means the classes are more comfortable and it’s easier to attend and learn.

I’m happy here.

ChrisFree Thinker

2019

I like working my own way. I can do that here.

At my old school, there were strict schedules we had to stick to and very little ﬂexibility. I think when choice is taken from you, you end up not wanting to engage as much and there’s less ownership. There’s more autonomy at Hagley – in what we learn, how we learn, even where and when we learn. The teachers understand too that not everyone’s the same, that not everyone learns in the same way.

I’m an independent worker; I like working my own way and I can do that here. The work is the same but diﬀerent. It’s not just about how to pass, but also how to learn.

There’s more autonomy at Hagley – in what we learn, how we learn SamanthaCowley

LEARN YOUR WAY

at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

Samantha Cowley

SolRogersMullins

Real learning. Real-world learning.

I feel like the teachers are preparing you for the real world. I’m achieving better here because the focus is on learning not just passing tests. It’s about engagement. The teachers really care about their subjects and about you as an individual learner. I love History, English and Music, and Hagley encourages me to keep an open mind about career paths, to embrace a broad range of interests. They don’t put pressure on me to choose, more to immerse myself in what I love.

I get treated like an adult at Hagley. It’s a trust thing. The teachers trust that I can make my own choices, make my own way, at my own pace.

LEARN YOUR WAY

at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

I feel like the teachers are preparing you for the real world

Sol Rogers Mul lins

Leading from behind

I wasn’t really into sport before I came here - I liked watching more than playing. Now my dream is to play basketball professionally or become a sports coach, and the PE teachers take my dream seriously. They keep me busy, help me train and have nominated me for leadership seminars, but they also care about my wellbeing and connect with me on a personal level. This makes me feel supported. It makes me feel respected.

They saw I had potential; they saw things in me I didn’t know I had. I’ve learnt from them that leadership isn’t about being bossy, it’s about standing behind your words.

LEARN YOUR WAY

at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

They saw I had potential; they saw things in me I didn’t know I had

Liam Day

CharlolteVanDerMeys

There’s nothing I can’t ask my teachers

I used to be shy, but the teachers here are so friendly and easy to talk to. In the ﬁrst week of school, one of my teachers saw me standing alone and took me and introduced me to other students. The tutor group is good too. It helped me make friends and feel conﬁdent.

In the past, I was afraid to ask the teachers questions in case I got it wrong and they judged me, but there’s nothing I can’t ask my teachers here. There’s nothing I can’t say. It makes me more motivated to learn. I’m enjoying learning and having fun. I’m happy.

LEARN YOUR WAY at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

I’m enjoying learning and having fun. I’m happy.

Charlotte Van Der Meys

ElvisNicolls

I’m composing my future

I’m free to do my own thing and experiment with music and diﬀerent instruments at Hagley. At my last school I wasn’t allowed to play piano because I didn’t have the theory, but here I’m encouraged to explore and create. When I ﬁrst arrived, it seemed that everything felt brighter; everyone was happier –the students and teachers.

We’re encouraged to perform outside of school. The teachers come and watch and will even use it as an assessment opportunity. They support you emotionally too. I’m more motivated here, because I know I can get where I want to go. The teachers have shown me more choices than I knew existed and this year I’m choosing to record my ﬁrst EP in the school studio.

LEARN YOUR WAY at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

I’m more motivated here, because I know I can get where I want to go

Elvis Nicol ls

IsraelSoper

My teachers have shown me that failure isn’t failure; that making mistakes is how you learn

The culture here is inviting, comfortable and everyone learns better when they’re comfortable. They look for and acknowledge the good. Feedback is always constructive and about what you need as an individual learner. They changed me from someone who didn’t want to try – to someone who constantly pushes himself. They open the gym for me at 7am so I can train. They respect me as an individual, as a human being.

LEARN YOUR WAY

at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

Israel Soper

Now I want to give back. I want to give others what Hagley has given me. I want to pay it forward

Nasteho

MohamedMohamud

Refugee to rulebreaker

I was born in Somali and spent six years in a refugee camp in Kenya. Now Hagley is home. Next year I’m going to train as a PE teacher – not a typical career choice for a Muslim girl! PE is important. In my culture, girls aren’t encouraged to do sport and I want to change that.

My teachers encouraged me all the way. They told me I could do it! They let me take rests during Ramadan, gave me extra help as a second language learner and include my culture and religion in class discussions. They respect my culture and beliefs.

LEARN YOUR WAY at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

Lydia Fay

PE teacher – not a typical career choice for a Muslim girl!

Nasteho Mohamud Mohamed

Teshager Berhe

I’m pushed in a good way

I was born and raised in the Sudan. It used to be quiet and peaceful but now there is political unrest. This is my fourth year at Hagley. When I arrived, I had no English – now I’m studying to pass level 2 NCEA. In Africa, the teachers make you study even when you don’t want to. Here they push you in a good way. They encourage you. They keep checking in, making sure you don’t get behind and that you know what you’re doing.

The teachers don’t just teach subjects – they help with everything: writing a CV, applying for jobs, and ﬁnding the right career. They care about you.

LEARN YOUR WAY at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

I’m pushed in a good way. They encourage you. They keep checking in.

Teshager Berhe

CharlolteJames

Rocket Woman!

I’m determined to be the ﬁrst kiwi woman in space.

I love Science and my Science teachers have supported my dream. They’ve always taken it seriously. Next year I’m going to Space Camp with the school, but for now they are challenging and inspiring me to achieve academically, to push my learning and knowledge frontiers.

I was home-schooled and chose Hagley as a high school as it gave me the best of both worlds. The freedom to follow my dreams and the structure and support to reach them; to achieve academically on a national scale. Hagley lets me be what I want, to learn what I want. It allows me to be myself.

LEARN YOUR WAY at Hagley in Year 12 and 13

The freedom to follow my dreams and the structure and support to reach them

Charlotte James

2020

At Hagley, the length of my hair or the style of my clothes has never been a barrier to my learning. I feel free to express myself and I can focus on my interests- at the moment, I’m focused on architecture and design. It’s important to me to keep my options open for the future and I’ve had the ﬂexibility at Hagley to take the Maths and Physics courses I’d need to become an Architect, as well as the likes of Painting and Motion Graphics to prepare for a career in a creative ﬁeld.

I feel trusted at Hagley to make choices about my learning. The teachers have encouraged me in the challenges I’ve set for myself and supported me when I’ve taken on too much! Even though my weeks can be quite busy with classes, sports, School Council, and as the Student BOT Representative, I have freedom in my schedule to catch up with friends and spend extra time in the Art room which I love.

Just like me, Hagley is diverse. I’ve met all kinds of people and we can all be ourselves, without limitations.

CERWyN

Cerwyn Bach-Strong Student 2020

Before I came to Hagley, I’d stopped enjoying school. I can’t believe how much has changed in a year! I live out of town, in Waipara, but I’m so happy to get up early and make the trip into school. My favourite thing is how free I feel to be myself here, without judgement, or feeling the need to change myself to fit in.

I know I want to work with children in the future, either in Education or Social Work, so I’ve chosen courses in Health, Child and Family studies (where we visit the Hagley Preschool), and te reo Māori. I already feel prepared for a smooth transition into tertiary study next year. I study full-time at Hagley, but because I don’t have a class on Wednesdays, I can work at my cafe job. I know that learning how to balance study and part-time work will be really important during uni.

Hagley has encouraged connections to my Māoritanga and this year I’ve really strengthened the ties with my iwi, Ngāpuhi, and my hapū. I also play Basketball and I’m helping to organise our Senior Formal. I’ve been able to meet lots of different people and have blossomed into who I am today.

emily

Emily Dellaway Student 2020

I’d describe Hagley as a place that gives people the room to discover their own reason for learning, and then supports them in that direction.

Te Whare ki Te Puna Wai o Papa has been such an important space for me. It’s a pocket of our school that operates under tikanga Māori- it’s open to everyone and has a real community feel. The kaiako/teachers of the Māori department see students as whole people, not only as pupils, and I’ve ﬂourished there. My potential has been nurtured, and I’ve had opportunities to grow as a leader, and a person. Recently, I had the chance to co-teach a reo Māori session for students training to be teachers- something I would never have imagined myself doing a couple of years ago.

I’m interested in art, music, and language- they’re are all expressions of our identity- and here at Hagley I’ve been able to pursue each of these. I take Music, Printmaking, Māori, Kapa Haka, Film, and Classics. The variety of subjects is why I chose to come to Hagley for my last two years of high school. I came from a smaller school where there was a lot of freedom but being smaller there were fewer classes on offer. There’s also been the flexibility to take six subjectsthe usual is five- and there was space in my timetable to do that.

The two councils I belong to at Hagley (Student Council and Te Urungi) have given me an appreciation of how important it is that young people have a voice and are listened to. We care about our world, the people in it, and doing what we can to make positive change- that feels meaningful here.

I think of Hagley as being like the launching pad that I’ll set out from into the future. I feel conﬁdent now, in heading into the world.

Solomon

Solomon Davis Student 2020

Hagley is a place where you’ll feel safe and be able to ﬁnd your place- no matter who you are. I came to Hagley as a Year 12 student because I wanted more control and freedom over my education. At my previous school, there were subjects you had to take right through school, but I can make my own choices here.

This year, I’m taking three subjects at Hagley, and two days a week I study Electrical Engineering at Ara. I don’t have to choose between one interest or the other. I’ve been given a head start on my future career and have been able to experience a tertiary environment while having the security of my classes at Hagley. My teachers have oﬀered lots of ﬂexibility with the assessments and I haven’t had to worry about missing tests or deadlines.

I think Hagley does a great job of preparing you for the real world. The variety of people, courses, and the whole environment realistically reﬂects societymore than other schools where everything can feel the same! I feel positive and conﬁdent in relating to people from a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and places. For me, Hagley has been the perfect balance of structure and freedom.

beau

Samantha Cowley

Beau White Student 2020

My dream is to own a restaurant where I’d serve traditional Afghani food, not just to people from Afghanistan, but for everyone to try it. At Hagley, I’m preparing for my next step which is to gain entry to a course in Hospitality. In New Zealand, as women we belong to ourselves. It’s important to me that I can support myself and I have more options here than in the small village in Afghanistan where I came from.

I chose Hagley because I can study subjects like Maths and Science, and learn English at the same time- I know this will help me with my future plans. Science is probably my favourite class. We learn so many interesting things about the world. I go to the Homework Centre once a week in the evenings for some help with my writing; I ﬁnd it enjoyable because we choose to go. There’s also a translator available at Hagley who I have seen help students with many things, not just schoolwork.

What I also like about Hagley is that there is time in my week to take my classes but also for other things. I have time to help my mother, and take her to her course, as well as time I can spend in the Library here at school, reading or catching up on my studies. I’ve met lots of people and am friends with people from so many places like Somalia, Ethiopia, Fiji, and the Phillipines. The adult Kiwis here are helpful, friendly, and smiley. I’d like to make more friends with young Kiwi students, they seem nice too, and I’d have the chance to practise my English skills.

raihana

Raihana Akbari Student 2020

Education is important in my family and we spent time researching schools before deciding on Hagley. Having been home-schooled up until Year 9, I knew that bells and a uniform would be a backwards step; I wanted to take more personal responsibility when it came to school. There’s a focus on learners as individuals at Hagley and I’ve always felt supported in making decisions and exploring a range of interests.

It was a subject clash in Year 12 that really helped to set me on the path I’m on today. I was able to take Level 3 Drama and Dance that year which meant I was working towards NCEA Level 2 and 3 at the same time. Following that, in Yr13, I was accepted into the Hagley Theatre Company’s full-time performance and theatre course. Now, I’m 100% committed to pursuing a career in the performing arts. The chance to work with industry professionals every day in this course makes me feel conﬁdent and excited about the future. Next year, I hope to study towards a Performing Arts degree at Toi Whakaari or UniTec.

In my time at Hagley I’ve seen the positive way that teachers and students can work together as equals. Whenever I’ve had an idea about my learning pathway, I was able to talk it over with someone and I felt genuinely listened to. I’m always telling people about this place and how many unexpected journeys can unfold here.

Gisele

I’ve never felt pressured into specialisation at Hagley. My interests are broad, and include climbing, music, academics, and most especially, the natural worldwhere there’s so much more to learn. I’ve been able to explore my passions and projects here, without having to choose between them or narrowing down my options for the future.

Being at Hagley has helped me to improve my self-conﬁdence; I’ve found the teachers and students here to be supportive instead of intimidating. My teachers are also always willing to help with personal projects that relate to the subject, giving me the chance to learn lots of new skills- like the time I found a slime mould and took it to the Science Department for a closer look under one of their microscopes. Things like that really show how supportive the culture is here.

I’m busy most lunch times with activities like Juggling Club, Environment Group, and Scholarship study groups. One of the things I love about Hagley is, you can get involved in what you’re interested in no matter what your prior experience is, and if a group doesn’t exist- you can probably start one up!

liadan

Liadan Dickie Student 2020

I arrived in New Zealand in 2017 and spent a year at another high school before joining Hagley last year. We learned how to read and write in English in Sāmoa, but living and studying in an English-speaking environment is completely diﬀerent! At Hagley, I’ve been able to take English Language Learning classes alongside my passion subjects. My teachers are all helpful, and the Careers Department are great at supporting the students’ plans for the future.

I’d wanted to study Nursing, so I looked into the Hagley Pre-Health Studies course for this year. The more I thought about it though, I really don’t like blood and I don’t think that would have worked out! I switched focus and signed up for the Early Childhood Education course instead. I’m so glad I did. We spend regular time in the Hagley Preschool, and I’ve had the chance to see what the career actually involves. I feel happy and connected in the class- we spend ﬁve days a week together- and we’re more friends than classmates now.

My older sister is studying towards her master’s degree in Wellington and she’s always encouraging my studies. Having had the chance to try out different courses and explore my interests at Hagley, I’ve been able to find my passion. I feel confident moving forward and am planning to continue my ECE studies at university.

SU

Su Ierome Student 2020

I’ve always been creative. When I was little, I’d prefer to make my own toys out of diﬀerent bits and pieces that I’d put together. Now I’m older, I’m still doing that but I’m creating sculptures instead of toys. In the Sculpture course I take at Hagley, I’ve learned that sculptures can contain symbols, and incredibly deep ideas, but sometimes they can mean nothing at all! I’m inspired by what I see around me, and I’m always looking for new mediums- some of my favourite materials are copper wire and bone. I also take Animation where I get to see my drawings come to life. It was the opportunity to take interesting classes that drew me to Hagley in the ﬁrst place.

In the past I’ve experienced bullying for being deaf but that hasn’t happened at Hagley. I feel comfortable and accepted here. I’ve found the students are pretty non-judgemental and willing to have a conversation and get to know each other. My friends and I gravitated towards each other in Year 9 but this year we’ve been making other connections through our diﬀerent subjects and our group is expanding.

I think Hagley encourages responsibility while respecting our independence. It’s certainly helped me to develop my maturity and explore my passions. Going into Year 11, there was a clash between two subjects and I was able to take a Level 2 class to make space for Psychology. Next year I’m keen to pick up the Creative Writing class. I don’t know what my future direction is but I’m going to make the most of my time here working on the projects that I love.

jess

Jess Haigh Student 2020

I’ve never been told that my dreams are too big at Hagley. Instead, I’ve been given opportunities to pursue any goal I’ve set for myself. Next year, I’ll head to Victoria University to begin a degree in Psychology- I want to achieve a master’s, or even PhD qualification. What motivates me is a wish to help people who are struggling with their mental health; I’m also hoping to encourage more inclusivity within the field, like widespread use of NZSL to help people who are hearing impaired like myself. I’ve loved being able to take the Level 3 Psychology course at Hagley and it’s confirmed that I’m heading in the right direction.

Life is full of commitments like whānau, work, sports, coaching, and study. My teachers have shown ﬂexibility and understanding when I’ve needed it. I’ve been able to catch up with anything I’ve missed, as well as take up opportunities to extend my learning. Our maturity and independence as young people is encouraged here, and the teachers work with us to ﬁnd solutions and new ways of doing things. I feel trusted to make decisions for myself, not just about my education, but my wellbeing too.

Hagley has encouraged my academic abilities as well as allowing me to express my full self as a Year 13 Māori student. We’re proud of our name, Te Puna Wai o Waipapa, and I can feel proud here of my Ngāi Tahu whakapapa.

georgie

Georgie Trigg Student 2020

I chose Hagley for the people, the subjects, and the culture. The mix of students and teachers here make for a great community. There’s heaps of diversity, kindness, ﬂexibility as well as plenty of opportunities. I’ve learned a lot, both academically and in life, and I know I’ll leave here with an open mind and an appreciation and respect for people of all backgrounds.

Hagley’s ﬂexible approach has made it possible for me to be involved in lots of activities outside of class while also working towards my academic goals. Taking part in lots of sport, going on Outdoor Education trips, and my leadership commitments have all been accommodated for. I can work with teachers to make a plan for catching up on assessments and class work without missing out on other opportunities.

I take a range of classes at Hagley including Psychology, Computer Science, Classics, Calculus, and Physics. One of the unique things about Hagley is the A er3 classes and I’ve been able to study German on Wednesday evenings. My academic needs are met here, which means I can learn at the level that’s right for me.

Per Tonascia Student 2020

2021

at Hagley

I’ve never been happier at a school, and I’ve been to a few. Hagley is the ﬁrst school I’ve gone to where I’ve felt instantly comfortable. I haven’t had to adjust or take a few weeks to feel right.

Coming to Hagley was a huge changing point in my life. At previous schools I felt like I didn’t belong, but here, everyone belongs. I came out as transgender at Hagley. Coming here gave me the conﬁdence to come out. It’s just so welcoming and so accepting. Noone tells you that you have to do things a certain way or be a certain way.

Burns Student 2021 There’s a bigger connection

bazz

The no uniform was a big selling point, especially as a trans student, but it’s the people I stay for. I’ve made really good friends, real friends. There’s a bigger connection at Hagley that makes it diﬀerent to other schools.

The teachers are diﬀerent too. They don’t talk down to you but treat you like an equal, which makes being in class so much easier. The work is the same, but it feels easier because the teachers are so encouraging and no-one’s on your back. I’ve had some bad encounters with teachers in the past, but I’m yet to meet a bad teacher at Hagley.

For me as a learner if I respect my teachers, it makes all the diﬀerence. It makes being in class so much easier. I’m coming here by choice. I show up by choice because I like being here.

Bazz

you don’t have to try hard to fit in

Analise

Moving to Hagley was the best decision I’ve ever made. Music’s the only thing I want to do with my life so I couldn’t deal with the whole mainstream learning approach. In the School of Music we get so many opportunities that you don’t get at other schools. If you want to do music, the School of Music is the way to go. The course is 50% theory and 50% performance so there are heaps of performance opportunities with audiences. If you want to work towards UE you can do that too.

Everyone in the School of Music is working towards something. I’m a singer songwriter, but last year when I ﬁrst started here I couldn’t sing for shite. This week though, I found out that I got in the top 45 for the Lion Foundation songwriting competition and I’ve won a recording session. Next year, I’m hoping to get into a NASDA course.

Hagley is one of those schools where you don’t have to try hard to ﬁt in; where you can be yourself. I wouldn’t change Hagley for anything. The teachers just get you and you connect with them if they’re young or old. They always seem to know if you’re having a bad day, and they just take their time with you. It helps that you can call them by their ﬁrst name. It helps build trust.

Analise Twemlow - Student 2021

There’s a balance of independence and getting the help you need

Beni

I came to Hagley because of the subject options. I’m a high achiever, but I’ve learnt more from exploring different subject options than from just being extended in single subjects. I like that you get to pick your own path here. I came for the computing classes but ended up on a different path. I got a ton of support from careers who found me a job, encouraged me to take a range of different subjects, and helped me onto an Aviation course. Now they are helping me plan my learning programme so I can train as a pilot.

It’s important to me that I get to choose what I do, to keep exploring options and to do well. The teachers here support you in whatever you choose. There’s a balance of independence and getting the help you need. The learning is more catered to your pace. You don’t have to keep up with everyone else or with how the year is ‘meant to be’ planned. if you’re doing well, they let you move on to other standards, or to excellence; if you’re behind they’ll let you slow down and take your time.

There’s no real barrier between the teachers and students here. It’s more than just calling them by their ﬁrst names. You’re both trying to achieve the same goal – helping your learning.

Beni Rae - Student 2021

we’re a familya family of individuals Nova

Ko Hikurangi, ko Whiria, ko Te Maiki, ko Aoraki ngā maunga

Ko Waiapu, ko Hokianga, ko Taumarere, ko Waitaki ngā wai tapu

Ko Porourangi, ko Puhi, ko Tahu Pōtiki ngā tāngata

Ko Nova Taukamo tōku ingoa

I’ve always been a very independent learner and like being in my own headspace and the teachers really respect that. Everyone has their own quirks here and we are accepted as individuals, but you always ﬁnd like-minded people with shared interests. Everyone’s on a ﬁrst name basis, so you grow real relationships and empower one another through mutual respect.

When I ﬁrst started at Hagley, I signed up for as many sports as possible. The PE department created opportunties for us to play alongside some of the seniors and I made many friends from all year levels. I also get to coach and play basketball, ki o rahi and korfball at the highest level. I’m not sure what my future pathways are yet, as I love both sports and music, but I know I’ll be supported in whatever I do.

This year I had a timetable clash with Te Reo Māori and psychology. The school helped me to keep learning my reo by ﬁnding an online platform for me. I’ve participated in an external leadership course ‘Rangatahi tū Rangatira’ which helps to set us up for life outside of school. I’m also on the student council and the Māori Council ‘Te Urungi’ which is a collective group for students, parents and staﬀ voice.

The Hagley community is encouraging and unlocks the potential in all of us; it’s a great place to grow and become the person you were meant to be.

Nova

Taukamo - Student 2021

my teachers have shown me that I can handle anything

Rummana

Hagley has helped me grow into the best version of myself. It’s mostly because of the support. The teachers are always listening, and I know they’ll do anything I ask them. They take in my opinions and feelings and don’t disregard me. With the subjects I’m not so good at, they go out of their way to help me and show me that I can do it. My teachers know that I can put pressure on myself, so they’re always reminding me that I’m doing a good job.

I love that everyone is so different here. Everyone brings different experiences and perspectives. I’m Fijian and my values are different – we are not so open about some things – and my teachers take this into account. They will try another approach, so I don’t feel uncomfortable in certain activities. During Ramadan when I was fasting, the teachers understood that I might find some activities challenging. I’m comfortable talking about my religion here.

I’ve learnt a lot about myself at Hagley. I’ve learnt how to become more independent and to take charge of my learning, because my teachers have shown me that I can handle anything. It’s helped me think about my future. Now I’m thinking about training as a lawyer. I’d love to open a legal Aid organisation that supports people from ethnic communities who need help but can’t aﬀord it.

Rummana Ali - Student 2021

There’s a strong sense of community

pie

I chose Hagley because it allows me to be who I am. My mum had gone here and told me that at this school I’d have the freedom to do what I want and to be what I want. So, I said that’s it – I want to be free! At Hagley, I’m free to wear what I like, to dye my hair any colour I want, and nobody judges me for it. I’m just accepted.

What’s most special about Hagley is the connections you make with teachers. They’re so kind and loving. The teachers help you learn, and they listen when you say you don’t understand something. Then they explain it until you do.

I also like being able to take a variety of subjects and to choose my own programme. This year I’m exploring my creative side by doing a lot of art subjects. I’m taking Design, Photography, Art and The School of Fashion. This has helped me think about my future, and how all these subjects can come together to help me get where I want to be.

Where do I want to be? This year I’ve been in the Hagley School of Fashion. The culture is so supportive – you walk in and straight away you feel at home. It’s like a family. My plan is to spend another year or two in the School of Fashion and then go on to the Fashion course at ARA.

There’s a strong sense of community throughout the whole College, even though everyone’s diﬀerent. I love it when we have themed dress-up days and everyone participates. It feels like we are all in it together.

Pie Frances - Student 2021

I’ve done so much and changed so much Heather

I came to Hagley because I wasn’t enjoying the structure of learning at my old school. I’m very arty and I wanted to do multiple art subjects. When I asked questions about my learning options at my old school, they were like no, you can’t do that, but here they were like, sure. Why not? Here, I asked, can I get this standard examined at level 3, or can I try doing this instead of what everyone else is doing, and they said, yeah. Give it a go.

It’s been a really good move. I’ve done so many things I couldn’t do at my old school. Last year in year 12, I did a mix of level 2 and level 3 subjects and standards and ended up getting a level 3 excellence endorsement. I did level 3 Painting and level 3 Dance, which meant this year I could have an easier year.

Hagley isn’t just ﬂexible with timetables and course structures though, but also with how they are taught. I’m doing year 13 sculpture and I never thought I’d enjoy it, but it’s awesome. It’s not just traditional sculpture; I’ve done crochet and worked with wood and wire. In painting last year, when I asked the teacher what I had to do, she said: “just paint. Just paint your folio”. I could paint what I wanted.

I can’t believe it’s only been two years – it feels like way longer and I’ve done so much and changed so much. Before Covid, I was a competitive Irish dancer, but now I’m focusing on opportunities in Drama. I take a course called English with Drama, which is really good, and I’ve done lots of interschool competitions. I did the Sheila Winn Shakespeare Festival and we just performed at Theatre Fest and got into the regionals. I’m also a member of the Court Theatre Youth Company.

Next year, I’m applying for Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School. I’m putting in applications for both the acting and design course. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll do Theatre Studies and Sociology at Otago.

Heather Wright - Student 2021

They don’t care how you get there, but that you get there

Finn

I like how we are encouraged to take responsibility for our learning at Hagley. It’s more up to you and the teachers let you learn the way you want to learn. What’s important to the teachers is that you do well. That’s what they focus on. They don’t care how you get there, but that you get there.

If I have homework, it’s because I haven’t ﬁnished my classwork, not because a teacher’s ‘given’ it to me. My achievement goals are my incentive to work and learn. No-one’s bullying me into learning. I’m learning because I want to, but the teachers are all invested in your learning too. They want you to succeed or reach your goals, and they work with you to get there.

I’m quite dyslexic, so that’s been a bit of a journey. My teachers trust that I can manage it myself, but also help me when I need it. I work outside of the classroom quite a bit because I use speech to text apps, so they have to be ﬂexible.

The teachers at Hagley don’t sweat the small stuﬀ; there’s no detentions and no-one’s telling you to pull your socks up! They talk to you like a normal person, not like an authority ﬁgure. They talk to you like a friend.

Finn Gray-Swann - Student 2021

2022

Jessica-May Smith

Student 2022

I’m here because of the flexibility that Hagley offers. I do full-time dancing and coming to Hagley means that I can complete school as well. Each day is slightly different but I’m here most mornings and then I go to dance. It’s not just flexible in terms of timetable – they’re flexible in terms of approach as well. I’m going to The Ailey School in NY for a summer intensive course – so I’ve been able to organise some time off for that.

All the students are lovely and so friendly – it was easy to settle in, especially within the tutor group. The first day was just spent with them, and we were all new, so it made it easier to get to know everyone. There’s not really big ‘friend groups’ like most schools – here you can just go and talk to people.

I’m dyslexic and the learning support at this school is awesome. There’s quite a few learning support teachers and they all help, but you’re assigned your own support person. They have a special room that you can go to and do your work if you need to – there’s no need to book, you can just go in.

Because of how flexible Hagley is with learning they can help you achieve things that normal schools probably couldn’t help you achieve. Hagley is definitely a place to consider if you work part time or have specialist interests. The fact that it is a community college is actually really helpful – everyone is here because it’s bigger than just school – everyone is here because they’ve got dreams and goals that they want to achieve; they’re here for a purpose.

Hagley for me is somewhere where I feel included and supported in everything that I do.

everyone is here because they’ve got dreams and goals

Nelly Campbell-Reeves Student 2022

I came to Hagley because I can work quite well by myself and I knew that there were a lot of drama classes and other interesting subject choices on offer. I love that it’s not so structured – it’s a free and open approach to learning. It doesn’t necessarily work for everyone but for me it’s much easier.

They give you the chance to learn and it’s your choice to make the most of this. If you choose to learn they’re here to help and support you. At Hagley you’re not just a student ID number - it’s much more personal. The advisors talk to everyone and that’s not really a thing at other schools. At Hagley a lot of attention is paid to each student - you will be noticed and you’re not going to get left alone or stuck.

I came from a much bigger school but there seems to be more subjects available here. Stage craft is great and I’m also doing an art passion project course; we’re going to get to exhibit in an art gallery later in the year. I enjoy English, maths and science as well (especially the Earth and Space course)– I’m doing more because I love it and they’re letting me!

Hagley really helps with your independence and relating with other people because there’s not just one type of person who comes here. Having such a diverse mix means that you learn from and appreciate people with their different backgrounds and approaches. Hagley for me is an environment that will support you, whilst pushing you towards unique opportunities alongside a mixing pot of other learners.

it’s a free and open approach to learning

Sophie Dawson

Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Ruanui

Student 2022

I’ve been at Hagley since year nine – full ride! I came here looking for opportunities and that’s what I found. I love how extensive the range of courses is and how well suited it is to what I want to do and where I want to go.

There are lots of music and performance opportunities to be had, like choir, kapa haka and music camp. An example of one of these experiences was getting to go on a wānanga in Blenheim called ‘Hine Te Waiora’. I was so glad to go; it was a completely original experience - absolutely amazing.

I came here looking for opportunities and that’s what I found

Being at Hagley helps you develop better social skills; because it’s a community college you learn to communicate with everyone as equals. We have students of all ages and from all over the world. You’re able to form lots of connections – it’s a big community, but everyone knows someone, so it’s almost like a second family. Everyone is just so welcoming here – I love it.

Hagley sounds so different from what I hear about from friends at other schools – we have so many more opportunities and more freedom. Here they offer a place to belong and be accepted – you’re just part of a big community in a comfortable environment. You can wear what you want – it feels more chilled, safer and easier to learn in an environment like that. The teachers are so open and always offer a helping hand. They’re always there for our needs – they’re understanding of students and student well-being.

Hagley for me is such a friendly and open community with so many opportunities. No matter who you are, or what you’re looking for, you’ll find something that suits you here at Hagley.

Michael McCaskey

Student 2022

I’d been at my last school for quite a while and I was looking for a bit of a change for year 13. We have family friends that went here and we’d heard lots of good things about it, so I decided why not give it a go and I’m really enjoying it.

There’s a different mentality at Hagley to what I’ve experienced anywhere else – here it’s all about personal motivation, you’re choosing to do what you want to do and it’s up to you. The structure is different – the teachers are really helpful, but their focus is on where you are at and what you need. They’re not just shuffling students through, it’s personalised.

It’s a massive tone shift from my last school but it’s worked really well for me. I was looking for a bit more freedom to do what I want and Hagley seemed to just tick all the boxes for me. I’ve found more time to work and focus on my hobbies. I think it’s more similar to what life at university will be like so it’s a really good transition.

I love learning, and there’s so many subjects on offer, but I’ve stuck with the ones that will give me a good foundation for studying engineering at university. I tend to do stuff quite slowly or I choose to do things slightly differently and they’re open to allowing me to take my own approach.

There’s a real mix of people here – they’re far less opinionated and judgmental. I have been persuading some of my friends to come here. Hagley may seem relaxed but you get lots of stuff done. There’s less pressure and there’s such a positive vibe.

It was a big shift – polar opposite – but it was definitely worth it. Hagley for me is a blast!

At Hagley they’re open to allowing me to take my own approach

it’s up to you to get things done and to juggle your commitments

Georgia Lohrey Student 2022

I came here in year nine and to be honest, Hagley wasn’t where I wanted to go. I didn’t know anyone else who was going to come here and I had my heart set on somewhere else. But, I instantly made friends with people in my tutor group and I found that I liked it.

Hagley is different to other schools. When I talk to my friends who are elsewhere they always comment on how different it is and how it sounds so much better. In year nine and ten they were always being assessed or doing tests; here it is much more relaxed and there’s less pressure.

Hagley is similar to the workplace – a boss isn’t going to be continually reminding you to get things done – and the teachers here are the same, they’re not going to do it for you, it’s up to you to get things done and to juggle your commitments.

I’m interested in studying some form of engineering in the future so I take a broad range of subjects like maths, physics, electronics, computer science and English. Because Hagley is a community college we sometimes have adult learners in our classes - this might seem crazy to some, but they’re learners just like us and we can learn so much from their experiences.

If you’re looking for a bit more freedom and choice then Hagley will probably have something that will work. There’s lots of opportunities, heaps of course options and they offer the flexibility to mix and match, sometimes even with other institutions like Ara – I don’t know many other schools that would do that.

For me, Hagley is good.

Muika Dodd Student 2022

I’m a fast learner, and at Hagley they let you work at your own pace, I have never once been held back. I found myself feeling restricted and unmotivated to learn in year nine; I knew where I wanted to go, and what subjects I needed to take to get there. After talking to my teachers, they immediately did something about it allowing me to skip ahead.

I’ve often had problems with timetable clashes and Hagley has found ways to support me. I don’t know that other schools would take the time to do this. They enrolled me in Te Kura so I could do an online class that I needed while taking the timetable option that I wanted.

Hagley gave me the opportunity to take dance as a level 3 subject, along with my level 2 subjects. I was allowed to join the Hagley Dance Project, which is a pre-professional dance course. I now get to enjoy 8 hours of dance a week along with my other classes.

I love the flexibility that Hagley offers and the fact that the teachers genuinely know you and are so helpful. It’s a really accepting school where it’s easy to just be yourself. The smaller class sizes mean that you get more time with the teacher and you get to know your class better.

Hagley for me is a great school where I’ve been able to do what I want while pushing me to my limits.

I’ve been able to do what I want while pushing me to my limits

as a student you know that your voice is listened to

Poppy Johnston-Coates Student 2022

My family moved to Christchurch from the West Coast. We were looking at schools and I wanted to go to somewhere that could fulfil my academic needs and enable me to meet amazing people. I remember being in the interview and just looking at Mum going, “This is it – I want to go here.”

The teachers here are super helpful and so approachable. They really focus on building inclusive, respectful relationships with us and ensuring that our learning needs are being met. I’ve got a broad mix of subjects from outdoor education to philosophy - which has been outstanding! Hagley recognises that everyone has different goals and priorities; they do listen to you and help you create your individual learning plan.

I think they’ve found this good balance between the traditional and the alternative educational paths – you can truly talk and work with the staff here to get what you need. The respect goes both ways – as a student you know that your voice is listened to. I’m passionate about the Predator Free 2050 goal so I spoke to management about creating a trap line around the school. The immediate response was ‘great – we’d love to help with that’. We’re just in the planning and fundraising stage at the moment but it’s wonderful that it’s so positive.

Hagley for me is a place where I can express myself, feel safe, and explore the many opportunities available here.

Zyon Taukamo Student 2022

I didn’t want to attend the local high school where I live, so I attended one of Hagley’s Open Nights with my parents and I would encourage others to do the same. You get a feeling for the place and I felt good about Hagley.

Hagley doesn’t have a ‘cookie cutter’ approach to education; it’s personalised to fit you. At Hagley I can do subjects like law and psychology which aren’t generally available at other schools. These different subject choices and opportunities are what make this place special. If Hagley works for you it will work very well.

I often get asked what it’s like not wearing a uniform and if it’s weird not having to call teachers ‘sir’ or ‘madam’. This is a key part of Hagley: they dispense with all that unnecessary stuff and put all the effort and the resources towards the learning aspect. The teachers here really know you and are approachable and accessible. They know that there are lots of different ways of learning so they’re adaptable in their teaching styles, customising lessons and using a variety of approaches to help us learn.

I’m proud to say that Hagley is my high school; I’ve been here since year nine, and I couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d like to be.

Hagley doesn’t have a cookie cutter ’ approach to education; it’s personalised to fit you

Hagley sets you up for the future

Shekinah Mautoatasi Student 2022

I live in a school zone that only has one school and I wanted to go to a school that was less restrictive and more accepting. Hagley isn’t zoned, it’s more welcoming than other schools and it feels like they’re not as judgmental.

The teachers know that everyone is coming from different places with different things going on and they’re understanding of that. Hagley didn’t have an in-school Samoan class on offer but I talked to the Careers people and they helped me sign up for the online one.

The teachers are really supportive and this is a big difference to what I’ve experienced in the past – they make sure that you’re okay and that you know what’s going on in with assessments and stuff. I’ve always been interested in law and Hagley has got a legal studies class here so that’s been really useful.

Something that I started doing when I came to Hagley was being involved in the Pasifika groups and activities. I’m also on the student council and it’s been great getting to see behind the scenes at what goes on at the school. We are involved in some of the events and can offer suggestions for change. We know that they’re not just going to ignore us and forget about it – they’ll actually listen and act on it.

Hagley sets you up for the future – if you go to a school where everyone is the same then you’re not really in the real world. In real life everyone is different and at Hagley that is clearly visible and accepted. I would encourage everyone to give Hagley a go as I think this is a place where everyone can find a spot to belong.

Laine Mefiposeta Satano Student 2022

Hagley has opened wide my world while upholding my values. I started this year at Hagley because of the CUP course they offer and to help make the transition to university easier. I’m quite an analytical and practical thinker – I like things a specific way – so the idea of studying engineering appeals.

I made the move from the North Island early so that I could experience life here, make connections with others and get familiar with my surroundings. It was sort of a shock not seeing that many Pasifika persons around here; being in a tutor group, surrounded by others who are in a similar position to me, has helped me feel like I belong.

Here, the teachers want you to do your best and to succeed for yourself – not to fulfil their expectations. They’re friendly and really helpful – they explain things step by step. At Hagley you learn to self-manage and communicate well. My timetable is quite similar to what it’ll be like at university, sometimes I only have one class a day. This works in my favour because I tend to overcommit – but the flexibility of the timetable allows me to manage my duties at home with coaching and umpiring netball.

The teachers reach out to you with opportunities that are available. I’d never played basketball before, but one of the teachers convinced me to, saying that because I knew netball inside and out it’d be easy. Another opportunity was going to Auckland for ‘Taste of Pasifika’. It was so inspiring seeing all the different performances, learning how art is a big part of our culture, and seeing fashion designs (that have been shown in London and Milan) up close.

Hagley for me is a journey that I want to keep exploring.

I’ve been able to do what I want while pushing me to my limits

-2025 2023

LillyAnderson

Student 2023

LillyAnderson

“There deﬁnitely is no where I’d rather be than at Hagley”

Lilly Anderson is a leader, a role model and a proud Year 13 student at our kura. She is inspiring, has big goals and an even bigger future. I caught up with her to chat all things leadership!

Lilly has a long list of contributions she makes to our school but she is most well known for being the Student Representative on the Board of Trustees for 2023. In fact, when she stood and delivered her election speech, I couldn’t help but think she should be running this school! Lilly is the senior representative on the Junior student council and sits on the senior council, represents Hagley at the One Schools Network, is a Peer Support Leader and a member of the Choir.

I was interested in whether Lilly had always thought of herself as a leader, as the word itself can be a polarising and pressure-filled word. Lilly, however, always knew that she wanted to be part of something at Te Puna Wai o Waipapa and knew she wanted to be a role model and to make a diﬀerence. She started with her involvement in a Junior leaders group but was very much still in her shell as a Junior. With the right kind of support and encouragement, Lilly started to believe in herself and see herself as a leader!

This all came together for Lilly when she realised that for her Year 13 year she was ready to put herself forward for the role of student representative on the school Board. This is the only traditional leadership role we have in our school. She wasn’t sure what to expect from the role but she has enjoyed connecting with a wide range of people and finding solutions to problems. She enjoys being a role model and representing the student body at the governance level of the school. She also describes it as being cool to see the background workings of our school and recognises how complex it can be.

Without a traditional structure, leadership opportunities are open to everyone at Te Puna Wai o Waipapa and Lilly has taken advantage of many. She recognises Pūhoro, a programme for Māori students focussing on STEM subjects as a great oppotunity for her to advance academically but also as a means to learn about who she is from a cultural sense. She has also opted in to student councils which run both as a Senior and a Junior council and if you are interested in making a diﬀerence to our school you can be part of it. That is the best bit! You don’t have to be selected to lead here, you can choose to and then grow into the role. Lilly describes this as “our school being blanketed in this equality thing!” Our leaders are all approachable!

Lilly has grown into roles and an example of this is through her involvement in the choir. She was more than happy in her junior years to sway in the back of the choir. Fast forward to this year where she is putting her hand up to solo in the Big Sing! Lilly really wanted to emphasise her leadership and personal growth over her time at Hagley.

Lilly chose Year 12/13 Leadership as one of her school subjects and she very much valued hearing from other leaders and learning from them. Her advice is that it is great to take this class if you are a Peer Support Leader as you have class time to plan engaging activities and spend time reﬂecting on the sessions you led.

Her advice for new senior students: Put your hand up for any opportunities. Immerse yourself in things even if you are not sure initially if they are for you. Become a Peer Support Leader in Year 13. This gives you the chance, before school starts for the year, to meet people and learn how to be the bridge between seniors and juniors. Being able to help someone learn about our school and learn their way around is such a great contribution to make.

A full circle of leadership at Te Puna Wai o

Leadership at Te Puna Wai o Waipapa does not have to involve doing big things! It can be smaller things such as leading a club and activity – if it doesn’t exist, make it happen yourself.

A full circle of leadership at Te Puna Wai o Waipapa

Leadership at Te Puna Wai o Waipapa does not have to involve doing big things! It can be smaller things such as leading a club and activity – if it doesn’t exist, make it happen yourself.

Lilly is focussed on her future and plans to work in business. She would like to work in Human Resources and would very much like to enhance Māori women in business. She is motivated by her Grandma who did the degree that Lilly is planning on doing and works to support people that really need her. I can see Lilly being just great at that!

When I asked Lilly what she will take away from this school with her for her future, this is what she replied: “My experiences at this school have shown me that I am capable of doing these things. I can’t wait to get involved in things like the Clubs and Societies, particularly Women in Business. I will be putting myself out there!”

I am 100% confident that she will. Ngā mihi nui ki a koe, Lilly! Thank you for all you have contributed to our kura.

Principal - Rowan Milburn

I am 100% confident that she will. Ngā mihi nui ki a koe, Lilly! Thank you for all you have contributed to our kura.

Principal - Rowan Milburn

Tyler FairweatherSalkeld

Student 2024

I have said this many times but one of the best things about my job is I am invited to lots of great things and get the chance to sit down and have a chat with students that are doing some great things. One thing that is a given is that if I am at an event watching sport there is a very high chance I am watching Tyler! My ﬁrst memory of watching Tyler was when he was maybe Year 8 and ﬁlling in for Hagley Basketball. His twin brother, Bradley was also there playing. They were both little but made up for that in energy and skill. I remember being suitably impressed!

Tyler’s ﬁrst memories of Hagley was doing the gym circuit as a boy of about 7 or 8 years old and he tells me it used to take him over a minute 30 seconds to complete it. Now days he does it in something like 20 seconds. He is shy about telling me this, I feel like if I was completing the gym circuit in say 45 seconds I would be putting that on a billboard!

Tyler than started Hagley in Year 9 in 2020. It’s interesting as we looked back on him being a super sporty young man and how Hagley, a non-traditionally ‘sporty’ school has met his needs. He has a nice take on it. Tyler explained that he thinks coming to Te Puna Wai o Waipapa has helped his sport. If we think basketball that means playing lots of minutes, directing the play and getting the ball in scoring opportunities. He also doesnt think he would have played korfball and ki-o-rahi if he had been at another school.

Tyler’s sporting success is impressive. He is testament that you can come to Hagley and excel in team sports. I mention this as we have had great talent here particularly in individual sporting pursuits. Tyler, in 2024, has represented New Zealand at Ki-o-rahi (or about to in August) is a member of the Canterbury U20 B Basketball team who competed at National tournament and was selected for the South Island Korfball tournament team. These achievements on their own stand out but when you put them together you can’t help but admire the commitment, allround athleticism and energy that goes with those performances.

Tyler has a great outlook on life and it wasn’t hard for him to come up with what he is thankful to Hagley for. He is grateful for his opportunities in sport, his ability to grow as a leader, his enjoyment of geography as a subject, the fact he gets to learn about Health and Hauora. He wanted to acknowledge the P.E/Health department for their help and support through his time at Hagley, and he is extremely grateful for the people he has met during his time at Te Puna Wai O Waipapa and is excited for what comes next for him and his friends.

I was interested in what Tyler thinks his future might look like. It was cool to ﬁnd out that he is interested in going to Camp America next year. A great decision for someone that loves travel, loves the USA and loves sport. He will be just great at that! For now though, working hard at school then saving money for the US.

Tyler recognises he has had great support through his time here and he would like to take the opportunity to thank his grandparents who are always at his sport and been there for him. He also appreciates his brothers for putting up with his competitiveness and for the laughs they have shared. Then he recognises the fact that he has been coached by his Mum and Anna Williams for his whole life really and is so thankful for that, as well as shaping him into the person he is now. He would also like to thank his Dad for all the hours he has spent in the backyard playing basketball with him and making it enjoyable for him.

And now for the ﬁnal words

“ You will get an opportunity to thrive at Hagley, even though we are not looked at as a sporty school. You will be looked a er here!”

Couldn’t have said it better. Thank you for the entertainment over the last ﬁve years and for being part of teams that have meant I am at sport and watching Hagley compete. I am proud of the performances of course, but i am more proud of the way in which teams that Tyler is a part of win and lose respectfully. All the best for your very bright future!

Principal - Rowan Milburn

Ruby Love-Smith – Youth MP for Tracey McLellan (Banks Peninsula)

I say many times that this is the best part of the job and this chat just consolidated that! Our young people get a hard time in the media at times, and I just don’t see that media representation playing out at Hagley. Of course, we see times where students are unmotivated, distracted, late and grumpy - we are a secondary school. What I also see though are students going about their day achieving goals, learning new things, helping others and engaging with community and special interests. Ruby is a great example of this.

We took a long time to meet. Ruby’s mum and I had been in email contact thanks to another staff member who knows Ruby. She suggested I reach out and make contact about Ruby attending the Peer Support Camp in Hanmer before school starts. That in itself doesn’t sound unusual but it is. Ruby hadn’t officially enrolled and was thinking about moving to Hagley from her previous school, where she had been since Year 9. Ruby and her mum thought the camp was a good idea and I was doing the final preparations for the camp and looking forward to meeting her in person. Then, in a rather unfortunate turn of events, I tested positive for Covid (I had even packed my car ready to leave for the camp in the morning) and missed the entire camp. According to one staff member it was the best camp they have run! I hope it was a joke!

Fast forward a few months and Ruby’s mum reached out to say that Ruby was working for Tracey McLellan, the Banks Peninsula Labour party representative, if they held the seat, and wanted to say thank you for recommending the camp to Ruby as she was able to start the year with friends or familiar faces in all of her classes. This is a key point for the students and families of new students that read this newsletter. It will be a big deal to go away when you don’t know anyone, but the benefits are there!

This led to Ruby and I catching up about the work she is doing in politics. She explained that she joined the Labour party two years ago with the election campaign of Tracey McLellan. The work at that time was around Smokefree Aotearoa 2025, school lunches and advocating around Pay Equity. Two years on and Ruby is part of Young Labour and is the Women’s officer and on the executive team.

Her love for advocacy may well be attributed to her first experience of this as a student of Redcliffs Primary School. It was the first time she saw that if you don’t like something you should do something about it, and Ruby and a big group of others did! She spent her last two terms on the new site so she lived this experience from start to finish. Stressful I am sure, but what a learning experience.

Ruby explains herself to me as always being aware of social issues - she and a friend decided on a bit of a whim to put their names down through the Labour party website and started volunteering. She describes this as a meeting of like-minded people and the ability to have a platform. Essentially, she met people who cared the way she cares. Her role as a Youth MP for Tracy McLellan involves engaging in the community of young people, hosting in-person events and targeting youth for data collection.

I am always interested in the people who act as role models and shape our young people. Ruby, maybe predictably, mentions Jacinda Ardern. Personally, after talking to Ruby, I can totally see why. To Ruby, Jacinda gave hope, and she is real and authentic and her track record of the lowest death rate through Covid is what should be focused on. Ruby’s mum is also a key role model for Ruby. Her mum is a part-time nurse and her time spent not working at that job sees her working within her community. Things like supporting their neighbours and generally helping out. I can totally see from listening to that why Ruby is so proud of her mum. Ruby’s future is a bright one, no doubt. She would like to study Law next year and she can see herself advocating for women and young people. She isn’t sure where she will go with politics and is keen to enjoy and be fulfilled by what she is doing rather than what the title of that work may be.

Ruby’s advice to students thinking of moving to Hagley is don’t let not knowing people be a barrier. Class sizes aren’t that big and everyone is really friendly. This, to Ruby, is what makes this school special.

Ruby was off to Parliament the week after we caught up and the pictures with this article show how well she suits Parliament. All the best for your incredible future, Ruby. I can’t wait to watch from the sidelines!

Principal - Rowan Milburn

510 Hagley Avenue I Christchurch 8011 I New Zealand PO Box 3084 I Christchurch 8140 I New Zealand

Telephone: (03) 379 3090

Email: keenonhagley@hagley.school.nz I Web: www.hagley.school.nz

Student Photos - Emma Booth Photography emmaboothimagine@gmail.com Student Text - Jasmine Lambert 2020 Faith Oxenbridge 2018, 2019, 2021