Year 13 students Huia Pocklington (16) and Matt Jacomb (17) were announced as the new head boy and girl at Waiheke High School last Friday, fending off tough competition from at least eight eligible contenders. The selection process started at the end of last year and consisted of an initial written application, interviews with staff and the principal and finally, a speech delivered in front of the whole school, after which all staff and students got to vote.

Both Huia and Matt say they are keen to get started on their job as school leaders and role models, starting with a leadership camp at AUT campus this week, which the whole prefect team of 10 will attend.
The two are friends, having been through both primary and high school together, and their individual interests are complementary.  Huia’s passion is music – she plays a variety of instruments – and she’s already set on going to the University of Otago next year to study music and English, with a view to teaching.

Matt is a keen sportsman with a particular interest in rugby. He plays blindside flanker and plans to attend the University of Auckland next year to complete a Bachelor of Physical Education.
Thinking about why they were chosen, Huia believes it’s because the students know she is approachable and wants to make a positive difference. “I think they realise that they can talk to me about anything and I’ll listen and that I have the sort of personality that will work in this role.” Matt agrees. “Like Huia, I’ve lived on Waiheke all my life and I know almost all the students. I like the idea of doing things for the school, organising activities that involve everyone.” They both think it will be easier to cooperate with someone you are friends with.
Matt and Huia are very generous in their praise of the school and its teachers. “I love it that the school is small and can cater to the needs and choices of its students better than a larger school,” says Huia. “For example, I got all the options I wanted this year, which might not have happened somewhere else. And the teachers really care about you. I know I wouldn’t have applied for the head girl position if it wasn’t for the encouragement of teachers like Mrs van Peer.” “ And Mr Alexander and Mr Godbout,” adds Matt. “ You feel comfortable with them and you know they want to you to do well.”
Matt and Huia represent 53 Year 13 students and a total school roll of 452. • Julianne Evans