• Kia ora. My name is Joe Coyle and I am proud to be one of Waimate High School’s 2026 head prefects.
I began my journey at Waimate in 2020 as a year 7 student after attending primary school at Waimate Centennial School.
I am super excited to be a leader within the school community this year and to be someone who people can rely on to get a job done.
Throughout my time at school I have been a leader within the school’s football team and with it being my passion, I found it easy to grow as a leader within the team environment.
This year I’m excited to now apply my learnings within a sports team into the school’s perfect team.
I hope to improve my leadership skills while supporting my peers, and to grow together as a team.
Something that I’ve learnt through my time at Waimate High School is that every student is respected by teachers and how strong bonds can be built between people of any age based on a willingness to get to know each other as people.
To me, being a part of a smaller school is a huge opportunity as the smaller number means that everyone knows everyone and the teachers get to know you and how to best support you on your journey.
It has also meant that if we want something to happen it relies on a complete willingness to get involved.
After I graduate school at the end of the year I am interested in attending the University of Otago and doing a sports science degree.
I am very proud to be given the responsibility of leading the school this year and I can’t wait to improve my leadership skills within the schooling environment.
• Kia ora everyone, my name is Enya O’Donnell and I have the honour of being the head girl for Waimate High School this year.
I was born and raised in Waimate, and started my high school journey as a year 7 student in 2020, a year I’m sure brings back memories for many.
I thrive in Waimate’s active community and look forward to the many opportunities and experiences I gain through Waimate High’s people and wider community.
As a leader, I enjoy working with others to create a friendly and welcoming environment for all, as well as creating opportunities for others to learn something new.
For me, my community is very important and so my ultimate goal in my role as head girl is to form a strong connection between Waimate High School and the wider community.
As students we enjoy the focus of local businesses and organisations who constantly look to invest in us so that we may thrive and follow our passions and pathways.
Outside of my school life, I also enjoy the arts, reading, and badminton, as well as outdoor activities like skiing, tramping, and biking.
My favourite thing about Waimate High School is how tight-knit our school community is.
A tight-knit community means a supportive community for every individual.
Being close to others in our small community means we are more supportive of others, resulting in a metaphorical blanket, where each individual thread is a line of support and encouragement from a peer or staff member, woven to create beautiful patterns and illustrations of who we are.
During my time at Waimate High School, I have learnt that respect, resilience, independence and empathy are needed in all aspects of life.
Using these values and life skills doesn’t start once you graduate and are in the ‘‘real’’ world; it starts on day one.
After graduating from Waimate High School, I aim to attend Otago University, studying a bachelor of arts and science.
This will set me up to attain my master’s degree in my chosen major.
I look forward to coming back home during semester breaks and seeing how Waimate High School continues to grow along with its people.
As a lifelong learner, I encourage others to develop a passion for learning, as that’s where one starts to grow.
