Students honoured to take on role

Taking on the leadership roles at Mountainview High School this year are head students (from left...
Taking on the leadership roles at Mountainview High School this year are head students (from left) Cassie Thornley, Sahana Nair, Heidyn Kaipo and Flynn Morton. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The Courier is catching up with student leaders in secondary schools throughout South Canterbury. In this instalment by reporter Connor Haley, we have the school leaders from Mountainview High School. The remaining secondary schools’ student leaders will be highlighted over the next few weeks’ editions. This year Mountainview High School has switched to four head students, replacing the two head students and two deputy head student roles as a way to recognise the work that all the head students do for the school.

Heidyn Kaipo

  • My name is Heidyn Kaipo and I am honoured to be one of Mountainview’s head students for 2026.

Throughout my schooling life here at Mountainview I have been a part of many things such as peer support, sports committee and representing my school through sports such as netball, volleyball and basketball.

These experiences have allowed me to create a stronger connection and appreciation with and for Mountainview High School.

From being a quiet junior who barely stepped out of her comfort zone to now being a head student of an amazing school, I will strive to use my position to create a positive, strong and encouraging school environment where everyone has the chance to give things a go no matter their skill level.

Being a head student so far this has truly been a blessing, I am forever grateful for being appointed to this role and I will continue to help others and represent my school with pride.

Flynn Morton

  • Kia ora, my name is Flynn Morton and I am extremely honoured to be one of the four head students at Mountainview High School in 2026.

My time at Mountainview has been an extremely important part of my life, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of this school.

It is truly inclusive, with incredible staff who go out of their way to help us all succeed.

Since year 9, I have taken part in the Mountainview musical productions, which I have learned so much from, as well as striving for excellence in my academic subjects.

Leadership has always been very important to me, I still remember walking into Mountainview for the first time in 2022, and thinking that I wanted to be as confident and caring as the members of the student leadership team.

From that time, I have been dedicated to becoming a person that others could look up to.

I believe in kindness, dedication, doing it scared and I am very excited to try my best, and make a positive impact in our school.

Let’s have a great 2026 everyone!

Nga mihi nui.

Cassie Thornley

  • I am Cassie Thornley, one of the head students at Mountainview High school.

I feel it is a privilege to have this role due to the involvement it has in the school and local community.

An example of spaces I am involved in around school includes netball, Moana council, sports committee, the executive council and peer support.

Being involved in these spaces allows me to promote participation and create spaces where I as a leader can be approached in confidence by students.

Whanaungatanga and Pukengatanga are massive vocal points of our programme this year — whether it is through students participating and supporting each other at athletics or inviting someone new to hang out at lunch — everyone is trying something new and everyone is getting involved.

I am proud to be a part of the change at Mountainview High School and to be an advocate for participation.

Being a head student so far has been an amazing experience and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the year brings for me and our amazing kura.

Sahana Nair

  • My name is Sahana Nair and I’m a dedicated and enthusiastic learner who is honoured to have the opportunity to be one of Mountainview High School’s head students.

Since joining the school, I have contributed to a range of academic, cultural and sporting activities, including basketball, volleyball and involvement in the Multicultural Group, Whenua Council and sports committee.

These experiences have strengthened my leadership, teamwork and communication skills.

Having moved to New Zealand from South Africa, I bring a strong sense of resilience and cultural perspective, which I am passionate about sharing within our school community.

As a head student, I aim to lead with integrity, approachability and determination.

I strive to ensure that all students feel represented, supported and encouraged to their full potential.