Coming to New Zealand was a cultural shock for me as it was very different to Korea. Schools in New Zealand are a little more laid back and there is less pressure on students to succeed. While students in Korea have a normal school day followed by after-school tuition to prepare for exams, there is more time in New Zealand for sports and other extra-curricular activities which I like. While some schools in New Zealand are becoming more pressured, I like the fact that at Glenfield College, students can enjoy their learning at their own pace and still do well.

Glenfield College is a smaller secondary school than most others on the North Shore which means that everyone gets to know everyone else really easily and the school is a friendly, caring place. There are about 800 students and 60 staff and students seem to get plenty of attention from their teachers. I was able to learn English quite quickly in Year 9 as everyone helped especially my teachers in their breaks. Classmates also helped me with my English and this really mattered. My grades in English and all my subjects have improved so much so quickly because of the great support I get at school. I am hoping to be the Dux in 2012.

I love seeing the positive changes in our school over the past four years. Students now do well in NCEA and I believe this will continue as we grow and move forward in a positive way.

Robbie Cho
Head Boy

My time at Glenfield College so far has consisted of its fair share of highs, whether it has been because I was lucky enough to be rewarded with the opportunity to be Glenfield College’s Head Girl for 2012 or having been dragged along to one too many excruciating parent-teacher evening. I have done many things over the past four years and made many memories that’ll stay with me forever. And now as it all comes down to my last year, I am my own emotional rollercoaster.

When I first started college, all the way back in 2008, I was scared. I was worried and nervous and anxious, but of course the one thing I was most upset about was that I was going to miss my old friends and not make any new ones. Little did I know there were thousands of other students in New Zealand thinking the same things and in future I would make even more friends’ than I had started with. Through my experiences at college I’ve learnt how to be independent instead of relying on others. I have grown and matured into a young adult and have watched my new friends grow too.

College has definitely been an experience that I’m glad I haven’t had to face alone; I have had the support of my friends, my family and all the teachers I’ve had over the past four years. At Glenfield College, students are not lost within ridiculous numbers. We are treated with respect and are supported by all the very dedicated staff. We are able to bond and build relationships with fellow students and staff which in turn makes’ our school an easy place to learn. Students are in classes which are best suited to their abilities, and are amongst other students that are likely to share their interests. We are in an environment that pushes us to strive for success and supports us when we start to struggle.

At Glenfield College we are lucky enough to have such a variety of courses, sports, community and cultural activities that any student can be involved in. Our legendary Bollywood Troupe, proving outstanding performance, was invited to perform at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park last year and we had more outstanding performances from many of our sports teams. We have such a diverse school that celebrating International Week has become a Glenfield College tradition with performances from a variety of different cultural groups and acts students pull together purely for the International Week performance assembly.

I am honored to be Head Girl for 2012. I hope to be a role model to the younger students, especially those of the Maori/Pacific communities. This year I plan to work hard and lead by example. I want to make all of those that have helped me through the past years very, very proud. I look forward to working with Robbie Cho, our Head Boy, and the rest of the Student Executive. I have enjoyed every moment of my time at Glenfield College, mistakes and all, and this year I hope will be one of the best.

Anahera Maika Foley-Paama
Head Girl