The role of Student Representative on our Board of Trustees is a wonderful opportunity to represent the student voice around the table.

We have seven awesome candidates to be Student Representative in 2022.  Here are their profiles, in alphabetical order by last name. Elections will resume once we are back at school – more details to come.

Shivani Arivuchelan

Last year was the beginning of a new chapter in my life – high school. It was only a year ago, yet the memories of walking into the sisterhood with the bold crimson red blazer and forming new chains of opportunities have become vivid in my heart and mind. However, throughout these two years, I have learnt two primary lessons. Lesson 1:  our modern world has no set definition for what teenage is, and similar to that, Lesson 2; there is no set definition of what change is and should reflect.

Over these two incredible years at Westlake Girls, we have accomplished much together, from recently welcoming our grand Event Centre, to fostering united diversity in bringing school trousers into the uniform system. I was sure that I wanted to contribute and work as a team to grow such change. However, I realised that yes, I have ideas, but in my belief, this role of BoT student rep is not about I; it is about “us” and what we will do as a team.

Through my schooling journey, service activities in House student and service councils, Rotary Interact, Amnesty Leader and 40hr-Famine Committee, alongside sporting opportunities in badminton and swimming, have been tremendous pillars in my development as a team player and leader. It enlightened me to recognise the significance of hard work while encouraging, inspiring, and motivating my teammates to strive to their best. We all, as individuals, have an essential role that can enhance our whanau, our team.

There is more to this role than leadership, it is the strength of our communities’ collaboration, and our vision helps our Westlake whānau grow in our unity and succeed towards impactful change. The lessons from past leaders have genuinely shared the idea that leadership can translate vision into reality. So our visions as a whanau should be simple; Ma tīni, ma mano, ke rapa te whai– Many hands make light work, unity is strength.

I cannot make promises to be the perfect representative; however, I can promise that I can be a supportive friend who has her arms open for comfort and an open mindset for all ideas that can boost our journey here at Westlake Girls. A vote for me is a vote for you, and all our votes will foster our unity and, most of all, strengthen our change.

Check out Shivani’s video HERE

Sydney Brandolino

Hi, my name is Sydney Brandolino. I am a Year 11 student from Wairau House and I am passionate about change, student voice, and being involved in the WGHS community.

I lead/participate in extracurriculars such as Diversity Club, Philosophy Club, Parallax, Buddy Reading, Debating, and Student Librarians. My goal is to provide a starting place for change. Let’s create change today for a better tomorrow!

Check out Sydney’s video HERE

Jappan Kaur

Hi, my name is Jappan Kaur.

I have been involved in many extracurriculars, sports and academic achievements at Westlake (list below).  I am determined to make a change in our school. Change is something we all want but we don’t really know how to achieve it. We all have our problems with the school facilities like expensive tuck shop prices, not enough cultural appreciation, short morning teas and so on. But all we end up doing is ranting to our friends about those problems. I’m sorry to tell you but that isn’t going to make any difference nor progress.

So, I’m here to tell you the one step easy way to make a change and that is voting for the right person for the job of Student Representative. The Board of Trustees are the ones who can actually make a change. I will take your problems to the Board so real change can happen.  I am ready to make a change, are you? If so, tick the box near my name. Don’t let your voice and vote go to waste. A vote for Jappan, is a vote for Change. Hope that you choose wisely!

Extracurriculars, Sports and Academic Achievements:

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this 🙂

Check out Jappan’s video HERE

Damindi Lathmini

Hola! My name is Damindi and I am applying for the position of Student Representative on the Board of Trustees.

One of the most important parts of this role is being able to ensure that all of your voices are heard. I believe that I am very capable of doing this as I am part of many different groups and areas within our school, I am in a school choir by the name of Nota Bella, I also do sports in school and out of school- Netball, Badminton, Tennis, Swimming. I Go regularly to Sunday School which is like A Buddhist religion school every Sunday, It’s basically like going to church. I love lending a helping hand and helping out someone or doing something in the community that would benefit everyone.

What I would like to do to this school is make the school’s reputation stronger than ever. It’s not that it isn’t strong but I want our school to be the best and the one that stands out in the crowd. I want the people of the public to recognise our school and remember it as the school which puts a stop to bullying.

The most important thing I got out of Westlake is that all of us are a big family, we stand together, No matter what. We might be different fish , but at this school we swim together. Because – for school we unite In virtue and pride, Striving onward ever, With truth and right our guide!

So if you vote for me to be BoT tudent representative for next year. It would be my greatest pleasure to make sure this school stands out, is environmentally friendly, and is the right place for you to stay. Because this school Welcomes Everyone.

I am here for you and I am going to do what is right, not what is easy. May your voice be heard…

Video to come.

Kate Liu

Hello, Kia Ora,  你好Ni Hao

My name is Kate Liu, I’m a Year 11 Wairau student.

My goal for the student representative on the BoT for 2022 is to hear everyone’s voices.

To think holistically about our mistakes and therefore get the most out of them for our students’ future.

Check out Kate’s video HERE

Renee Martin

My name is Renee Martin, I’m a Year 9 Pupuke student.

I am a goal driven, self-motivated team player who’s not afraid to stand up for the things I believe in as well as listen to the voices from those around me to help make this school better for everyone.

I have a passion to make a difference in this world in whichever manner I can.

Family and friends are very important to me, as is learning about my family history and heritage from my grandparents.

In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors, walking my dog and playing a variety of sports.  I also love cooking food and going out shopping.

Check out Renee’s video HERE

Mackenzie Wills

Hi!

I’m Mackenzie Wills a Year 11 student and I want to be your student representative for 2022.

I am involved in many music and theatre groups around the school such as Cantare choir and the school production, my passion for the performing arts is what has made my time at Westlake so memorable.

As your student representative, I want your passions and thoughts to be appreciated. I want to create a school environment that you feel safe and can enjoy.

As your student representative I will listen to you and what you want, because it is up to you what you think is important and as your representative, it would be up to me to make it happen. It would be my goal to be available and accessible to you to make sure all of your voices are heard.

Check out Mackenzie’s video HERE