The Beginning of the Journey

Haritoa Waaka:

When I joined QMC in 2021, I never expected to be where I am today – at all. It was a surreal and humbling experience to be chosen to carry QMC’s legacy forward in a way I never expected. Throughout my time in QMC, I’ve had the most amazing opportunities outside of school to develop leadership skills, life skills and relationship skills through being in the New Zealand Cadets Forces, which has been a pivotal catalyst in my life. It’s taught me everything, from how to work efficiently under pressure, general survival skills applicable to life, and even how to teach young teenagers.

Alice Egerton:

I joined QMC at just five years old. It has been my home and community for as long as I can remember. I’ve grown up here, always looking up with admiration to Year 13s who lead the school. Over my journey at QMC, I have been able to explore all facets of learning, whether that be academic, athletic, or the arts. Over the past four years, I have leaned into the athletic side of my journey. I have been able to have some once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and through them I have learned a lot about the work ethic and teamwork skills that are necessary to lead.

Student Leadership Camp

During the January school holidays, we travelled to Sydney Women’s College – thanks to the generosity of the QMCPA – to embark on a fourday student leadership course alongside 112 wāhine from across Australasia. As leaders of our kura, we each went on a journey of self-discovery, guided by the theme “Discover Her.” At the camp, we explored our leadership styles and clarified our shared vision and purpose within our kura. This process helped us grow closer as a pair, united by a common goal: to foster growth and ambition within our school community, and to strengthen the connections that support it. From that point on, we were ready to take on 2025

Our Legacy

When we stepped into our leadership roles this year, one of the first questions we were asked was, “What do you want your legacy to be?” – followed by, “How?” So we began to reflect. We asked ourselves what mattered most to us, and we came up with this idea of achievement and ambition – not in the traditional sense of medals or certificates, but in a personal way. We wanted to celebrate courage, growth, and the kind of success that comes from pushing past fear. That’s why we chose the theme for Year 13: “Look up and see the stars.” It’s a reminder to aim high, to notice the possibilities above and around us, and to recognise that we’re not alone in our journey. We want our QMC whānau to reach for their own north star – to pursue what they’re capable of without hesitation, and to see the constellation of others reaching too.

The Korowai We Wear

Korowai – prestigious cloaks woven with care and significance – hold a special place in Māori culture. They are traditionally associated with honour, leadership, warmth, and protection. At QMC, it is a high honour to wear the korowai specially designed and made for our head prefects, bestowed upon us as symbols of trust and legacy. These korowai carry the stories of the six incredible women leaders who came before us, and it is a privilege beyond words to feel their protection as we carry forward our own chapter of leadership. We know the korowai will continue to nurture the future QMC leaders who follow, and it will be our honour to pass them on to the next generation. From here, we carry the fire of our predecessors with grace – its warmth, strength, and light guiding us. And with equal excitement, we prepare to pass that flame forward, ready to begin the cycle anew

"We want our QMC whānau to reach for their own north star – to pursue what they’re capable of without hesitation, and to see the constellation of others reaching too.” "