Sophie Bartelink Year 12

Hi, my name is Sophie Bartelink

I emailed the Student Representative in Year 10 with a request and in response, she pushed and argued in support of providing access to the long skirts to further year levels.

I would like to try to create the same experience for students in the following year. In the same way, I would like to hear the students out, support them and push their ideas. In addition, I would like to encourage people to voice their opinions about the school and create a safe space where students feel comfortable approaching the Board with concerns they want to voice. I would ensure that students are heard rather than ignored, to let them know that their input for Waitākere College matters to keep improving the school.

Petra Falaniko Year 12

Dear Fellow Students,

I am excited to express my interest in serving as your student representative. My commitment to this role is in my desire to foster a supportive and vibrant school community.

As your representative, I will passionately advocate for your voices, ensuring that your opinions, feedback, and needs are heard and acted upon. My goal is to drive positive change by leading initiatives that enhance our academic, social, and overall school experience. With strong communication skills, I am confident I can connect with and represent you effectively.

The Samoan proverb “O le ala I le pule o le tautua,” meaning “The way to leadership is through service,” inspires me deeply and guides my approach to this leadership role. I am dedicated to working hard and fostering meaningful relationships that benefit our school.

I will wholeheartedly support and advocate for our collective growth and success if elected as your student representative. I will ensure that a platform for voice collection will occur twice a Term before each board meeting to have a strong presence at the top table. Let’s work together to make our school an even better place for all of us.

Vote for Inclusiveness - Vote for Petra!

Reihana Flavell Year 10

Tēnā koe students of Waitākere College,
Ko Hikurangi te maunga.
Ko Ta wapuku te awa.
Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua te waka.
Ko Ngati Mahia te hapu.
Ko Ngapuhi te iwi.
Ko Reihana Starross Poa-Flavell toku ingoa.

My name is Rei and I am a Year 10 student heading into Yr 11 for 2025.

I work very hard to not only be a part of our community but to be active in the community as well. I contribute my services in work in many areas of school life. I also know a lot of people in our school from multiple year groups and also teachers. I am a helping hand around the school and in the classroom and I am well trusted by teachers.

I represent our Māori students here at school and I want to be a voice and an ear for their concerns. I truly want to be considered for the role of student representative at Waitākere College and I am very determined to go far in life. I want to be the best I can be for our school and serve in any way I can.

Thank you for your time and I hope you’ll consider me.

Jazmine Kumar Year 9

Dedicated, devoted, and enthusiastic these are the 3 words that describe me and why I should be elected. I am a year 9 student that is willing to be a student representative in Waitākere College, I have always been passionate about taking part in school roles to honour and be a role model. If I get elected I will persevere and be dedicated in doing so to make sure that I can be the finest student representative for this school by doing whatever task is given.

 I am seeking this as an opportunity and as my goal to be the best student for this school and to make my parents proud to honour them that as their only child I can strive for greatness and to have pride within myself that I can be a representative. As a Waitākere College student I hold pride and to return this favour I want to make Waitākere College proud.

Desire Magalogo Year 10

 I believe that every student’s opinion matters and that your voice is crucial in shaping our school. I am confident that I am the right person to represent you on the Board of Trustees. I am dedicated, approachable and driven to make a difference for my peers. As someone who balances academics, rugby, and other activities, I can understand the challenges students face to be successful in multiple areas.

I’m committed to representing my peers and ensuring that their concerns are heard. I will make a positive contribution by actively listening to my peers' needs and approaching them with full confidence that it will positively make a difference. During my time in intermediate, I was elected as a class councillor which has taught me the importance of listening and taking action. I also have had some opportunities to talk infront of our school, which has heightened and strengthened my confidence.

Your ideas and concerns matter and I am committed to making sure they are heard. Thank you for considering me as your representative.

Fa'afetai Lava,

Desire Magalogo

Esha Ram Year 12

I believe I am the best candidate for this position because I am passionate about youth voice, have a range of experiences as a student, and aim to make progressive change with my time in the system. My extracurricular activities-- including cultural groups, academic competitions, athletic teams, and activism-- have led me to engage with many different people. These experiences have helped me develop multiple perspectives and a greater understanding of our community. I have also developed the communication skills required to successfully translate student needs to the larger board. I have excellent writing, presentation, and debating skills. Formal events and procedures do not intimidate me. I also take pride in my high academic results, which show my organised nature and commitment to education. In 2025, I plan to improve student engagement in the system by making it a safer, more open space. We should improve by receiving more regular feedback from a range of students to normalize students reaching out and to give staff a greater understanding of the student experience. As a student rep, I will remain committed to my job, ensuring your voices are always heard. I will serve my fellow students with integrity, compassion, and dedication.