Rotorua head students for 2017

For John Paul College head students Gus Dube and Theresa McLean, this year will be about increasing the focus on the values and character that make their school unique.

That, and trying to make sure students all enjoy the time they spend at the school, given it takes up such a huge part of their days.

There's been little rest for the pair since they were named head boy and head girl at the end of last year.

While others were enjoying the summer break, the pair spent time at a leadership course in Sydney preparing them for leading the student body in 2017.

"It was amazing," said Gus.

He said a focus for him this year would be emphasis on and building the Lasallian character - faith, service and community.

"In a nutshell it is about being good people in the community, helping those less fortunate and giving back."

Theresa said the leadership camp had cemented those values for her.

"I also want to make sure school is a really positive experience for everyone."

As Theresa puts it, students aren't as likely to achieve academically unless they enjoy the school they are at.

Part of that has seen the pair engaging with the youngest students and trying to get around the various year groups for feedback.

"It's about trying to be a great role model," Theresa said.

Both said they were lucky to be supported in their roles by a strong leadership team.

The pair also said a strong background in drama - both have been involved through the school for many years - had helped with their confidence getting up on stage and speaking to groups.

And both plan to balance their leadership roles with a fairly ambitious study regime.

Gus hopes to study health science at Otago University next year, with a view to getting into medicine.

While Theresa is undecided on what she will study, she definitely planned to go to university to further her love of learning.

Education reporter Stephanie Arthur-Worsop asked Rotorua's other 2017 student leaders what they hope to achieve, how they feel about getting the role and what they most look forward to.

ROTORUA BOYS' HIGH

Rehua.

Rehua Selwyn - head boy

I want to be the best head prefect I can be for my fellow students and hopefully inspire them to seek this position one day.

I feel immensely proud to be in this position. I hope to make Raukura proud, I hope to make Te Arawa proud but most of all I hope to make my family proud.

I am looking to working with the prefect team to maintain the proud status of Raukura.

Nathan.

Nathan Kenah - deputy head boy:

Something I wish to achieve as deputy head boy is I want to inspire the boys to get involved in the endless opportunities available at our school so they can develop their self-confidence and expand their comfort zones.

I feel truly honoured. There have been many great role models who have previously held this role in my time here who I have looked up to, especially for me, Jack Potaka.

I am looking forward to being a senior leader who juniors can look to for advice and guidance, and hopefully I can assist them on their pathways to success.

ROTORUA GIRLS' HIGH

Pare.

Pareunuora Pene- Head girl

I want to help all the girls reach their full potential and making sure they know, no matter what their background, you can achieve greatness.

I was shocked but also very excited. Past leaders of the school inspired me to strive towards a leadership position.

I am looking forward to working with Dixie and Awatea and the rest of the student body to build a sisterhood and change the perception of our school. It's about promoting our school's successes and showing Rotorua what we can achieve.

Awatea.

Awatea Rikirangi-Thomas - Deputy head girl

I hope to achieve a sisterhood bond that sees students empower and support each other. We have a saying, never above, never below, always beside.

I am honoured to be picked especially after only coming to this school last year. I never thought I would be a leader but it just shows it is not about how long you are at a school, it's about what you do with your time.

I'm looking forward to working with a great group of girls and making new changes in the school.

Dixie.

Dixie Yates-Francis - Deputy head girl

I want to bring in a sense of pride in the school and acknowledge the previous generations that have gone through Rotorua Girls' High School. Bringing in new initiatives to enlighten and encourage the girls.

Both my brothers were leaders so I definitely needed to be a prefect. I felt quite overwhelmed when I found out I was selected but glad my actions spoke louder than words.

I just want to make the most of this year, taking opportunities that come up and carry the pride of our school so it filters down to the other students.

WESTERN HEIGHTS HIGH

Wiremu.

Wiremu (Billy) Johnstone - Head prefect

I am most passionate about inspiring young students to set their goals high and work for them. I would like to express the importance of hard work, both on the sports field and in the classroom. Contributing to and exceeding expectations around the rising success rate of Maori students is important to me and I am acutely aware of my responsibility as a Maori student.

I feel humbled and honoured to have been given this position. I look forward to representing my friends, coaches, family, school and community to the best of my ability.

There are many things to look forward to in 2017. I know that this role is a big commitment but I certainly welcome the challenge.

ROTORUA LAKES HIGH

Maggie.

Maggie Donovan-Cotter - Head girl

I hope to get involved with the new students. I believe taking every opportunity is essential to the growth and development of an individual. Through hard work and a determination to succeed I will hopefully be able to inspire some students as I have been inspired.

I feel very honoured and I am very grateful to everyone who voted for me and to the teachers for their constant encouragement and motivation.

Really looking forward to the day-to-day challenges of school life in my new role. It will be a real learning curve which I hope to be able to handle.

Paddy.

Paddy Baylis - Head boy

I hope to become a great leader. Being in Year 13 I understand how quickly school goes by, so to me, a great leader needs to be a consistent role model who students can aspire to. It would be great to guide a group of students, interacting with each individual in the group and most importantly lead by example.

I was shocked and humbled at first but also very happy and honoured.

I am looking forward to being very involved in sport, particularly swimming. I would like to encourage all students to become involved in a sporting activity regardless of ability.

REPOROA COLLEGE

Tayla.

Tayla MacKenzie-Griffin - Head girl

I want to bring in piercings, tattoos and hair-dye for the student body. It sounds weird but I want to be able to celebrate diversity and break down those stigmas. It would be great to see it expressed more in school.

I am absolutely honoured. Ever since I was Year 7 I would look at the head girl and head boy and knew I wanted it right from the beginning.

I am looking forward to working alongside the leadership team.

We have a great group of students who already have quite a strong bond so I'm looking forward to working with them to bring in some changes.

Head boy Connar Flavell was unable to respond due to his involvement in the touch rugby nationals in Auckland.