Head Students' Welcome
Kia ora, Talofa lava, and Welcome to 2025!
We are Rebecca Wash and Seralina Seumanufagai, and it’s our absolute honour to serve as your Head Prefects this year at Te Kura Kohine o Te Rāwhiti o Te Upoko o Te Ika, Wellington East Girls’ College.
It is with great pride and excitement that we extend our warmest welcome to all students, parents, and visitors to our kura - Wellington East Girls’ College. We are a diverse, vibrant community united by our shared values and aspirations. Here at Rawhiti, we are more than a school on the hill, we’re a home. Each student, kaiako, and member of our kura contributes something special to this community. Our school is a place where we celebrate individuality, nurture potential, and come together as a whānau to achieve great things.
"Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini."
My strength is not mine alone, but comes from the strength of many.
This whakataukī reminds us that leadership and success are collective efforts. Every achievement at East, whether in academics, arts, sports, or community initiatives reflects the incredible teamwork of our kura. As Head Prefects, our goal is to help you tap into that shared strength and make your mark on this school in your own unique way.
Now, a little bit about ourselves:
Rebecca:
Rebecca grew up in Owhiro Bay with her younger sister. She has beautiful blue eyes and a warm smile that instantly makes others feel at ease. While she may come across as quiet at first, Rebecca is incredibly approachable and easy to talk to, which makes her an exceptional leader for the teina in our school. She embodies the value of Whanaungatanga, always fostering a sense of inclusivity and ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported. Her natural ability to take initiative and motivate those around her to do the same is something I truly admire. Rebecca is the definition of leading by example. I’m very excited and grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside her this year
Seralina:
Seralina’s energy is nothing short of magnetic. She grew up in Miramar/Strathmore with six brothers! She’s tall, with pretty brown eyes and gorgeous hair. She carries herself with confidence and warmth that instantly puts people at ease. What I admire most about her is her ability to bring people together. She has a gift for making everyone feel seen and valued, whether she’s leading a group or not. Seralina embodies what it means to lead with aroha and mana, inspiring everyone around her to be their best. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to lead East this year.
Our school motto is "take the light and pass it on". Every single one of you brings something unique to Rawhiti, whether it’s talent, perspective, or passion. We encourage you all not to dim your light. Instead, engage with the opportunities available. It’s through these contributions that our school truly shines.
This year, let’s aim high and lift each other higher. At Rawhiti, we all have a role to play in creating an environment where every student feels empowered to grow, share their light, and chase their aspirations without hesitation. We encourage you to take risks, step outside your comfort zone, and maximise the opportunities ahead. Whether it’s joining a club, leading a project, or simply supporting a friend, every action contributes to the legacy we’re building together.
Rawhiti’s strength lies in its people - you. 2025 is your year to shine, to learn, and to lead in your own way. We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve as a kura and the impact we’ll make together.
Let’s make it a year to remember!
Ngā mihi aroha,
Rebecca and Seralina xx