Each week for the next 9 weeks, we will be profiling a member of the Dunstan Manukura and sharing their assembly message with our school community. At assembly on 18th February we began with our Head Girl for 2026, Annie Love.
“Kia ora School,
I’m Annie Love Im your Head Girl for 2026.
Monday lunchtime Tahlia and I visited different areas of the school, asking you one question.
What do you want out of Dunstan?
We heard a range of different answers, some focusing on daily life at Dunstan, such as lower canteen prices and more lunch time groups and activities. Although, most students saw this question through a wider lens, to their journey through high school into their future pathways. Where the most frequent response we got was, “I don’t know”.
At our age, there is a large amount of pressure put on us to have it all figured out. But how are we supposed to know? When we are so young, how can we be expected to know what we want to do with our lives, where we want to go, or even who we want to become, especially when we don’t yet know ourselves?
In terms of my future or what’s coming next, there’s a lot I don’t know, but what I do know is.
- I turn up to school
- I know I put my best foot forward, in everything I do.
- I know every time I fail, I work that much harder.
It’s ok not to know. What is important is how we show up everyday.
Year 9’s these decisions may feel so far away. But right now, you’ve just begun your own journey. Enjoy your first steps. Explore what Dunstan High School has to offer. Try new things. Connect with new people. If you’re not sure, ask questions.
Year 10’s, you’re about to leave for camp at Mt Aspiring, an experience which will take you out of your comfort zone, challenge you, push you, develop your confidence, and deepen your connections with your year group, senior leaders, and teachers.
Year 11’s and 12’s you’re making choices within your subjects and courses. Follow your passions, even if you don’t know where your future lies, have a foundation of learning things that interest you. It will lead you towards a future that excites you. Put the effort in.
Year 13’s, who still don’t have all the answers, that's ok. Your work, your passion, and your ability to turn up is what dictates your future. Support each other, look after yourself, and celebrate the small achievements.
Growth isn’t about being perfect or having it all figured out.It’s about who we become through our journey, how we rise after setbacks, choosing resilience when things are hard, understanding when things are confusing, kindness in everything we do, and how we choose to move forward.
We don't just grow as individuals. We'll grow together as a school”.