Student Profile Stella Crossan

Kia Ora Koutou, Ko Stella Crossan tōku ingoa and I am the Deputy Head of Rangatiratanga for 2025!

Describe yourself in 3 words

Driven, humble, kind

What extracurricular activities or clubs do you participate in at school, and what do you find most enjoyable about them?

Throughout my time at Te Kura o Hine Waiora I have loved getting involved in many extra curricular activities and groups. I have a huge passion for Te Ao Māori, and have worked to increase kaupapa Māori within our kura through the work we do in Whānau Committie. You will often see me at kapa haka practice or hanging out in the Māori room. As these are both spaces which we come together to celebrate Te Ao Māori, as well as Kapa Haka creating a second whānau for me.

I also have a huge passion for sport. I am involved in CGHS Netball, as well as being a sprint kayaker and surf life saving athlete. Through all of these sports I have been able to meet some amazing people, play with my best friends and travel around the country and world. I believe sport creates so many great opportunities to grow, work as a team and have fun.

Can you describe some positive or memorable experiences you’ve
had at CGHS.
CGHS netball has been a massive highlight for me over the past four years. I have made so many amazing friends through the different teams I have been a part of and I have loved working with these girls, and overcoming various challenges.

My biggest highlight in netball would be the recent 2024 National Secondary Schools Competition held in Christchurch. After having placed 3rd at the South Island Secondary Schools Competition we earned qualification to attend nationals. We were beyond excited to compete against the strong North Island
Competition and super proud to come away with 6th place in the country. My favourite moment of the tournament was when we beat our Christchurch rivals, St Margaret’s College for the first time with a buzzer beater shot from the edge of the circle. Although we did not get to travel as a team for this competition, the immense amount of support we received from friends, family and staff was incredible and largely contributed to the results we gained. As we could always hear them cheering us on from the sideline. The team culture within this team created such a positive and fun environment to be a part of and I made many amazing memories.

What are your favourite subjects at school and why do you enjoy them?

I have enjoyed all the subjects I have taken at CGHS, and have loved the wide variety I could choose from. However my favourite is Te Reo Māori as it allows me to gain a deeper understanding of my language and culture, as well as Performance sport because it connected athletes like myself and allowed me to further my knowledge about my sport.