I want to take the opportunity to share two ideas that I believe are not just important for school but for life: how we behave and having high expectations for ourselves.
We live in a world that can sometimes feel out of control. Technology is advancing at a pace that can be overwhelming, conflicts in many parts of the world are escalating, and at times it feels like basic respect for others is diminishing.
But in the face of this uncertainty, there is something each of us can control: our own actions, our attitudes, and our effort. In other words, our behaviour.
Here at Hillcrest High School, we are guided by our RAPID values.
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Respect: Treat others and ourselves with dignity and kindness.
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Aim for the best you can be: Always strive to do our best, no matter the challenge.
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Persevere: Push through difficulties and never give up.
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Identify and Develop our talents and skills.
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Diversity: Value, accept, and celebrate the differences in others.
They are visible in our school environment, in our newsletters and are referred to in the classroom setting. Next year, you will hear RAPID all the time as it is the new name of the first session in class every day except Thursday and the Hauora teacher will now be the RAPID teacher.
These values are more than just words. They are a guide to help us navigate change and uncertainty—whether that’s in school, at home, or in the wider world. They are your foundation for making good choices, building resilience, and growing into someone you can be proud of.
The second idea I want to highlight is about having high expectations for yourself.
High expectations don’t mean comparing yourself to others. They mean becoming the best version of yourself—not someone else, but you.
Too often, we settle for “just enough.” But here’s the truth: you are capable of so much more. Whether it’s academically, in service to others, through cultural and sporting activities, or as part of your House activities, don’t aim for mediocrity. Aim for excellence. Set goals that challenge you, and commit to working toward them every day.
I know it’s not always easy. But remember: success comes from effort and perseverance.
At junior prizegiving, we celebrated students who have shown us that. They have pushed through challenges, worked hard, and demonstrated what is possible when you believe in yourself and live by our RAPID values.
To all students: think about the kind of person you want to become. What kind of legacy do you want to leave at Hillcrest High School? The choices you make today—how you behave and the standards you set for yourself—will shape that legacy.
The famous childrens’ author Dr. Seuss sums this up
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
The power is in your hands to decide who you will become.
To all our students, aim high, persevere, and control what you can—your actions and your attitude. And to our prizewinners, congratulations on showing us what success looks like when you do.
