Head Boy 2024. Like in previous years, Schools That Rock interviewed Head Leaders of Schools in South Africa. Our next candidate is Lea Annabella Hall, Head Girl 2024 of Curro Westbrook, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Please note that Ewan Naidoo is in Grade 7 and not in Grade 12. We have made an exception for him.
Ewan, tell us more about yourself and your leadership.
- I am a very hard-working and driven person. Some of my best qualities is being accountable, being assertive when needed, a good listener and great at building relationships. My favourite sport is soccer and I play for a football club called Callies as well as the Port Elizabeth Football Association (PEFA). I enjoy most sports as well as playing online games. I love doing a lot of outdoor activity and spending time with my family.
What are your personal goals for this year?
- As Head Boy 2024, my focus for this year is to lead my prefect team to be the best they can be. I also want to ensure that we do what is needed to support the teachers at Curro Westbrook. Making sure everyone feels happy and included in our school. Talking to everyone to solve problems and make things better. Being a good role model and doing my best in everything.
What are your goals for your school for your term of service?
- I want everyone to feel happy and included, like one big family. If anyone has a problem, we can talk about it and fix it as a prefect team. I’ll also try my best to be a good leader and do what’s always right.
Tell us about the biggest challenges you experienced as a learner of Curro Westbrook?
- As Head Boy 2024, managing my time better between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal time could be challenging at times. Understanding certain subjects like Afrikaans and there were times when I found certain subjects or topics difficult to grasp. I also had to work extra hard to understand them.
What stands out most to you at Curro Westbrook?
- What I love most about my school is how everyone is like one big family. We are always there for each other, whether it’s studying together, cheering each other on in sports, or just hanging out during lunch. The teachers and staff are also super supportive too, and they always encourage us to do our best. There are so many fun things to do here, like clubs, sports, and cool events. I also have made some awesome friends that I know I’ll have for a long time. Curro Westbrook is like my second home, and I’m grateful to be a part of such an awesome community.
Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?
- Lionel Messi is someone I really look up to for inspiration and mentorship. He’s not just an incredible soccer player; he’s also a great role model. I admire how he never gives up, even when facing tough challenges. His determination and hard work show me that with dedication and determination, I can achieve my goals too. Messi is not only a soccer legend but also someone who inspires me to be the best version of myself in everything I do.
Ewan, you’re a kitchen article? What are you and why?
- I am a stove because I can be used to make something beautiful, nutritious, and delicious. This really speaks to my personality as I like to be part of creating something beautiful.
How would your friends describe you?
- My friends would describe me as being reliable, trustworthy, helpful, friendly, funny, compassionate and very competitive.
What motivates you to achieve your goals?
- My parents play a big part in motivating me. I want to make them proud. I am also very self-driven and always look to achieving my goals.
Why would you advise learners to also become part of Curro Westbrook?
- Joining Curro Westbrook means you get to try lots of cool stuff! We’ve got classes for learning new things like Robotics and IT, clubs for hobbies like Art, social events where you can meet friends and have a blast. It’s a chance to find what you’re good at and what you love to do. There are cool teachers and staff who are always there to help and cheer you on.
Who is your favourite teacher and why?
- I love all my teachers. Curro has awesome teachers however if I had to pick one then that would be Mr Mavela. He’s just awesome. He really cares about all of us in his class and always goes above and beyond to help us out. Whenever I have a problem, he’s there to listen and give me great advice. Plus, he’s super hardworking and funny – his classes are never boring! And when it comes to keeping us in line, he’s firm but fair. Mr Mavela is just the best.
What are your future goals?
- I would love to start my own business one day. I’ve got all these cool ideas bouncing around in my head, and I think it would be amazing to turn one of them into a real-life business. Whether it’s selling homemade crafts or creating an online store, I am excited to see where my entrepreneurial spirit takes me in the future.
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