schoolsthatrockHead Girls 2023. In our series on schools’ Head Girls 2023, Schools That Rock chat with Megan Damonse. Megan, Head Girl for 2023 of Paarl Girls’ High School, tells us more about herself and her leadership.
“I have been a proud Girls’ Higher since pre-school and my heart beats jade. I love people and relationships form a very important part of my love. Furthermore II never miss out on a coffee date. My first leadership role was being a prefect in Grade 7. I believe in the leadership structure of Paarl Girls’ High because it is based on self-development and empowerment. I have served on the Representative Council of Learners right through my high school years and I have recently been elected as Head Leader for 2023.
My leadership experience in high school made me, as Head Girl 2023, realise that I thrive in a leadership position because I want to serve and empower others. That is why I believe the best type of leadership is servant leadership. It is at the same time transformative and empowering to others. My motto regarding leadership is something that my mother taught me many years ago, “The leader of the pack is the wolf, and the leader of the wolf is the pack.” I lead for my Girls’ High sisters, and I will climb mountains for them!
Personal goals
My personal goals for 2023 is that I strive to practise servant leadership. I want to be the best cheerleader for my fellow Learner Leaders and the rest of Paarl Girls’ High! We have many plans and ideas in store and we cannot wait to see them all come to life. I want to use this blessing and opportunity that God has put in my life to grow as a person and to learn as much as I can about myself and others.
Our vision as leaders for 2023 is to bring light to Paarl Girls’ High. Light represents our passion, drive, wisdom, vulnerability, and values. We strive for this light to be seen in everything we do during our term as leaders. Our goal is to create an environment for each girl in GHS to shine her light as brightly as possible. We also wish that Girls’ High’s light grows brighter, larger and higher!
My journey at Paarl Girls’ High has been nothing but absolutely amazing! Girls’ High strives to create an environment where each girl can reach her best potential. Despite the ups and downs life throws at you, Girls’ High has been successful in creating a loving environment. Paarl Girls’ High is really using their resources to give us the best experiences and opportunities. I have grown tremendously as a person and it is all thanks to GHS.
What stands out most in GHS
As Head Girl 2023, I think what stands out most in GHS, is the supportive sisterhood that is created. We really do grow from strangers in Grade 8 to sisters by Grade 12. This is all thanks to the atmosphere of comfort and belonging that is created in Paarl Girls’ High. This is an atmosphere where we are taught to be aware of and accept our emotions and also where we receive the support when we need it. Nothing beats the unexpected smiles in the hallway and breaks at the coffee shop with your Girls’ High sisters!
I have many extraordinary role models in my life whom I look up to for mentorship and guidance. However, my biggest inspiration comes from Jesus. One of my missions in life is to live every day the way Jesus would have. This means to walk in love and to be without judgement. I strive to live in peace with everyone, just like Jesus did.
Kitchen article
Me being a kitchen article? This is a very interesting question and I have been thinking about it for weeks now! After a lot of odd, yet brilliant suggestions like a soda streamer, waffle maker and even just a spoon, I’ve decided the best kitchen article I can describe myself as is an oven. The Deputy Head Girl, Anopaishe Gowero, told me that she thinks of me as an oven. She said it is because of my warm embrace and aura that creates an environment where people feel comfortable to grow as authentically as possible. I want to be that safe space where people can find themselves and become themselves.
My friends tend to describe me as kind-hearted and goal orientated. I never fail to have a good time with my friends and I will never say no to an adventure. Furtermore I am very focussed at times, especially when I’m working towards a goal, but I will always make time to offer a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on.
I have always been goal orientated. I can’t remember a time that I didn’t chase after what I wanted. Although, it is not always easy. Some things take time and other goals are perhaps just not meant for me. What keeps me going is knowing that God has a bigger and better plan in mind for me. I should just live every day to the fullest and chase my dreams. I must also understand if something is just not made for me. God knows better.
Become part of Girls’ High
I would, without a doubt, advise learners to also become part of Paarl Girls’ High. Here you will be able to find a balance between academics, sports, culture, and wellness. The school provides many opportunities where everyone can focus on self-development and growth. The school also strives to create unified experiences as authentical as possible. Our principal, Ms Mariana van Zyl, knows every learner’s name and this is just one of the examples of how everyone is acknowledged. And then, of course, there is the sisterhood where we accept and acknowledge each other at Paarl Girls’ High.
We also experience this special magic moment specifically at events like the Prestige, 4M, interschools, and the other festivities in between. It is not only the big events that create memories. Without a doubt, also the hot summer breaks under the oak trees, telling stories after a holiday to your best friends, and rushing for a cup of coffee in the winter just before the first period. These small, yet very significant moments that are created at GHS will last a lifetime and make memories that you will cherish forever.
Teachers
Paarl Girls’ High has some of the best teachers anyone could ever ask for! Each teacher wants the best for their learners and will do anything to make their school career successful. The teachers at GHS are more than teachers. They are mentors and role models and that is why it is so hard to choose just one teacher who is my favourite. They have all played a significant role in my life and development.
I have always been one to aim high and dream big. My list of goals for the future is never ending! For now, my biggest goal, especially for next year, is to use this opportunity as head leader to grow as a person and to serve my school in the best way possible. As for the future, my biggest wish is to be content. Content with my life, with others and myself. God has a plan for all of us written in the stars.
More school news: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za
https://www.paarlgirlshigh.com/
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