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Issue 55 – February 2016 – QUEEN MARGARET CALLING
Carpe Diem
Seize the Day
Shweta Iyer – Head Prefect
Our new Head Prefect has already made a name for herself at the
College and has a number of strings to her bow. A proud member of
Berwick House, Shweta began her Queen Margaret College journey
in preps back in 2003. She followed her eldest sister Shruti into the
College family.
“There was a sense of unity my parents identified with the
College,” she explains.
Shweta finds it difficult to select just one word to describe herself.
“I think I am a whole raft of things – I guess we all are, which
is one thing that makes people so exciting, but perhaps one of my
dominant traits is that I enjoy thinking – so perhaps I am a thinker,”
she says.
Shweta is halfway through studying the IB Diploma and says her
favourite subject is currently Biology.
“It is a subject that continually wows me, and I have always
felt the need to know why things happen the way they do,” Shweta
comments.
Outside the classroom Shweta enjoys sport, but anything to do
with music sits at the top of her list.
“I love choirs, orchestras, playing in chamber music groups or
just playing the violin in my room as a means of procrastination.
Once you have an instrument that you are familiar with, it becomes
a home that you can keep going back to and discovering more with.”
Amongst her many musical achievements, Shweta won the 2015
National NZCT Secondary Schools Chamber Music Competition as
part of Trio Glivenko. Shweta has also played a number of sports over
the years, her favourites being Hockey and Handball.
Our Head Prefect has many fond memories of the College but
her favourite is when she performed Hallelujah with the Berwick
Small Group on House Performing Arts Day in 2014.
She can still remember feeling a “magical moment of unity and
power” as the girls sang and moved together.
Shweta explains that the driving force behind her and Lily’s
leadership will focus on the “why” of what they are doing. They hope
to encourage each and every girl to take advantage of opportunities,
and have fun while they are doing it.
“We only get to go through school once so we may as well enjoy
it.”
Shweta says the founder of the Suzuki Method, Shinichi
Suzuki always emphasised that when love is deep, much can be
accomplished.
This advice has encouraged Shweta to see tasks as opportunities,
and to continually discover, learn and love what exists around her.
“When we focus on loving what we do, I think we give it more
care and attention, and get more enjoyment out of it.”
Lily Tew – Deputy Head Prefect
You may have already met our new Deputy Head Prefect on the
Football field or the Netball court. Another dedicated member of
Berwick House, Lily began her education at QueenMargaret College
in 2012 as a Year 9 student.
She is the third of three sisters to attend the College, so naturally
there was never any doubt as to where Lily was going.
“Both my sisters really enjoyed their time at the College so the
choice was easy,” Lily comments.
If there is one word Lily would use to describe herself, it is
committed. When she sets her mind to something, she makes sure it
is completed fully and to the best of her ability.
“I do not like to do things by halves,” Lily explains.
She has demonstrated her commitment time and time again,
particularly on the sports field, by always giving 100 percent.
Lily, who is studying NCEA Level 3 this year, says her favourite
subjects are History and Physical Education.
“Physical Education is part of my DNA. It is just something I
love and want to do everyday,” she explains.
Lily also finds History fascinating because the subject has
encouraged her to think about the world around her.
Not surprisingly, when outside the classroom, Lily loves her
sport. A talented sportswoman, for the past few years Lily has been
part of the QMC Senior A Waterpolo, Football and Netball team.
This year she is also hoping to compete with the Year 13 Dragon
Boating squad.
What you may not know about Lily is that she also has a musical
side to her and plays the drums.
“I will never be a famous musician but it is a very enjoyable
instrument to play,” Lily comments.
Her favourite memories of the College involve being part of the
Senior A Football and Netball team.
“Going away as part of tournament week has been so much fun,”
she says.
Lily is excited for 2016 and is looking forward to working
alongside Shweta.
“I hope to bring a sense of fun and enjoyment to school life,” she
explains.
“When you enjoy yourself, you are able to take a lot more in.”
Lily adds that she hopes to build unity between the girls and
encourage a strong sense of belonging within the Queen Margaret
College community.
Lily’s best piece of advice ties in nicely with the theme chosen by
Shweta and herself for 2016: Carpe Diem.
“Seize the moment, do not wait to be ready,” Lily says.