Student Leadership Team

Welcome to our 2023/24 Senior Student Leadership Team

Grace, Head Girl

In September 2019, pink shirts first arrived at Notre Dame. It was a time of mixed emotions for most of us, including myself, as we grappled with two conflicting emotions: excitement and nervousness. What an experience to be thrown into a new school with girls much older than me and countless unfamiliar faces. And what an experience to leave all those I held so close to my heart to embark on the journey time had urged me into. This experience, this crucial change in my life that had once brought me to tears, had been necessary for a path of blessings to come my way.

Our mindset on change in our lives must be a positive one. It must be a mindset filled with enthusiasm, joy and curiosity about what lies ahead. Instead of resting our focus on our vulnerabilities, or perhaps potential lack of preparation, let us always dwell on the varying possibilities to come.

A beautiful quote from Jeremiah perfectly encapsulates this perspective: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” How remarkable is it to know that in the midst of every change in our lives, we remain in God’s loving arms; His light illuminating our specially curated path.

Returning to the early years, over time, that initial wave of excitement and nervousness gradually faded, making room for a more profound emotion: acceptance. I came to terms with the fact that Notre Dame had become our second home, a place where we would spend the next five years of our educational path. We accepted the notion that our journey would be intertwined with the girls around us. This very acceptance became the foundation on which we built our experiences.

My experience at Notre Dame has truly been distinguished so far. I embrace a busy schedule and find fulfilment in it. While this lifestyle may not resonate with everyone, what truly matters is that I've discovered a place and a way of life that aligns with my preferences. Personally, I thrive in the bustling forefront, and I feel at ease in such an environment. But it's important to acknowledge that others may find their comfort in different spaces. The beauty of Notre Dame lies in the fact that every student here has their place. Every student at Notre Dame has the opportunity to grow and develop, and this is something we can all count on.

I eagerly anticipate the future, where the lessons I've learned will continue to shape my path. Just as Jeremiah's quote reminds us, we are all part of a divine plan, and as we move forward, we do so with the knowledge that we are cherished and guided by something greater.

As I step into Year 11 with the honour of serving as your Head Girl, there is no greater joy than the opportunity to give back to the school that has changed my life in so many ways. I look forward to my role in guiding and supporting my fellow students on their journey to becoming brighter and better young women.

Chioma, Deputy Head Girl

In this role I represent the wonderful school body and represent the lovely school values. Although I uphold many responsibilities within and outside the school I always manage to maintain my bubbly, never ending, unique personality. I love to exert the love and fun this school brings me to everyone while still bearing the seriousness and weight of the work, people and responsibilities I protect.

Sarah, Deputy Head Girl

I'm honoured to hold this position and I hope to help Notre Dame become a better place for all. I believe that everyone has the potential to achieve whatever they focus on. I aim to be both a positive role model for my school and a trusted student inside the school who is a voice for all. Thank you to everyone who made this possible and to God my shepherd.

Daniella, Assistant Head Girl

I am very honoured to be in this position and representing our school. I hope I will live up to the prestige of this title.

I applied for this role because all of the previous SSLT were so inspiring, they really forced me out of my shyness and pushed me in terms of confidence and leadership. They made a lasting impact, and I thought, 'Hey, I want to create that same magic!'. Last year, our previous SSLT really engraved the concept of perseverance into our minds. This concept really guides me through my time here at Notre Dame.

As your Assistant Head girl, I'm determined to make a difference. One of my goals is to foster a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to chase their dreams. There will be times when you don't get the grade or position you want. Even I have been rejected countless times and here I am. It’s all about the work you put in. Just remember, rejection is not the end but the beginning.

Aaliyah, Assistant Head Girl

I want to begin by acknowledging the change that many students may be experiencing, whether you are starting anew as a charismatic year seven or, like me and my peers, beginning the final leg in our secondary school career. Whichever applies, I hope this message finds you well and reaches you on a personal level. I want you to know I have been exactly where you are. I can tell you that the path ahead is full of memories and lessons that have had nothing but a positive impact on me and have continued to shape me as a person, somewhat ready for the real world.
 
Since I joined the school in yr 7, I aspired to carry the same values and achieve like the members of SSLT before me. I looked up to these girls, their double stripes, and the solid values and integrity they upheld. It is clear this opportunity is not one to take advantage of. As your Assistant Head Girl, I ensure that I will cater to the individual needs of each student to the best of my ability. I will rely on myself to be a helping hand to the school community and hope to be a trusted ear to students.
 
I would like to leave with you my advice: persevere and take up every opportunity Notre Dame offers, take advantage of experiences that come your way, and be ready to try new things. Stay persistent and confident in yourselves and who you all are. I know the year ahead will be great, especially with the remarkable personalities of the other SSLT members beside me.

Anjolaoluwa, Assistant Head Girl

I am beyond thrilled that I am able to serve and represent the school in a way that I've always admired since Year 7.

Firstly, I am forever grateful to have been awarded this role as a part of the Senior Leadership Team. I do not take this opportunity for granted at all but rather cherish this opportunity that has been given to me. Within performing this role I aim to to help students who feel they don’t have a voice develop a sense of confidence and comfortability in themselves. When I joined in Year 7 I was shy when inserting myself in conversations but the more I grew in the school the more I was able to voice and find my passions.

As a member of the Student Senior Leadership Team, I am here to encourage people to find their zeal, drive and what makes them happy. This can be experienced through extra curricular clubs where you meet new people, develop crucial friendships and learn new skills that will blossom into amazing opportunities and reaching abilities that would’ve never been possible. My advice to you when reading this is to believe in yourself and believe that anything you put your mind to you will achieve with hard work, ambition and determination.

To my fellow Year 7s who have joined the Notre Dame community, I want to offer you the warmest welcome. Embarking on your adolescent journey at Notre Dame is nerve-racking as you meet new people that you have never met before but trust me when I say that they will become your life long friends so hold dear to these relationships. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord “plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give hope and a future”. Always remember that God has a plan for you to excel so keep working towards your goals and watch everything fall into place.