Warm, thoughtful and willing to embrace every opportunity, Mizpah reflects on leadership, culture, community and finding confidence through school life.
Mizpah-Ann K-W is a proud First Nations student in Year 9 and has been part of our School community for a decade now. Known for her warmth, leadership and willingness to give new things a go, she’s involved in a wide range of activities spanning touch football and the Middle School Leadership Team as well as performing in the School musical.
Her journey reflects a strong sense of identity, a commitment to her culture, and a genuine desire to uplift younger students. Ms Lyn Jarvis, Director of Community Engagement sat down with Mizpah earlier this year, during a break in rehearsals for the musical Mary Poppins.
What do you like most about the School?
How everyone comes together. We’re all from different cultures and backgrounds, but we learn from each other and make new memories.
What’s one of the most fun things you’ve done at any time since you started here?
Year 2 camp – we stayed overnight at school! Camping on the rooftop was so fun, and I made lots of new friendships outside my Gawura School class.
Are there any school activities you’ve taken up recently that you really enjoy?
I’ve been joining more events to build my communication skills, like helping at the Gawura Cocktail Party. I love singing there… and the free food is pretty good too!
You took part in the First Nations dance at last year’s Evening of Celebration and Prizegiving with the Gawura School students, why was that important to you?
I wanted to show that if you’re scared to try something, you should still go for it. You never know what you can achieve. It was also really fun doing it with the younger kids.
Do you think the younger students enjoy having older students join in?
I hope so. When they see someone older giving things a go, it helps them feel confident too. You have a voice when you try.
You’re in Mary Poppins this year—what’s your role?
I’m part of the ensemble, singing and helping shape the story.
What songs do you perform in?
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” and “Every Day’s a Holiday with Mary.”
What’s the most fun part of being in the musical?
Learning how to spell “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”! It’s easy once you know it.
Did you join with friends or on your own?
It didn’t matter whether my friends joined. I wanted to do something that helps shape who I am and my identity.
Have you made new friends through the musical?
Yes—mostly in my year group, but some older and younger too.
You’re a captain for one of the touch football teams. Which team is that?
The Junior A Touch Football team.
What year groups are in that team?
Mainly Years 8 and 9, with some Year 7s earlier in the season.
When did you start playing touch?
In Year 5, and I’ve stayed with it ever since.
How did you become captain?
My coach said communication was key, and I already knew many of the players. It was easy to connect with them and support the team.
How did your season go?
Really well! We made the semifinals, beat Redlands, and played the grand final last weekend. We lost by a couple of points, but it was a great game. There were a few tears because it was our last game and training together.
You’re also part of the Year 9 leadership team—how did you get onto that?
We had interviews with the Head of Year and Ms Molyneaux. They look for communication skills and how you help others.
What does the leadership team do?
We’re working on a “Mental Health Mate” project – thinking about what helped us in Middle School and how we can support students going through tough times.
How do you manage all your commitments with sport, music, schoolwork and leadership?
I take things one step at a time. I decide what needs to be done first, finish it, take a short break, then move on to the next thing.
Is it important to you to be a role model for Gawura students?
Yes. If they have problems at home or school, I want them to know they belong here and can achieve things. I want them to see who they can become.
Was there someone you looked up to when you were younger?
A teacher – Miss (Lauren) Ferguson who works in Gawura School, who is also my cousin.
Your little sister has just started Kindergarten. Did you give her any advice?
I told her to smile, have a good time, and tell a teacher if anyone is unkind. She loves her teacher so far.
