Aquinas proudly welcomed back 2015 Head Girl Ellie McManaway as guest speaker at our recent Honours Assembly to celebrate outstanding student achievement.
A top-level sportswoman and policewoman, she knows a little something about success — and setbacks. Speaking to students, staff, parents and whānau at our April 20 assembly, Ellie reflected on a journey that hasn’t followed a straight line.
While she excelled in basketball, netball and volleyball, Ellie left Aquinas without a clear plan. She began a Bachelor of Psychology and Criminology, before injury cut short her rising netball career.
Then came a curveball. A spontaneous decision to try flag football opened doors to global travel, elite competition, and eventually captaining New Zealand’s women’s flag football team.
This summer brought another challenge — a season-ending Achilles rupture that left her sidelined, relearning how to walk, and facing one of her toughest chapters yet.
From that journey, Ellie shared three powerful reminders with our students:
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Don’t compare your journey to others — comparison is the thief of joy
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When one door closes, another opens — be brave enough to try something new
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Challenges build resilience and help us grow
“It’s never too late to try something new — you never know where your talents lie until you explore them,” she said.
Principal Mr Dalton reflected that — like her siblings — Ellie truly embodies our Touchstone of Service, always giving back to her community, including coaching numerous AC sports teams, most recently our Premier Netball team.
During the April 20 assembly, Ellie presented High Honour Awards to 25 students who excelled at the top level in NZ sport or academics. Fifty-seven other students received Honour Awards recognising outstanding academic, cultural, Arts and sporting achievement.
Speaking to those students not receiving awards, Mr Dalton reminded us that it’s easy to measure ourselves against others — but growth isn’t always visible. What matters most is the person you are becoming.
So good to have you back, Ellie. 💚💛
High Honour Recipients
Jenna Arrowsmith (NZQA Scholarship)
Daniel Addidle (Athletics)
Daisy Bell (Water Polo)
Ineka Cartwright (Cricket)
Jonathan Coster (NZQA Scholarship)
Levi Dixon (Swimming)
AJ Goodin (NZQA Scholarship)
Jane Hartman (NZQA Scholarship)
George Holmberg (NZQA Scholarship)
Nat Jarden (Beach Volleyball)
Mila Kennedy (Swimming)
Thomas Magill (Surf Lifesaving & Swimming)
Isla Martin (NZQA Scholarship)
Kaydence Martin (Triathlon)
Beth Metcalfe (Surf Lifesaving)
Miela Murphy (Surf Lifesaving)
Max Page (Surf Lifesaving)
James Prince (Beach Volleyball)
Willow Ropati (Surf Lifesaving)
Solomon Ryan (Surfing)
Luke Ryder (Beach Volleyball)
Greer Sander (Swimming)
Harper Shaw (Beach Volleyball)
Nico Thomasen (Kart Racing)
Addison Sands (Water Polo)
