St Peter’s School’s head students for 2026
Regan Gallien, who grew up in Wharepuhunga and now lives in Te Awamutu, is St Peter’s Cambridge’s deputy head girl for 2026.
“I hope that I am able to truly have an influence on the students of St Peter’s year next year and use each day as an opportunity to make positive change,” she said.
Regan Gallien
Regan’s mother, Anna, is a governance advisor for the New Zealand School Boards Association, and her father, Peter, owns a farm. She has three sisters – Ava (24), Kate (19) and Jade (11).
“My mum and my dad have to be my biggest inspirations as leaders,” Regan said.
“My mum works with governance and is constantly having to lead school boards out of difficult times. Seeing how she manages to improve and work alongside these organisations and balance and compromise differing opinions truly inspires me.
“My dad owns a farm…watching how he can be in every place at once has definitely had an impact on my leadership style.”
Her basketball coach, Leanne Walker, had also been hugely influential in her success.
“The first time Leanne coached me was in year 7, where I followed my sister to her Sunday basketball academy,” Regan said.
“Leanne taught me how to work hard and do it with a smile on my face. I would not be able to uphold the values and commitment that a leader should hold today if it weren’t for Leanne Walker shaping me into the character I am now.”
Regan said her Catholic faith had strongly impacted her beliefs, morals and leadership journey.
“It has built into me the values of kindness, humility and service, which I believe have easily reflected onto how I lead,” she said.
“I try to bring these values into not only leadership roles but everything I do, and my faith helps to hold me accountable for that. My faith reminds me that leadership isn’t about recognition or status but using your strengths to serve and benefit others.”
Regan studied English literature, mathematics with statistics, dance, outdoor education, history and psychology this year and won the Van Marrewijk Family Trophy for All Round Excellence in year 12.
A keen dancer and sportsperson, she plays basketball, social touch rugby, premier volleyball and premier netball.
“Long term for me, I look to attend university and come out the other side with a degree that is the rock for my future career, whatever that may be,” she said.
“Currently, I am still quite uncertain of what I look to do in the future, but I know that I have family and friends around me, supporting me in making these decisions. I want to continue my sports, whether that means making it the centre of my university experience or not, but I know that sport will never not be a massive part of my life.”
Regan said her family had a big influence on her decision to pursue a head student role.
“I grew up with two older sisters who had both been the head girls in year 8 at Korakonui primary school, so when I changed primary schools in year 7, moving to St Patrick’s, I knew that that would be a role I strived for and was honoured enough to be awarded.
“Then when I came to St Peter’s, my eldest sister didn’t apply for a perfect role and my other older sister started her uni degree instead of completing year 13. Seeing this helped to encourage me to put myself out there and make the most of every opportunity available to me. I wanted to challenge myself, give back to the community and become a role model for my peers, as my sisters were to me.”
Her advice to other students: “be authentically and unapologetically yourself”.
“My biggest regret during year 9 was not feeling confident enough to express my true self,” she said.
“School is so much more enjoyable and beneficial when you put a little bit of who you are into everything you do.”
St Peter’s School’s head students for 2026 are (from left) head of girls’ boarding Darcie Granwal, deputy head girl Regan Gallian, head girl Milla Price, head boy Joe Lang, deputy head boy Joshua Teh and head of boys’ boarding George Edwards-Heeney. Photo: Steph Bell-Jenkins
