It was wonderful to see around 200 parents turn up for our Junior Prizegiving this year and we were all serenaded by the Junior Kapa Haka group, welcoming us to the Gym.

After a striking rendition of our National Anthem, Christine O’Neill gave a very warm welcome to all. Julian Bowden, the BOT Chairperson addressed the assembled group with an overview of the year.

Year 9 and 10 awards were handed out first for students recognised for upholding our school values. This was followed by the Silver Sporting and Cultural Awards for outstanding achievements in an impressive variety of fields.

The students were introduced to some of the school leaders for 2020 – Steffi Burra (Head of Acland 2020), Ruby Lange and Hannah Sherwood (Deputy Head Girl 2020) and Isla Clarkson (Head Girl 2020) who handed them Distinction Awards at both Years 9 and 10.

The very talented violinist, Charlotte Cotton performed a wonderful piece Fantasia No.7 Mvts 1 & 2 by G.P. Telemann. The dulcet tones from Charlotte’s violin echoed throughout the gym.

The Year 9 and 10 Deans, Holly Caird and Charlotte Phoon both addressed their respective year groups and the prizewinners received their academic prizes.

Mrs O’Neill gave her last speech for the year, inspiring and challenging the students to be strong, courageous and authentic as well as having the conscience and courage to help other women around the world whose lives are not so fortunate. She stressed the importance of good relationships with others and to consider how we define ourselves in this changing world.

This was followed by the Special Awards, given for Junior Values, Citizenship in the Junior School, Top Maori Junior Student, Top Junior Pasifika Student, Top Year 9 Student, Most Outstanding Student in Year 10.

The final remarks were given by Sophie Bowden and Isla Clarkson who congratulated the students and left them with inspiring thoughts for the future.

Prizegiving finished with a rousing rendition of a Christmas song.