December 4 was our last day of school and our junior prizegiving day. Year 9, Year 10, staff and at least 300 parents and whanau gathered together in the gym to celebrate the year of learning.

We were treated to a few catchy songs by the Year 10 band before the prizegiving commenced. After a rousing rendition of the national anthem the Kapa Haka group sang two beautiful and peaceful waiata which set a lovely tone.

Christine O’Neill then addressed the group, thanking the Kapa Haka and Whaea Adrienne for their contributions, along with Michael Langdon and the school band, acknowledging the hard work they all put in. Mrs O’Neill thanked parents, staff and students for the way we all managed the challenges of our school year during a global pandemic. She then talked about what we may look forward to in the future, highlighting the importance of reflection to help us move on in our lives.

Mrs O’Neill referred to the fact that in 2021 there will be new initiatives around curriculum change and a new rebuild planned. She wished Ms Claire Morris well in her future at Burnside and concluded by well-wishing everyone for the holiday break.

Mr Sawyer and Mrs Miller presented the Year 9 and 10 Values Awards, then Mrs Peawini and the 2021 Deputy Head Girls Kate Hastings & Rosanne Tia read the Silver Sporting and Cultural Awards. Mrs Leech and Mr Kersten presented the Year 9 Distinction Awards, followed by Mrs Leech and Ms Caird presenting the Year 10 Distinction Awards.

Mr Kersten, the Year 9 Dean, spoke with candour, enthusiasm and humour encouraging Year 9 to ask themselves “where are you going?” and making allusions to Frozen. He then went on to read the Year 9 Academic Awards for 2020. These prizes were presented by Mia Cochrane, Head of Acland for 2021. This was followed by an impressive musical item by Ava Castles and Olivia Eady which was an original composition “Everything’s Fine.” It is always such a treat to hear such talent!

Miss Caird, the Year 10 Dean addressed her year group reflecting on what has been an interesting and challenging year, using the analogy of a plant growing and blooming, and looking forward to next year. Miss Caird then read the Year 10 academic prize list and Amiria Tikao, next year’s Head Student, presented the prizes.

Amiria Tikao introduced the head student team for 2021 and acknowledged how much the students have embraced the school values despite major challenges in 2020. Roseanne Tia, Kate Hastings and Mia Cochrane all spoke about their roles for 2021.

The final presentations were the Special Awards, presented by Mrs Peawini and Mrs O’Neill, which concluded this year’s prizegiving, ending a song - "Let it Go" from Frozen.