Leavers Assembly, Friday 6 November 2020.

Sam Barker

Sam’s attendance has improved dramatically since he left school! His willingness to door-knock businesses around town looking for work gained him respect and a job offer. His wacky sense of humor and ability to sidetrack teachers with random questions are well-honed skills that have entertained his classmates over the years. Sam’s skill set indicates he could be a successful stand-up comedian! He is particularly remembered for taking Japanese at Yr 11 which ensured that the class could go ahead. Great self-sacrifice, Sam. He is also a talented late-blooming chef! We wish him well for his studies at ARA next year.

Charleigh Beynon

Charleigh is a kind and considerate person who shows great empathy for others. She works hard to make sure other people are happy. Her persistence and dedication have been appreciated by her teachers. Charleigh also has an amazing singing voice and the ability to implant an earworm in unsuspecting teachers by singing the same song quietly over and over for an hour!! Charleigh is the most likely to win NZ’s Got Talent!

Cullen Blanchfield

Cullen is one of life’s gentlemen. He has learned that good manners are the keys to the kingdom. That, and keeping a low profile! Cullen has a presence in any space without needing to say a word, to be fair Cullen really doesn’t say a lot. When there are audible noises, they are worth listening to. While being the epitome of the ‘strong, silent type’ he was one of the first to bow out of the penguin dissection. There is a SNAG just below the surface. Cullen is the most likely to be in the top 3 candidates for the lead in a remake of ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’.

Ravin Brown

Ravin is the master of cool. From his yellow fedora to his lime green hoodie, Ravin always stands out in the fashion stakes. Ravin is also very skilled at distracting others, including the teacher. He has a great sense of humour and is happy to make jokes about himself. He is also the ring-leader of the 3 musketeers. He is one of the few students to get all of Mr Ellis’s jokes, a rare thing indeed. Ravin is the most likely to move back to Cobden to raise a family.

Nikita Crestani

Nikita isn’t actually leaving which is great, because they are such a cheerful presence to have around. Nikita is a fashionista and is most likely to win the best-dressed award on race day.

Cameron Dodds

When Cameron was a junior student, I told him he was a bit like God - always there! That has remained the case throughout his years at high school - he is always there with a positive attitude, always there with a helping hand, always there with a smart comment. Cameron is most likely to become the wise-cracking old man he recently portrayed in the senior drama production.

Anna Donaldson

Anna never settles, meaning she never switches off, and she pushes herself beyond what many of us consider possible. She is considerate, kind, and above all, driven. One thing in particular that impresses me is the thoughtfulness that Anna brings to everything she does. We know Anna will make us proud, in fact, she already does. Anna is most likely to become a pin-up around the school after making the front cover of the University of Canterbury’s Women in Engineering brochure.

Callum Donaldson

Completely unflappable, Callum will be remembered as someone who never let anything phase him. He is outstanding on the league field and brings the self-discipline, which makes him so valuable in that arena, to everything he does. Relentlessly positive, he always looked for creative solutions to any problem. Speaking of creative, Callum’s uncanny ability to excel at whatever he touches means he is most likely to become an internet celebrity - if he ever fully embraces social media!

Shaymus Flood

Shaymus seems to be quiet and calm, but a devilish sense of humour lurks just below the surface! He is a great worker and all-round nice guy - although he can indulge in subversive behaviour when the mood takes him. Shaymus is also a pretty committed basketball player, and now he has finally (fingers crossed) decided what he wants to do next year, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear of him taking the court for UC. Shaymus is most likely to end up becoming a diplomat.

Geordie Gibson

One of the goals of the Samoa trip is to push students out of their comfort zone, and the homestay is the most challenging part of the trip. Geordie wasn’t pushed out of his comfort zone, he was catapulted, shot out of a canon! He disappeared off to his homestay, almost never to be seen again! When he didn’t show up for school the next day, we had to send Mr Haigh on a search and rescue mission. Despite not really knowing what was happening to him, Geordie kept a positive attitude, never complaining, showing the strength of character that he has. I predict that Geordie will become a world traveller and will cope with whatever comes his way because it couldn’t be more bizarre than his Samoan experience!

Lydia Gill

Lydia has a dry sense of humour, a practical approach to life and a clearly stated opinion. Her “no fuss” attitude was particularly appreciated during the Samoa trip. Lydia also has a kind heart and the perfect temperament for becoming a radiographer, so long as she gets around to completing her assignments on time. A great sense of humour coupled with the smarts and compassion are attributes that will take her far. Lydia is the most likely to keep calm and carry on!

Asher Lambert

Always kind and caring to everyone around him, supporting younger students and looking out for everyone with Surf Life Saving. Asher is helpful, often showing initiative to offer help rather than being asked. Brimming with potential, Asher never lets anything get to him. His addiction to coffee will keep him awake, but his fiercely positive attitude, a wicked sense of humour, and charming manner will take him great places.

Kirk Magner

Kirk is great to have in class, always ready to volunteer in lessons or take on leadership roles. He seems to have accidentally found himself doing scholarship physics but I think he secretly enjoys it. Kirk is the kind of person who gets things done - nothing is ever a problem. He is also pretty good at getting away with stuff because he just smiles sweetly and does his innocent look! Don’t be surprised if Kirk ends up being our next Olympian as he is a very accomplished equestrian.

Caleb Mahuika

Caleb likes to keep a low profile. While others are singing and dancing and drawing attention to themselves, Caleb is quietly and consistently racking up the Excellence credits. He has an innate determination to succeed, and succeed he does, not just at school but on the basketball court. Caleb is most likely to become a ninja. 

Alice Morrison

Alice has been forced to master the art of distance learning this year. Always kind, cheerful and with time for everyone, Alice has a mature outlook on life which reflects in her attitude towards others. She has been an encouraging and motivated leader. Alice is the most likely person to end up working in deepest, darkest Africa, probably becoming a UNICEF ambassador to Botswana setting up schools and health services for needy children. 

Finn Sharp

Finn obviously enjoys the pressure of leaving things to the last minute. Perhaps that’s due to his relaxed nature, but sometimes, let’s be honest, he can be a bit absent-minded. My best memory of Samoa isn't the constant worry if he would lose his passport, it is his incredible engagement and enthusiasm when working and engaging with the students at Paul VI. His maturity and focus were outstanding, and it’s something we know Finn will take to his studies next year. Finn is the most likely to spend 2 years trapped in Changi airport looking for his passport.

Jacob Smith

Jacob, steady-as-she-goes, Smith has been the ever-present smiling face around school. Many a direction to the correct aisle in Mitre 10 Mega has been given in the same calm, sensible tones used in guiding assemblies and school events this year. His subtle sense of humour has helped keep the ship afloat and his ability to step in and lead by example and through participation has been a strength. Jacob is the most likely to be a model for a fluorescent safety gear company in the future.

Harrison Watson

Harrison has a close relationship with his phone. In a cohort with many like-minded individuals, Harrison is the King of distractions. He has a great sense of humour, a kind heart, and can be relied on to willingly help out. He is destined for the airforce next year and will enjoy the discipline and camaraderie. Harrison is the most likely to get permanently blocked by Spark for excessive data use.

Leo Whitcombe

During his time in high school, Leo embraced kapa haka and has been a strong role model for the younger students. He is always reliable and shows great commitment to performance. One stand out memory is of Leo leading the haka at the 10th-anniversary commemoration service of the Lalomanu Tsunami. He led the group with confidence and pride and made a huge impression on the local community. Leo is also a talented actor with a dry wit. He is also the only student to ever give Mrs Smith the fingers! (It was in the script:))

Stef Wickes

Stef is the person you can rely on to help out when you need a hand. Although she thinks Physics is the best subject ever she decided to take Biology instead. She is whirlwind in the kitchen making choux pastry into an art form. She has been Mrs Smith’s right-hand in whanau, always organised and inspiring! School will be very quiet without her. Stef is the most likely to direct, produce and star in her own cooking show.