Tena koutou! Given that this article is that of the Head Boy’s, I feel I should at least cobble together something of reasonable coherence.

For those who heard my address at prize giving, I apologise in advance if some of this article sounds familiar, I confess it seems rather pointless to say the same thing twice but in different ways.

Because what I really want to say is quite simple and yet probably under-appreciated: that we are lucky to be Logan Parkers.

Despite the ill-informed stereotypes  we really are a very special school.

Our school whānau is truly unique. Our teachers work hard to see us achieve and take care to understand the need for flexibility when necessary. Our parents are the poor suckers who are obliged to taxi us around and yet give us the same love and support they did on day one. Our school management are conscientious, driven and passionate and they genuinely care about our success. And our fellow students are accepting and encouraging. These are all values of which we can be proud and further, should recognise that in many schools you just don’t see this kind of thing.

So there is something special about Logan Park, and I think as Head Boy, I’ve been lucky to see a great deal of this in action. Whether this is through Shakespearean drama, Tupuranga, jazz band, watching the lads at co-ed sports tournaments or seeing Year 11’s win a Year 13 history competition, I have seen the talent, camaraderie and fundamental decency and respect for one another in every field. Indeed, it has been an extraordinary privilege.

But now, as my high school years draw to a close, in many ways I never wanted this moment to come. I couldn’t bring myself to admit that I’d no longer be a Logan Parker anymore; I’d no longer be a Head Boy. I struggled to envisage a world where I would not be indoctrinated with Mr Enright’s left-wing radicalism on a daily basis, challenged by Mr Hills’ shrewd right-wing antics; or the recipient of Matua Tip’s well meaning shoulder massages, which seem to cause rather than relieve that extraordinary tension and strain that comes with being the Head Boy of all you lot.

But as I sit down and write this I realise that now, the Class of 2015 enters the real world laid before us. That now, we, and our honorary member Mr McKinney, enter the next phase of our life’s journey. And I realise most importantly that being a Logan Parker doesn’t end when your school career ends. As Logan Parkers we are free-thinking, we think critically, we are innovative, we are creative and we embrace diversity, and these are values that will hold steadfast and true within us all.

And so now, as my ‘wise message’ I say to you: once a Logan Parker, always a Logan Parker, whether you like it or not. So own it. Be strong, be honest and be proud. Kia Kaha.

Naku iti noa, na