Term one has flown by and we have hit the ground running this year. With multiple events scattered throughout the year the prefects and I have been busy but have enjoyed every minute of it.

This term we focused on the core value of being “involved” and has had some amazing results as the participation in each of the events and opportunities given to the lads has increased and we have had some awesome positive feedback from it.

Students have shown exceptional engagement in Term One, reflecting our core value of involvement. One of the most significant highlights was Athletics Day, which saw the highest attendance in years. This remarkable turnout was a direct result of students fully embracing the opportunity to participate and the work of our prefect team. Whether competing, cheering, or volunteering, the spirit of involvement was alive and well across the school. This engagement sets a positive tone for the rest of the year, encouraging further collaboration and contribution across various events and activities.

Our first major event of the year was swimming sports. We had an amazing turnout with everyone taking part on the day and getting into the pool to win house points for their houses. It was awesome to see prefects taking charge of their houses and showing some really good sportsmanship and house spirit which made the day really enjoyable. Opaoa and Awatere were the winners on the day in the extremely close competition.

A big positive of this term were the year 9 camps. This was the first real opportunity for the prefects to show and practice their leadership skills. Each camp went really well and all of the prefects came away with some great experiences and positive feedback from not only the teachers on camp but the students as well.

A major highlight for me this term was The Relay for Life event. Thanks to the leadership of Prefects Harry Wilkin, Sam Morris, Oliver Wakelin, these students took charge of organizing and leading the event, rallying their peers to participate in the 24-hour relay that raises awareness and funds for cancer research. The boys did very well raising the most money for the event which was a huge achievement for us. This was helped by Mr Oliver who donated the most money for the event and helped the prefect team tremendously. This event was a true eye opener for the boys as it showed them how much of an effect cancer has on people and how a community can come together to fight against it.

Fiafia night at Marlborough boys was another awesome event that took place this term. I was very lucky to attend this event and see the passion and flare of our Pasifika Boys who were about to embark on their journey down to Polyfest. Prefects Ulrineto Lousiale, Mika Vakasilimiaratu, Joseph Alipia were major leaders in this and lead the boys in the performances. It was truly eye opening to see how passionate the boys were when performing in the hall and their showcase down in Christchurch was recognised by many. 

With multiple successful events being run this term and a tremendous amount of involvement throughout the term I think us as a prefect team have done very well but obviously definitely some room for improvement. Next term we plan to run some major events that have a huge impact on the house tournament such as Choir Competition and Haka Competition. As well as that we have some really big ideas coming into next term that we are looking to put in place which is very exciting and will create many opportunities for people to get involved in.

Currently Waihopai are leading our house competition. This is a huge testament to the work of the house leaders Mason Herd and Rhys McWilliams who are leading their house in a very positive way. Waihopai have been winning some very important events notably athletics day by 400 points which was a huge achievement and shows the house spirit and attitude in their house.

This term has been a really great experience, with many different challenges. It has been a lot of work but has been an amazing start to the year. Leading the prefect team and students around the school has been a huge honour for me and I hope that we have an even better term after the holidays. 

Yours Sincerely

Nathan Brooke-Taylor