At Tuesday's Academic and Service Awards, staff and students got the opportunity to thank our student leaders for their service to the school and to be introduced to next year's group of leaders.

In a year that has been wracked by uncertainties, Nayland's student leaders have shown themselves to be adaptable, resilient and eager to help their peers get the most out of their schooling post-lockdown. 

This year our leaders included Victoria Cockerell, who was the student representative on the Board of Trustees, and James Reneti, who was our Kaitaunaki Māori. They were joined by our four student leaders: Ruby Vidgen, Toby Sussex, Sophie Hampson and Harry Palmer. As a collective, and in their own individual ways, these students have exemplified all that is great about Nayland students. 

Teacher in charge of student leadership, Alice Scott, was full of praise for how the student leaders had conducted themselves this year.

"I have really enjoyed the opportunity to work with this year’s student leaders," Ms Scott said. "Their enthusiasm and eagerness to lead and connect with all students has been outstanding. They were always thinking of innovative ways to engage students in activities outside the classroom that reinforced our school values. They have left a great legacy for the next group of student leaders to live up to! I know from the group of leaders that have been elected for 2021, that they are certainly up to the challenge!" she said. 

All six leaders were acknowledged on stage for their service at Tuesday's prizegiving. They then welcomed onstage next years student leadership team, who had been voted for by senior students and staff the week before.

Our four student leaders for 2021 were revealed to be Brodie Seelen, Emma Barnes- Wetere, Hannah Young and Jaxon Marshall.

Hayden Rose has been chosen as the student representative on the Board of Trustees for 2021.

In a real passing of the torch, James Reneti bequeathed the mantle of Kaitaunaki Māori for 2021 onto his sister, Ashley Briars Reneti.

A big thank you to all our 2020 student leaders 2020 for all you have done and good luck to next year's team!