Our Junior College Graduation and Prize Giving on 7th December celebrated student achievement across all of our Year 9 and 10 classes.

Of particular note were our Tuakana Taina winners in Year 9 and 10. The Hagley values of Whakamarumaru (responsibility), Mana (respect), Whakawirinaki (trust) and Tika (integrity) are epitomised by these students.

Holly Meek in Year 9 is an exceptional young person whose enthusiasm for learning and participation in wider school life has seen her thrive in her first year at Hagley. In class, she has fostered excellent working relationships with her teachers and her peers, arriving each day with her signature smile and readiness to learn. It is her willingness to give her time and energy to those around her, no matter the task, that sets her apart and demonstrates her embodiment of the values that sit behind the Tuakana Taina award.

Holly gives everything her best shot and this year she's been involved in the Hagley Fashion show, the Creative Writing group, the Debating Club, Rock Climbing, and volunteering to assist with the Year 9 Open Evening and Meet the Tutor night. As she gave her advice to the incoming Year 9 cohort, it was clear that she is someone who walks the talk and genuinely cares about the success of those around her. We look forward to seeing her continued growth, as a person and a learner, here at Te Puna Wai o Waipapa.

Charlotte James in Year 10 has continued to excel this year in all aspects of the College, making a positive contribution in all that she does. She is extremely driven to succeed, and makes the most of all opportunities to challenge herself academically. She is committed to producing her best effort in all subject areas, and her achievements this year include being the overall winner of the Year 10 Science Fair, being part of the successful bridge building team, as well as participating in the poetry slam.

Charlotte’s work has also been included in the Hagley Write Book, and she still managed to find time to stand as Student Rep for the BOT and help with the making and design of the College’s values bracelets. Despite all of her academic success, perhaps the most significant examples of her ability to represent our Tuakana Taina values are in the way she demonstrates her love of learning, her strong sense of social justice, and her overall kind, caring and helpful manner when dealing with those around her. She is always happy and friendly, and a positive role model for her peers. We look forward to her future efforts and continued success as she moves into Year 11 and beyond.

The final presentation for the evening was to Liadan Dickie, who was awarded the 2017 Year 10 Dux prize.

Liadan has gained excellence certificates this year in Mathematics, Science, Te Reo Māori and Digitech/Robotics. She is also a talented writer, gaining a Distinction grade in the ICAS Writing competition. Liadan’s contribution to music in the College has been extensive. She has been a strong member of both the Intermediate Jazz Band and the Chamber Music Ensemble this year. She performed with the Intermediate Jazz Band at the Big Band Festival and at the Ara JazzQuest 2017, receiving a silver award. She has been a vital member of the band, regularly taking solos in the improvisation section, and of the Chamber Music group, where she enjoyed performing classical pieces and her favourite fast-paced pieces.

An accomplished stilt-walker and juggler, Liadan spent time in the preschool showing some of our littlies how to juggle. Her achievements have also been significant on the sporting front. She came 1st in the Year 10 Girls 1500 metres, 2nd in the Year 10 Girls Cross Country, and 3rd in the Mixed Teams South Island Secondary Schools Rock Climbing Championship.

While there is no doubt that Liadan is exceptionally gifted across a range of versatile disciplines, her consistently high achievement is a reflection of her relentless hard work, curiosity, and love of learning.