Junior Prize Giving and Graduation ceremonies were held on December 12th (Year 9s) and 13th (Year 10s).

The Tuakana Taina award for Year 10 for 2018: This award is given to a student in Year 10 who embodies the four values of the College – Mana – respect, Tika – Integrity, Whakamarumaru – Responsibility, and Whakawhirinaki – Trust. You will see this in the prints shown above. The symbolism shows a large fern, or the tuakana, protecting and nurturing the younger fern, the taina. The idea being that the taina of today becomes the tuakana of tomorrow. These awards come with a Māori blessing or hau which means that when you give a taonga such as this you are receiving a small piece of the College with the award. The actual award is a one off piece of art produced by Hagley After 3 students, which exemplifies just how special these awards are. 

This student is an exceptional young person who has really flourished at Hagley in 2018. In the words of this student's teachers: She is a mature, sensible, hardworking student who is totally focused on achieving at the highest level. She is totally trustworthy and has integrity. She supports others with positive comments and is a quiet presence nearby. She is a model of what a team player should be. She waits for the group to discuss options and then contributes if needed. She participates 100% in the group work usually doing the lion's share and then honouring the work others have done. She is a reliable friend and has supported others whenever they are unsure. This is inside the classroom and outside. I watched her consider the challenge of rock climbing and then, even though she was scared, she bravely roped up and succeeded. She has displayed respect to everyone - adults, peers and younger people in the two years I have known her. I admire her determination and her personal qualities that will ensure her success anywhere. She is a great participant in class and her attentiveness and concentration enable her to answer questions with depth and also formulate inquiring questions on each topic. Georgie is a positive force in the classroom, always working well herself, as well as supporting other ākonga in their work. She is a quiet leader, working diligently and consistently towards ensuring that the class works well together and can succeed as one. In my words, this student has been fantastic over the last two years in PE. She gives everything her best effort, takes pride in her performance and is always one of the last to leave as she is busy packing up gear. There is no doubt that she is my organiser… every teacher needs one. It gives me great pleasure to announce the winner of the Tuakana Taina award for Year 10, 2018 goes to Georgie Jeffs.

The Tuakana Taina award for Year 9 for 2018: This award is given to a student in Year 9 who embodies the four values of the College – Mana – respect, Tika – Integrity, Whakamarumaru – Responsibility, and Whakawhirinaki – Trust. The symbolism shows a large fern, or the tuakana, protecting and nurturing the younger fern, the taina. The idea being that the taina of today becomes the tuakana of tomorrow. These awards come with a Māori blessing or hau which means that when you give a taonga such as this you are receiving a small piece of the College with the award. The actual award is a one off piece of art produced by Hagley After 3 students, which exemplifies just how special these awards are. 

This student is an exceptional young person who has really flourished at Hagley in 2018. He is always on time to class, always respectful towards his fellow students and staff, works well independently or as part of a team, is happy to share ideas with other students, sets goals, and reflects on his learning in order to improve. He is creative and thoughtful and has a maker mindset; treating his education as a journey towards understanding and acknowledging that setbacks are part of the process of becoming experienced. He always greets me in a very courteous and mature way - his whole manner exudes trust and integrity. He is always where he should be, when he should be and is well prepared – he exceeds expectations. He always comes to class with a ready to learn attitude, he shows maturity and great leadership skills when working with his peers. He is very polite and well spoken, and he always considers those around him. He is a pleasure to teach as he has a thirst for knowledge and can reflect on his learning. He is a very kind, considerate, hard-working young man... he's the guy that asks you to join him if you're sitting alone, he'll open the door for you, he'll help those around him finish their work, he'll ask about your day... What an excellent choice. The recipient for the Tuakana Taina award for Year 9, 2018 goes to Zyon Taukamo.

Thanks to Zyon's tutor, Aimee Mahuta, Zyon got a huge surprise after receiving his award. The Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, had recorded a video message of congratulations for him! Click on the video below to view it. Needless to say, Zyon was speechless!