School Leaders’ Lunch at Rotorua Rotary

Theresa McLean, Head Girl and Gus Dube, Head Boy, John Paul College, spoke about their experience attending the Lasallian camp in Australia and learning more about the way this tradition helps them live and give back to their community. Theresa talked about making school fun and asinclusive as possible to encourage learning. Gus spoke about the lesson of persistence in achieving goals and helping others in community.

 

From Rotorua Boys High School, Head Prefect, Rehua Selwyn,spoke about the way the school helps Maori students achieve. Through the school marae, senior students pair up with junior students to talk and listen and each learn from the other.

 

Billy Johnstone, Head Boy and Jodi Stevens, Head Girl, Western Heights High School Jodi spoke about her goals to lead in sport and academics. She acknowledged her many mentors along the way and spoke of taking advantage of all opportunities. However, it is important also to learn to say no and set priorities. She competes in national level sports and seeks to study in the USA next year. Billy was initially nervous at WHHS but took to volleyball as he is tall. He now is found in the gym nearly every day. He spoke of hard work and humility as important values.

 

Connar Raimona, Head Boy and Tayla MacKenzie-Griffin, Head Girl, Reporoa College Tayla spoke about wanting to be a positive role model for the school’s values and encourage seniors to engage with younger students. Connar also spoke of building stronger relationships with junior students and his intention to promote the school spirit and the school motto - Ma te kotahitanga e whai kaha ai tātau - In unity, we have strength.

 

Pareunuora Pene, is Head Girl, Rotorua Girls High School. She wants students to achieve brighter future from education. She spoke against the distractions of social media and the need to never take education for granted. She also spoke about encouraging a stronger bond in school across year levels.

 

Maggie Donovan-Cotter, Head Girl, and Matthew Gatenby, Deputy Head Boy, Rotorua Lakes High School. Matthew spoke of the need to look out for and after each other. Maggie wants the prefect team to be the best and establish good processes and good teams, as role models for the juniors. She is encouraging the juniors to take on 2 activities each to get involved.