Held in the bigger venue of the Boys’ School JC Chalmers Hall again this year, excited girls, proud parents, staff and invited guests joined together for the 2013 Girls’ School Prizegiving.

In the opening address, Chairman of the Board, Dr Bruce Goodfellow commended the girls on obtaining the highest level of achievements. He said that this would not be possible without the willingness and support of the parents and staff working together as a team. He also thanked Principal, Dr Sandra Hastie for her dedication and commitment and commended her on recently being awarded her Doctorate in Education. This makes her the only Independent School Principal in the New Zealand to have achieved this qualification.

Dr Hastie set a relaxed and personal tone for the evening with her tale of ‘Making a Difference.’ The story she told was about a young girl walking along the beach who, one by one, was throwing washed up starfish back into the ocean. An old man saw this, and asked the girl why? When there were so many that needed saving, how could she make a difference? The young girl picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as she could into the sea replying to the old man, ‘I made a difference to that one.’ ‘The moral of the story,’ said Dr Hastie, ‘is that you too can make a big difference. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too small or too young or that your dream is too big or is something that only an adult can achieve. If you have an idea that tugs at your heart then follow it and see it through. This world needs children like you to stand up and lead the way, all it takes is courage and a belief in yourself that you can do it.’  

During the evening, the formalities were interspersed by musical items from the orchestra, playing the triumphant show piece ‘Do you Hear the People Sing?’ from Les Misérables followed by Vivaldi’s Autumn from ‘The Four Seasons.’ Outstanding public speaker, and winner of both the Memorial Trophy and APPA Champion of Champions Speech Competition, Year 8 student, Madeline Freeland also entertained the guests with her winning and humorous speech ‘Why Parents Get it Horribly Wrong.’

The Junior and Middle School Academic Prizes were presented by teachers Mrs Clair McIvor and Ms Fiona McKenzie, who will both be moving on at the end of the year. The Senior School Academic Prizes were presented by Mrs Suzanne Winthrop, Deputy Head at the College. The Cultural Awards were presented by Dr Bruce Goodfellow, Chairman of the Trust Board, and the Special Awards were announced by Dr Sandra Hastie. We thank all those who gave so freely of their time for the School.

Before handing the leadership role to Emerald Bendall, the elected Head Girl for 2014 outgoing Head Girl, Anna Lowther gave her final valedictory speech. She said ‘For the past 13 years I have been coming through the gates of this special school. At any school you can learn to read and write, but at this school, we also learn the values of respect, integrity, excellence, love and service. This, to me, is the spirit of the Saint Kentigern Way.’

DUX
Joy Kang
Joy is a remarkable young woman with a quiet determination to succeed. It is Joy's ability in a wide range of subjects that has won her the highest award. In Year 7 she attained a 93% average across her four examination subjects, and this year she attained a 90% average across the four examinations and the internal assessment. She is also a gifted violinist. Joy hopes to train be a doctor when she completes secondary schooling.

PROXIME ACCESSIT and CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Olivia Moorman
Olivia Moorman was awarded both the Proxime Accessit and Citizenship Cup. Olivia has been a cheerful, hard-working student during her short time at the School. In Year 7 she attained a 90% average across her four subjects and this year she attained an 86% average across the four examinations and the internal assessment. Olivia enjoys tennis and carrying out extra study at home.  The Citizenship Cup is awarded to a student who understands the true meaning of service to other and embodies the school values, fully understanding the Saint Kentigern Way.

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Chelsea Simmons
For the second year in a row Chelsea has won the Sportswoman of the Year Award. She has been a member of the A Netball team at the College, and for two years she has played in the Waterpolo A team as well as the Junior A College Waterpolo team when required. Chelsea has represented Saint Kentigern at the South/Eastern Zones Touch, Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics tournaments and was awarded Senior Athletics Champion. At School Athletics Chelsea has set new records in High Jump, Shotput and the 200m Sprint and represented the School at the AIMS Tournament week in Tauranga in Swimming and Netball. Chelsea’s real passion is swimming and her goal is to qualify for the National Age Group Swim Championships in 2014.

SERVICE TO THE PRESCHOOL
Veiongo Kaho  
Veiongo has embodied the Saint Kentigern Way in her time at the Girls’ School. Last year, as a Year 7 student, she was awarded the Citizenship Cup. This year she has received a new service award for acknowledge her kindness and help with the children of the Preschool.

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