In our first instalment, we would like to introduce our two Head Prefects.

Over the next few weeks we will be profiling our Gold Badge Prefect Team. The whole team comprises of the following: 

Head Prefects: Matelita Elisala and Shane Leatupue

Deputy Head Prefects: Troy Vujnovich and Keisha Tautari

Academic Prefects: Rebekah Trew and William Kang

Arts Prefects: Braven Deocares and Eloise Luff-Hansen

Community Prefects: Wiremu Hindman and Breanna Lethbridge

Cultural Prefects: Riki Taingahue and Kalani Matthes

Sports Prefects: Emily Blowers and Jackson Death

Hiranga House Leaders: Norman Pesefea and Valentine Tausi

Kārearea House Leaders: Deborah Naidu and Chance Taumaunu

Mātauranga House Leaders: Austen Head and Alex Wales

Tūrama House Leaders: Shavaughn Baker and Gad Kaumaitotoya

Firstly, Shane Leatupue (Massey Primary School) shares his vision for the role:

My vision as one of one of Massey High School’s Head Prefects for 2023 is to re-establish the connection between students across all year levels.  With this, I wish to bring passion back into our school, in that students come willingly with joy and ambition.

In terms of his personal academic goals, Shane says:

As for my academic goals for this year, I’ve chosen to prioritise physics and statistics, working towards becoming a pilot in the future.  This means, taking a study period and using that time effectively to revise the day’s material. Just like I would wish for any other student; I’m working towards both an overall and subject endorsement for each of my classes and Level 3.  

Here he shares with us what he most looking forward to and one of the highlights of his year so far.  This year, as simple as it sounds, I’d have to say what I’m most looking forward to is getting to know our family here at Massey particularly our Juniors whilst being a role model they can look to for support.

So far, I’ve had the opportunity to go on a camp trip with 8 other prefects to support our young ones at Massey Primary School.  This was a 4-day camp on Motutapu Island which not only allowed our prefect team to connect but allowed me to see our future leaders.  I’m excited for the graduating class of 2028 because I know this community will be left in safe hands.  

Next, we would like to introduce Matelita (Kingsway School).

What is your vision for the role?

My vision for Head Prefect has been the same vision I have held for many other aspects of my life; to bring people together. Whether it be the way I help guide our amazing prefect team, or the activities I involve myself in, I hope to lead in a way of inclusivity and Whakawhānaungatanga. I see this role as an opportunity to open doors for Massey High School and the community as this highly eventful year continues to speed by. Ultimately, my vision is to support the visions of others through unanimous efforts as I represent Massey High School to the best of my ability. 

What are your academic goals this year?

My academic goals are catered towards the pathway I hope to follow, which is in both technology and business studies. Overall endorsements as well as course endorsements will be a focus for this year. I also plan to tackle English, Geography, and Statistic scholarship while focusing on obtaining required rank scores in order to support my transition into tertiary study. I look forward to the valuable learning that will occur both inside and outside the classroom this year. 

What are you most looking forward to?

There is much to look forward to this year, but I am mostly excited to see the things we will achieve as a school. I look forward to the successes that will occur on stage, the fields, the courts, in the classrooms, and in the wider community. Our prefect team has been delightful to work with over the course of the first term, and their visions and goals I am excited to help put into motion. 

What have you enjoyed so far?

I have really enjoyed getting involved with the younger students in the community. Helping out our Juniors during their activity week late last year, and encouraging our Massey Primary students during their camp on Motutapu island, have been a real privilege to be a part of. The many opportunities to speak to our younger students have felt both rewarding and intimidating, but I always look forward to working amongst the future of our school and community.  

Anything else you would like the community to know about you?

I am humbled to be given the opportunity to lead from this position. As the weeks quickly zoom past, I hope to solidify a positive impact on our students. I want to exemplify what it means to carry the badge, and to inspire those who rely on it, no matter how far I wander beyond the Massey High School gates.   

Next time we will hear from our Deputy Head Prefects.