Page 7 - Southwell School Year Book 2019

PRIZE GIVING ADDRESS - HEAD BOY
Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa. Hello everybody,
Looking around, it’s crazy how much has changed since I entered the Southwell gates for the first time. Throughout my time here I have made memories which I will hold onto for the rest of my life. And as this chapter of my life comes to an end, I look back and think of all the things I can be thankful for. So many great times and successes... and a few hiccups here and there!
As you progress through the year groups at Southwell, you will come across challenges that might make you feel like the whole world is on your shoulders. They will seem like barriers trying to make your time here miserable. However, don’t see these challenges as obstacles but as opportunities to become stronger and learn ways to overcome the difficulties of life. How awesome your time is at Southwell will be decided by you. The school offers so much, so hold on tight and enjoy the rollercoaster ride ahead of you.
Southwell has a strong sense of community where everyone treats each other like brothers and sisters. I know I am not the only one who has found it easy to make friends here. Southwell’s an inclusive environment meaning no one needs to feel left out. I’m sure some of the close relationships we have formed here will continue into our future. I appreciate the way Southwell invites families to be a part of our team. How wonderful it was to see so many grandparents on Grandparents' Day - a true reflection of the ethos at Southwell. Founder's Day is another special event that takes place annually. It is wonderful to see everyone come together as a collective group to celebrate this amazing school that we can call home.
Despite our incredible Southwell community, the school wouldn’t be the same without our chapel. Chapel is central to our well- being, where we come and give thought to everything that goes on in our busy lives and the future. Every chapel is different, where we hear readings guiding us to become better people. It’s a time where we reflect on the values of our school. Thank you Chaplain for your dedication and hard work and for sharing
with us your wise words and life lessons that should help us cope with life's ups and downs and to achieve our goals. Always remember, we all have talents, but the harder we work, the greater our success will be.
Here at Southwell, we are blessed with a tremendous learning platform. I would like to think our education is New Zealand’s best. Every day we are encouraged to go above and beyond what we believe we can achieve with our learning. Thank you to all the teachers for supporting our students to become confident and life-long learners. Credit to all my teachers who have let me express myself, even though they might not enjoy it at times.
Being in the classroom has played a major role throughout my time here, but the performing arts has also been crucial in boosting my self-belief, from being a shy five year old, overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of Southwell, to being a chipped tea cup, a Vulgarian spy and a Jamaican crab performing on stage. Lots of things have changed. Being part of cultural groups has helped me gain confidence to express myself. Every year Southwell puts on a brilliant Opera, leaving all those who watch it blown away. Thank you Mrs Walker for your commitment and effort to make every Opera one to remember.
Our All Hallows Chapel Choir has also been another highlight in my cultural journey at Southwell. As you might have heard, our two combined choirs had our first overseas trip, where we travelled to Australia, performing at different places around Sydney. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which I will cherish forever. I would like to say a special thank you to Mrs McIntyre who has somehow managed to deal with our occasional irritating behaviour. Huge props to you.
From the stage to the sports field, we are so lucky to have such a wide variety of sports offered to us here at Southwell. One of the greatest predicaments is deciding which to choose. However, without our talented coaches, giving up their time to share their knowledge with us so we can improve our skills and learn to become better team players, none of this would be possible. So thank you to everyone. Being part of the traditional sporting fixtures and meeting kids from visiting teams has been a privilege.
Compulsory events like Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming Sports are some of those things you either look forward to or try and avoid. But that’s life. You don’t always get what you want and you never know, you might find that you excel at something you never thought you wanted to do.
Finding our potential is not only due to the
teachers, but to the people who work behind the scenes in our school. We actually have superheroes who work their magic, and don’t always get acknowledged.
Firstly, our office ladies who seem to know each individual student’s name and are always willing to help. Then there’s the catering staff - thank you for providing an endless supply of food for our always-hungry students. Our cleaners, who make all the mess disappear each day. Our groundsmen, who maintain our school grounds and prepare them in the best way possible for our sports matches and events. Our two awesome library ladies, Mrs Walch and Mrs Huggins, who have overwhelmed all of us with their vast knowledge of books. Finally, Nurse Thomas who works tirelessly patching up our students and giving us much-needed comfort. Thank you all for making our students time here a lot easier and for helping make Southwell the way that it is today. Your support was greatly valued by all students, especially the Year 8s.
As for the Year 8 group. You are a great bunch. The banter, the humorous atmosphere, has constantly kept me entertained. And who could forget the Year 8 comedians... not mentioning any names! You were also amazing role models to our younger boys and girls. Thank you. Everyone should be proud of themselves. I have felt privileged to be surrounded by this group. I hope that we are able to contribute something of what Southwell has imparted to us to our new schools.
Thank you to Mr Speedy, Rachel, Nate and Meera for your support and consideration throughout this year. I think we made a great team.
As I reflect on my nine years at Southwell, I am proud to have been able to witness Southwell grow and develop as a school. I have few regrets, because deep down, I know that all my successes, all the mistakes I’ve made at Southwell, have helped mould me into the person that I am today. Thank you Southwell for your encouragement towards our students and enabling them to become the best versions of themselves. When I exit the Southwell gates for the last time, I know that I can always come back here to relive memories, or even seek guidance. Although I am proud of what I’ve achieved here, it’s extremely downheartening to be leaving the place that has been such an important part of my life. When I take off my Southwell uniform for the last time, it will be a sad moment, although I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life. Thank you Southwell, for everything that you have done for me and all students alike. I am forever grateful. Lastly, I wish you all great success in the future.
Aesop once said the level of our success is limited only by our imagination.
Dream, believe, achieve.
Per aspera ad Astrum
Tri Phan
Southwell School Yearbook 2019
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...the school offers so much...