Page 9 - Southwell School Year Book 2021

PRIZE GIVING ADDRESS - DEPUTY HEAD PREFECTS
Deputy Head Girl - Lani Jarrett
From Year 5 playing on the playground and messing around with homemade slime, to Year 6 with handball and manhunt, to Year 7 with more manhunt and just lying on the field, and finally to Year 8, wIth friends, sleepovers, social media, study, choir, sports, prefect duties and much more.
The time has come and gone so fast in what I know as one of the most important times of my life and I'm so lucky that I have spent it in such a special place.
Often it's not until something comes to an end or we lose something that we actually stop to appreciate what we had. I believe Southwell is truly an amazing school. The buildings that are the foundation of the school have many outstanding features – from the Chapel, which is used daily for
year group chapel servies and occasionally weddings and funerals, to the Performing Arts Centre, which is used for assemblies, school performances, the school Gala and the Leavers' Dinner and social. The stories of the inspiration behind these and the hard work that was put in during their creation is incredible!
Then there are so many opportunities at Southwell. From Opera to the science labs, from the sports field to the bands and choir. There are also many specialist subjects which I would have never been introduced to if I had not come here. These include: Pottery, Technology, Science, food tech and so much more.
The camps were definitely one of my highlights. They always had heaps of fun activities to do while enjoying the place around you. My favorite camp would have to be Year 7 with a trip to Mount Maunganui & Papamoa. We went stand-up paddle boarding, climbed the Mount and we went to Waimarino Water Park. The teachers put in so much effort behind the scenes to make the camps an amazing memory that is sure to last - preparation starts months ahead – and it shows how dedicated they are to their job.
This year I have had the opportunity of being Southwell’s Deputy Head Girl. It has been an amazing experience and I would like to say thank you to Kyra, Cooper, and Avi.
I would also like to say thank you to the rest of my friends who have supported me all the way. You have always been there for me and I will never be able to show you how thankful I am. Whenever I was sad, a hug from you lifted me up in so many ways.
I would also like to shout out all of the staff at Southwell. The groundsman, cleaners, chefs, office ladies and of course, the teachers! You all put so much effort into Southwell and not many people may know how much work you do behind the scenes to make this place what it is today.
To Mrs Rudduck, Mrs V., Mr Norman and Mr McKay - thank you. You have put up with me over the past four years and have helped me to grow as a person. I really appreciate all you do and have done for me.
And finally Mr Speedy, you are an amazing headmaster! Every time I see you, you have a smile on your face and are filled with energy. You create a wonderful atmosphere in the school.
To you guys, I have one piece of advice. Make the best of your time here because it will be gone before you know it.
Take every opportunity you are given and don't be afraid to make mistakes. If you fall behind, run faster. Never give up, never surrender - and rise up against all odds.
Per Aspera Ad Astrum. Lani Jarrett
Deputy Head Boy - Cooper Smith
Te Tapatahi, te whakaaute, Te manaakitanga, Te wairua, Te auaha me te he-ranga. Kia ora Nau mai haere mai, Ko Cooper toku ingoa. I have had the honour of being this year’s Deputy Head Boy for 2021.
Over the last three years I have been given many opportunities and learnt many skills that have helped guide me throughout my time at Southwell. These are skills that will be with me for life and I am incredibly grateful for every opportunity given.
Sport is a huge part of who I am. I live for sport (oh, and Maths and English too!) I have had amazing coaches in all my chosen sports and have especially loved being part of fixtures. Sometimes sport is not your thing, perhaps you enjoy Music, Art, Chess or Drama. That is awesome because the specialist teachers at Southwell are amazing people and we are all incredibly lucky to be able to try new things and be guided by such great teachers.
To all you younger students, you are the future senior students and leaders of Southwell. It may seem like a long time away but before you know it, one of you may be up here standing where I am today, so embrace everything your teachers teach you, embrace the many opportunities you have here at Southwell and don't take this school for granted because it's special place to be.
To the Year 7s, some of you have been at Southwell since starting school, and for some, this is your first year. I am fortunate to have spent three years here. What I know though is whatever time you have spent at Southwell doesn't matter, Southwell has a way to make us all the very best versions of ourselves. It has taught me resilience, leadership, confidence and I think I found a little creativity which surprised me! Southwell pushes us to succeed while ensuring we are cared for.
I especially like the traditions at Southwell. For example Founder's Day is a special time for us all and learning the line dancing was always fun. I also enjoyed my family coming to spend time with me for Grandparents' Day. Camp was such a fun week and I loved starting the year getting to know my peers better. The famous Book Character Day always sees so many creative costumes. Walking to Chapel in a line with our hands behind our back will always remind me of being respectful to the school. All the house competitions brings out the friendly rivalry for all. Unfortunately Covid-19 has disrupted some big events this
year. While we were all disappointed about the 100 Year Opera not going ahead, I know it would have been so good.
I am so thankful that I am standing here and I was given the opportunity to be one of your school leaders. We have had a great team of leaders this year and I especially want to acknowledge Avi, Kyra-Mae and Lani. Thank you for being great friends and role models for the school. I would also like to thank all the teachers, you are all amazing. Thank you to all the people behind the scenes - the office ladies who are always there to help, the groundsman who make our school look so good, the chef and team for yum lunches, and Nurse Thomas for keeping us all in one piece.
I also need to say a special thank you to Mr Speedy for your mentoring and support of me. Without you this school wouldn't be the same, so thank you.
Southwell is a school full of brilliant people. Embrace the opportunities - they help grow and shape us to do better, to want more and to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. I am excited to take my turn ringing the bell on my last day. I know Southwell has prepared me well for my future. I will miss this school, it's truly great and I hope each and every one of you are able to leave here when it's your turn to ring the bell and feel that Southwell has been just as awesome to you.
Per Aspera Ad Astrum. Cooper Smith
7