Taveuni lad named headboy in Naitasiri

Taveuni lad Rashnil Pillay is delighted to be named the headboy for Lomaivuna Settlement School in Naitasiri. Rashnil said he would try to be a good role model so that his colleagues would remember him when he left for Year 9. Rashnil’s parents were surprised to hear their son being given this responsibility and pledged to fully support him and the school. He aspires to be the school dux for 2018.

Vilisi Nairogo was also excited to be named as the school headgirl. She wants to be a great role model of student leadership this year for the school.

Her parents have encouraged her to work hard in school and show a good example to the students and teachers.

Acting New Zealand High Commissioner Halia Haddad donated $3000 worth of library books to the school during the induction on Friday.

Ms Haddad, who was the chief guest, said: “Today’s event is all about the importance of education, and the importance of having the resources to support a good education.

“We want to encourage students to cherish good books, to read as often as possible, and to enjoy reading as a constructive way of spending their time.

“Access to a good, well-resourced school library will also help cultivate positive attitudes towards learning, help students improve their research skills, and foster an effective and high-performance and learning environment. “Books also help teach us values about social behaviour, such as helping us to understand those who are different from ourselves.”

To the prefects she said: “Your position as leaders and role models for your fellow students is an important one.”

Speaking to other students she said: “Remember that you do not need a badge or a title to be a leader and a role model. You too have much to offer to your peers and to the school.” Headteacher Petero Tauleka thanked God for Ms Haddad and her contribution of books.

“In a world where our children are heavily exposed to movies and the social media, we will see that the students are frequently reading in our library,” Mr Tauleka said. Edited by Rusiate Mataika

Photo: New Zealand High Commission From left: Lomaivuna Settlement School headteacher Petero Tauleka, headgirl Vilisi Nairogo, headboy Rashnil Pillay and NZ Acting High Commissioner Halia Haddad on February 2, 2018.