Senior Leader Student Reports for 2020

HEAD BOY REPORT

With the end of the year fast approaching, our Year 13 boys see themselves drawing towards the end of an era, soon claiming the title of Old Boys. It is at this time that I look back to where it all began. I find it hard to believe that almost five years ago I put on the Whangārei Boys’ High school uniform for the first time, just beginning my high school journey. This journey would allow me to experience the strong culture of pride that we boys share for not only the school, but for each and every member of this brotherhood. It is here that I have created life-long friendships, memories, and experiences that have moulded me into who I am today. I have no doubt that myself, along with the class of 2020, will take the experiences learnt within these gates and put them into practice as tools to make our mark on the world. As prospective Old Boys we will always be proud of the brotherhood that we rose and blossomed from, and the people that assisted us along the way.

Although losing a large portion of this year and the leadership opportunities that come with it, I have had an amazing year. Although I am the face of the school, I am just a small piece in a much larger group of prefects who have been faultless this year. My Deputy Head Boy team this year of Riley-Jack, Brandon, Ben, Heath, and Jack were second to none. Their willingness to get stuck in and not back down from any challenge put in front of them made my role so much easier. To the rest of the prefects and whanau captains I would like to thank you also for your tireless work ethic. The positive example you have set throughout the year has allowed the school to flourish coming out of the lockdown.

Whangārei Boys’ High Schools ability to flourish and develop coming out of the lockdown, is a true testament to the Principal, Mrs Gilbert-Smith and the senior leadership team. Supported by the eagerness and commitment of the teaching staff. I wish to thank Mrs Gilbert-Smith for the opportunity to represent our school with pride and passion this year. I hope I have fulfilled my crucial role to a level that we can all be proud of. Mr Morrison, Mr Gilbert, Dr Elliot, Mr Litchfield and Mr Manuel, thank you for your enthusiastic efforts. If you were ever stressed or under pressure, it was never shown. Your door was always open for guidance and support when needed, as well as a joke or two. Finally, Mr Brits and Mrs Holdaway, your role as Year 13 Dean is one that should not be underestimated, but you have made it look straightforward. Both of you are Deans that we as Prefects, senior leaders, and Year 13’s want to work hard for. I just hope that we have made as much of an impact on you, as you have had on us.

Throughout my five years at Whangārei Boys’ High School there have been two teachers that have had an immense impact on me and deserve some recognition. These two teachers were both my whanau teachers, Mr Lawson in Year 9 and Ms Stanish for the remainder of my time here at Whangārei Boys. Mr Lawson, I would like to thank you for making my first year here one of the best of my life. You made my transition from a small country school very smooth, and almost always started my day off with a smile. Ms Stanish, I have had the pleasure of your company every morning for almost four years now. You have encouraged the best out of me and pushed me in my every pursuit, and for that I thank you.

Without going on too much, I would like to lastly acknowledge the achievements of our school even in the wake of the deadly virus that crippled the world. In sporting, cultural, and academic fields, Whangārei Boys’ has continued to flourish, being a dominant force in not only Northland but the whole of New Zealand. Highlights for me were seeing my peers win regional and national titles as well as, in some cases, being selected to represent our country. What really made me proud as the Head Boy, was the manner in which our boys conducted themselves to get into these positions. Displaying sportsmanship, and graciousness in both victory and defeat was a staple in all of our boys’ achievements. Well done lads. I look forward to seeing the continued success of you all in years to come.

Once again thank you to everyone who has played a part in the successes of our school in 2020. I have no doubt that next year’s team will continue this success. I say this with confidence, knowing the calibre of leaders coming through is of a high class. To everyone returning next year, keep up the excellent work, enjoy the time that you have within these gates and continue to have pride for the anchor on your chest. I hope 2021 lives up to your expectations, but don’t set them too high, after all, we are starting from rock bottom.

Ethan Hare
Head Boy 2020