Head Prefects’ Reports

MILLA DIBBEN - HEAD GIRL 2021

Time flies when you’re having fun! That is pretty much how I would sum up my time here at Whakatāne High School. It’s difficult to summarise five amazing years of my high school life in just a few paragraphs, particularly because I don’t believe words can ever describe my appreciation for Whakatāne High sSchool and everything it has taught me. I will be forever grateful for the vast range of opportunities that have been thrown my way over the past five years, which have helped me grow as a person and extend my abilities across the board. I have the best memories from high school that I will cherish for decades to come. I have made some really special friendships and been a part of many great teams. I am going to miss all of my teachers so much. They have been so supportive and have worked really hard with me to get across the line, even when I’m absolutely dumbfounded, staring blankly out the window. Despite the sadness I feel as I come to the realisation that my time at high school is nearly over, I am also really excited for the next phase of my life. Whakatāne High School has prepared me so well for my journey into adulthood through everything I have learned and experienced here. So to all of my teachers, friends and classmates, thank you all so much for making my experiences at Whakatāne High the absolute best!

PHILIP NUKU - HEAD BOY 2021

Kia ora. Ko Philip Nuku toku ingoa. I’ve had the privilege of being Head Boy for Whakatāne High School this year and, in my eyes, the school has thrived in many ways from sports to academics and everything in between. A big mihi goes out to everyone who was involved in our Centenary celebrations. That day truly showed our community that Whakatāne High School has that whānau vibe. A couple of things that stuck with me this year was one last year of rugby with the boys, as well as performing in the Mataatua Regionals which showed that our sporting and cultural departments are doing a great job. I can confidently say that Whakatāne High school is thriving and it’s only going to get better and brighter for our students If there’s one thing I would encourage, it would be that our Māori students putt themselves out there. I encourage them to become our leaders mo apōpō. Being indigenous is very special; we have the knowledge of those that have gone before us and share a connection to the land - a Wairua a Tinana.