Our prefects have engaged in various offsite educational activities. Here is a summary of what our students leaders have been involved in recently.
Prefect visit to Waitangi grounds
While the majority of our students were enjoying their well-deserved school holidays, our sixteen Prefects commenced their day early on Wednesday, 16th.
It was my privilege, alongside other staff members, to accompany our 2025 Student Prefects to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds yesterday. I requested one of the prefects to provide a brief summary of their experience and learnings, which is shared below for your reference.
I would also like to convey a commendation received from both our staff and our tour guide, Michelle:
“If you take anything back to your school, please share that your students are exemplary leaders and representatives. They are outstanding prefects for your kura.”
Our students exemplified the values of SCC by embodying and practicing our 4Rs throughout the visit. This praise from Michelle is a testament to the collective effort invested in the development of our young people here at SCC. It is always a privilege to work alongside our dedicated staff, who consistently support our students. I extend sincere thanks to Jessie, who graciously stepped in as a driver when Rod became unavailable. Additionally, I appreciate the thoughts and prayers offered for our safe journey to Waitangi.
I would also like to acknowledge Mrs Epati-Tibbots, who served as our other driver, as well as Whaea Selena and Edmund for their ongoing assistance and commitment to nurturing our prefect team.
Furthermore, sincere gratitude is extended to those working diligently behind the scenes: Miss Vea, Ms Matenga Riki and Mrs MacDonald, who adjusted her plans to enable us to take both vans, as well as Mr Valgre, who ensured all EOTC checks and balances were completed. Faafetai also to Miss Alatasi and Mrs Smith for recognizing and supporting the vision of this trip, which proved insightful for both staff and students.
Teacher in charge – Miss Lemalu
Prefect Student Conference – Massey High School
Our 16 Prefects had the privilege of attending the Auckland Prefects Conference at Massey High School, bringing together student leaders from across Auckland.
The day began with a powerful welcome, including a heartfelt haka and inspiring speeches reminding us of our influence as leaders within our schools and communities. We then participated in a series of engaging activities designed to build connections, foster empathy, and develop leadership skills.
Our first activity broke the ice through group discussions, helping us learn about each other’s backgrounds and leadership perspectives. Next, we tackled a negotiation challenge that emphasized fairness, collaboration, and listening to all voices. The day ended with a fun teamwork exercise that tested our communication and problem-solving abilities.
A highlight was the inspiring talk from guest speaker Jenny Salesa, MP, who encouraged us to lead with passion, resilience, and community focus while aiming high in our future goals.
The conference was more than a day away from school—it was an opportunity to reflect on our roles as prefects, build new friendships, and gain fresh insights on leading with empathy and courage.
We are deeply grateful to Massey High School for their exceptional organisation and hospitality, creating an open platform for young leaders to grow together. This experience has left us motivated and proud to serve our schools with renewed purpose.
Student voice – Vibusha Basnayaka – Prefect
Pink Shirt Day 2025
A heartfelt thank you to everyone for the incredible efforts during last week’s Anti-Bullying Awareness Week and Pink Shirt Day on Friday. Our Year 13 leaders and Prefects organized a fantastic range of activities that beautifully celebrated diversity and spread love and kindness throughout our school community.
We kicked off the week by sharing chocolates with messages of kindness, enjoyed fun moments with our DIY photo frame, played netball and volleyball with staff, held a successful bake sale and badge-making, shared inspiring performances, and ended the week by turning our school PINK in a joyful celebration.
Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we raised $302 from the t-shirt and bake sales, which was donated to the Mental Health Foundation for Pink Shirt Day. This donation was wonderfully doubled thanks to AIA’s pledge to match all donations made on Friday up to $20,000.
A big thank you to all the students, staff, and our preschool whānau who supported and participated behind the scenes. Together, we made a meaningful impact and showed the power of kindness and unity.
275 Day – our leaders serving in the community
On Tuesday, 27th May (275 Day), 30 of our Year 13 leaders and Prefects had the valuable opportunity to serve the Māngere community at the event held at Māngere Town Centre. With approximately 13,000 attendees, we are deeply grateful to our students for their dedication and to the staff who supported them throughout the day. Our students represented the school admirably while collaborating with volunteers from Māngere College.
We extend our thanks to the Pastoral team for their assistance, and to Edmund for his ongoing partnership with Fitz, Lily, and the 275 Foundation. This relationship continues to provide meaningful opportunities for our students to serve as positive ambassadors for our school. We also appreciate Fitz and the team for their generous support, including providing our students with vouchers to enjoy meals and treats from the event stalls.
Teacher in charge – Miss Lemalu
Please see below an email from our Academic Prefect, Kirnstine Montuya, sharing her reflections on the day.
275 Day
On Tuesday, 27th of May 2025, our 2025 Prefect Team along with several Year 13 students were blessed with the volunteering opportunity for 275 Community Day. It was a memorable and striking experience. According to the twosevenfive foundation, “twosevenfive Day is Māngere’s biggest celebration of community, culture, and connection. This annual event brings everyone together to showcase local talent, embrace Pacific heritage, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of our neighbourhood. It is about showcasing the businesses and services that is available within our community and encourage growth and connection.” This event is close to our hearts and our way of showing love to Mangere.
Our Year 13 students were divided into three groups wherein they all had different time and stations as volunteers. As volunteers though they focused on welcoming guests as they entered the area and bid them farewell as they left. Our first group was assigned from 9 am to 12 pm, they experienced the beginning. They started their shifts before the event began and as the crowd started gathering. They set the tone for the other groups that followed them as they filled the area with positivity and joy.
Our second group were assigned 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm, they had experienced the middle wherein the event began, and the crowd doubled in numbers. Most of the volunteers of this group found it to be fun as well as a productive day. It was a good opportunity to bond with the community and to eat tasty food within our community. They continued the tone that the first group had instilled. They also showed how despite taking over the first group, they were able to adapt quickly and do their roles accordingly. Most of the volunteers from the second group also chose to stay behind with the third group. They further assisted the third group as the night went on.
Our third and last group were assigned 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm, they experienced the most crowd out of all the groups. This group of volunteers came directly to Mangere Town Centre after school and took over the second group. There surely is something incredible working for something that you love along with people who care the same way as you do. Every moment was surely filled with purpose for the last group as they had to finish strong with the tone that the previous groups had set on. This group was also further supported by the second group. Furthermore, this group was able to have our media crew come in to take photos as well. The third group stayed behind until the event finished with the firework display.
Personally, on behalf of the volunteers it was an entertaining and lively experience. Aside from doing our jobs as volunteers we were able to enjoy the event with the crowd during our breaks. As mentioned above, we had eaten delicious and a variety of food throughout the event. We had a blast watching and listening to the performances. In addition, participating and interacting with the various stalls that were present must be mentioned as well. The hours of standing weren’t as tiring as you would assume because of the compassion and the impact the event left to us.
Overall, it was a thrilling and meaningful experience for the volunteers. The entire event was phenomenal that hopefully could be carried on by the next set of students next year. We were able to connect with each other and the community. We experienced being volunteers and part of the crowd blending with the rest of our community. It was not just about doing our roles but being present for others and each other. From the welcoming of guests, small conversations, sharing a smile or simply being present, I felt the sense of connection through service. It is through 275 day we were reminded on what it truly means to give. I’m deeply thankful for the experience, and even more thankful for the people who made it possible. Our heartfelt thanks to the twosevenfive foundation Fitz & Lilly for trusting our students. A special thanks as well to the staff team of Ms. Lemalu, Whaea Selena, Edmund, and Kalo for supporting us on the event. From 9 am to 8:30 pm, the longest event we have had so far but they still persevered, so thank you so much.
Kirnstine Montuya – Academic Prefect 2025
