Head Students for 2025

OTHC held a senior assembly to announce the college’s prefect team and the head students for 2025. It was a celebratory occasion for OTHC, where the school congratulated Sam Short as our head boy and Kathleen Togiaheulu as our head girl. “Kathleen and Sam are highly respected by both students and teachers,” said Principal Mr Coughlan, “it is great to know they will be very well supported by the Deputy Head Students and the Prefect team, and student body.” We interviewed the head students to gain a bit of insight into their experience of becoming head prefects, why they chose to be prefects, how their whānau reacted, and what their goals are as head prefects for the year. Sam said that he chose to become a head prefect to positively impact the school community and inspire other students to become the best versions of themselves while Kathleen decided to become a head prefect because it was an amazing opportunity to hone her leadership skills and help with both her personal development both at school and in life. She also wanted to start her family’s legacy of leadership at the college. Both Sam and Kathleen’s experiences of becoming head prefects was both rewarding and challenging. Kathleen said, “It was a surreal experience, and a dream I have had for a while.” Sam added, “The position requires leadership skills and involves heaps of responsibility, it will certainly push me to be the best version of himself.” Both whānau were incredibly proud and supportive of them when they were announced as head prefects. Sam’s family had encouraged him to take on the role and his mum was ‘especially thrilled” when he was elected head boy. Kathleen said her family “was so happy they turned speechless… they are so proud of my appointment as head student.” Their goals as head prefects are both to make OTHC a ‘holistic school’. Sam’s goal as head prefect is to promote the school values, so every student at OTHC feels valued, supported and empowered both academically and socially. Kathleen’s goal is to promote all types of cultural representation across OTHC, she believes that its important for people to be in touch with each other and know their whakapapa. Both are excited about working with the other leaders, deputy head boys – Ethaniel Leaupepe and Zaeben-Lee Netana and deputy head girls – Keiko Bruce and Kizyra Thompson.

SITI KAMAL & NILA VIMALENTHIRAN

NEWS MEDIA TEAM