The final whole school assembly for the term was held in the gym yesterday.

Principal Shameen Hayat spoke to students about the concept of ‘delayed gratification,’

explaining that sometimes we need to forgo doing something enjoyable to get a more valuable reward in the future. With the derived grade exams upon us and NCEA exams fast approaching, this is the time for students to put aside time for study and revision for their exams. The rewards for prioritising your school work will far outweigh the temporary pleasure of social media or other social activities.

OHS alumna Anahila Kanongata’a and Sepa Hausia-Shaumkel, who have run the Fakatoukatea Tongan Leadership programme for the last eleven years, attended the assembly to present this year's graduates with their certificates. Three leaders were chosen by the group to speak and they were outstanding. It takes great courage in Year 9 to stand and speak in a formal setting in front of the whole school.  Pita Fahina, Paea i Moana ‘Elone and Mele Hausia addressed the school with confidence and humility, demonstrating superb leadership qualities. Judith Lilo offered her words of thanks, and Salesi Takai concluded the presentation with a prayer.

The Waka awards for excellence were presented. Congratulations to the following students for their fantastic achievements and hard work this term:

Year 9 - Phoebe Kate Maiquez

Year 10 - Madeleine Harvey

Year 11 - Ryco Brewer

Year 13 - Esraa Al Ghzawi

The much-anticipated results of the School Talent Quest were announced amid much excitement. Congratulations:

Ist   Xavier Nakatsuji

2nd Cayce Coe and Jane Deacon

3rd  Larissa Le.

Deputy Principal Mr Adam Simpson, who will be leaving OHS at the end of this term to begin a new chapter in Whangārei as Deputy Principal at Kamo High School, addressed the assembly. He spoke of how much he has enjoyed his two years at OHS, reflecting on what a special place this is. We wish Mr Simpson all the very best for his next adventure.

The assembly ended with a closing Karakia.