Apii Rutaki held its prefect investiture ceremony under strict Te Marae Ora Covid-19 restrictions which saw the newly inducted student leaders pin their badges onto their uniforms.

“Just do your best”, encouraged Apii Rutaki committee member Glassie Matata at the school’s investiture for their nine student leaders that was held yesterday morning.

Apii Rutaki head girl Angela Samuela, 10, said she was surprised to be given the role.

“I want everyone to be safe and for students to feel like that they are at home when they are at school, and I will do my best with the students and teachers,” Samuela said.

Ace Koiatu, the school’s newly-inducted head boy, said he was nervous with the challenge ahead, but thanked the teachers for electing and trusting him with the role to lead the team.

“I will listen and work hard and do my part in the school, and I want to make sure no one gets sick or hurt and for everyone to be in harmony.”

Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions with gatherings, Margaret Teiti, the principal of Apii Rutaki, said the newly inducted student leaders were asked to invite two persons each.

Although only a small number of families were permitted to attend, there were sweet smiles from the prefects, floral scented ei, lollie ei and the presence of dignitaries to boost the significant occasion.

The older students, parents and guests witnessed the ceremony wearing masks and spaced out a metre apart under the marque. Unfortunately, the remaining students could only witness the event from the veranda. And to minimise contact, the student leaders pinned their badges onto their uniforms.

The student leaders were “happy” to see the Queen’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters and Lady Tuaine Marsters, Minister Patrick Arioka and Papa Tauturu John Andrew attend “our day”.

The Apii Rutaki prefects are as follows. Girls: Head Girl Angela Samuela, Iolani Ngatupuna, Paige Arona and Alice Apera. Boys: Head Boy Ace Koiatu, Junior Ngatokorua, Ayzu Anerdis, Kaitiaki Cousins and Tangiia Tupuna.

The school has a roll of 83 students.