Apii Rutaki, the small school with a big heart out in the west, celebrated their school prize giving day with a vibrant occasion and a huge turnout of parents and family on Thursday.

Although the school roll number stands at 78, it enjoys strong support from its close-knit community and will commemorate its 60^th year of educating primary school children next year.

Eleven-year-old Year 6 student Ngatuaine Maoate said she felt “very proud and excited” to be awarded the Dux of the Year trophy.

“I was so excited, because I really didn’t expect it,” Maoate said.

“Next year I’ll be going to Titikaveka College and I’m going to carry on working hard at my school work.”

Head boy Baxter Sherman delivered his farewell speech to the audience in Māori, and also received the 1st Runner-Up Dux award and Intermediate Boy Sports award.

Apii Rutaki 2023 ECE students put their hearts into singing Christmas carols at prize giving day. MELINA ETCHES/23121308

Lady Tuaine Marsters, an alumna of Apii Rutaki and passionate supporter, delivered the closing speech on behalf of the school's former students.

Marsters reminded everyone that next year’s 60-year diamond jubilee is around the corner and encouraged everyone to light up their trees with twinkling solar lights from the bridge in Betela to the bridge in Vaimaanga to mark this occasion.

Following the presentation of awards, the children and their families enjoyed a delicious meal together.

Apii Rutaki Awards List

ECE Award: 1^st Taio Tiputoa, 2^nd Angareu Samuel, 3^rd Taliana Tukurangi, Most Improved - Richard Edward; Year 1 - 1^st Lynserah Simpson, 2^nd Rosianna Boller, 3^rd Kiera Tairi Scott; Most Improved -  CJ Hosking; Year 2 - 1^st Atea Denny, 2^nd Isla Johnstone, 3^rd Kowhai Cousins, Most Improved - David Etimone; Year 3 – 1^st Ngamata Teama, 2^nd Clarissa Totoia, 3^rd Ngatokorua Arona, Most Improved - William Boller; Year 4 – 1^st Moeroa Tataio, 2^nd Patoa Denny, 3^rd Loumaine Mokoha, Most Improved – Leilani Tamarangi.

Year 5: 1^st Ahsin Tuiti, 2^nd Maria Maoate, 3^rd Kate Katuke, Most Improved - Jazeladi Andrew; Year 6 – 1^st Ngatuaine Maoate, 2^nd Baxter Sherman, 3^rd Lilia Atuatika, Most Improved – Faustina Samuela, Best Mathematics Student – Ngatuaine Maoate, Best ICT Student - Faustina Samuela.

Excellence Awards: Dux – Ngatuaine Maoate, 1^st Runner-Up - Baxter Sherman, Runner-Up – Faustina Samuela. Special Awards Sports Boy/Girl of the year: Junior Boy - Julius George, Junior Girl - Clarissa Totoia; Intermediate Boy - Baxter Sherman, Intermediate Girl - Ngatuaine Maoate; Best House Team - Are Rengarenga.

Special Needs: Junior - Erik Maeva and Junior Tangatapoto, Year 4 - Junior Kokoria; Best Health Class - Year 3 and Year 4; Prefect of the year - Baxter Sherman; Best Attendance - Ngamata Teama.