Titikaveka College celebrated the achievements of their students in academics, sports and the arts earlier this week.

Despite being the smallest college in Rarotonga with a roll number of 80 students, the school has a vibrant community who continue to support and attend the annual prizegiving event.

Titikaveka’s Dux of the Year, Year 11 student William Robertson, 16, was thrilled to receive the top academic award.

“It was a good achievement, my family was proud, and felt pretty proud of myself,” said Robertson.

“I think the main thing is to work hard and stay focused, and stay dedicated to your school work and have a goal,” he added.

His favourite subjects are English and Physical Education. He has set a goal in boxing “to get to the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics,” and is focused on a career in law or architecture.

Robertson is keeping busy in the festive holiday season working at CITC Supermarket.

“I just want to say thank you to my family for always supporting me and being there for me. I know my dad is the person, he’s the man behind who I am today, and my mum has always supported me as well, encouraging me and pushing me, thank you to them.”

Titikaveka College principal Raewyn Morgan said 2024 has been a significant year.

“We have had many exciting learning experiences as we have worked towards meeting our strategic goals based on our people, our place and our culture,” Morgan said.

Students have explored water testing at Takitumu conservation, learning growing techniques for pineapples and have established a partnership with the Muri Environment Care Group.

Morgan said there has been “amazing academic results” this year with every student making progress in their own way.

“We have utilised online learning through the Google suite, our online math tool IXL, and read theory to help develop our academic results.

“We have successfully taught subjects that have not been taught here for a long time – hospitality, agriculture and horticulture and visual arts, to name a few.”

Morgan said it has been a joy working with the Year 11 cohort, who will be moving on to other schools next year.

She acknowledged the hardworking staff she has worked with in her first year as principal of the college, and farewelled some colleagues this week.

School teachers Shianne Ngerengere will be returning to New Zealand to spend time with her family, Willie Bakanebo moves onto new adventures, Charlie Kapuvai, a long-serving teacher, is taking a well-deserved retirement, and the very special Nga Charlie is also leaving the college.

Awards

Titikaveka College 2024 Prizegiving awards.

Dux William Tuao Robertson, Runner-up Dux Raelyn Gina Delena Brothers, second runner-up Dux Konini Melanie Kite, third runner-up Dux Teakatauira Matamaki.

Year 7: 1 Rauparaha Morgan Dolman, 2 Ahsin Goldie Saab Tuiti, 3 Ngatuaine Maoate, 4 Aroko Kirkwood.

Year 8: 1 Jaydon Teata-Ariki Tua, 2 Adriana Briante, 3 Tanu-A-Pa Taarua Henry Short, 4 Terryna Hinangaro Emmanuela.

Year 9: 1 Ngatamaine Rata-Teaka, 2 Teniva O Te Ra Chloe Tauu, 3 equal - Maliana Matamusuka and Margaret Moetaua.

Year 10: 1 Miracle Saiolo Ngapoko Puia, 2 Rea Memory T-Ashin, 3 Marau-Tetua Emaema Totini, 4 Caleb Nehemiah Ngamata.

Top in Maths: Year 7 Rauparaha Morgan-Dolman, Year 8 Jaydon Teatai-Ariki Tua, Year 9 Ngatamaine Rata-Teaka, Year 10 Miracle Saiolo Ngapoko Puia, Year 11 William Tuao Robertson.

Top in Science: Year 9 Ngatamaine Rata-Teaka, Year 10 Miracle Saiolo Ngapoko Puia, Year 11 William Tuao Robert6son.

Top in English Year 11: 1 William Tuao Robertson, second equal Konini Kite and Raelyn Gina Delena Brothers; First in Health and Physical Education Year 11 William Tuao Robertson.

Top in Hospitality Year 11: 1 Amos Rimamotu, 2 Teakatauira Matamaki.

Top in Māori: 1 Raelyn Gina Delena Brothers, 2 Amos Rimamotu.

Sports awards: Years 7-8 Top Junior Sportsperson Tokoa Pepe, Years 9-10 Top Intermediate Sportsperson Te-Pito-O-Maui Denny, Year 11 Top Senior Sportsperson William Tuao Robertson.

The Titikaveka College 2024 Prefects were: Head Boy – William Robertson, Head Girl – Raelyn Brothers, Jacob Toa, MacFan William Rani, Reif Arnold, Amos Rimamotu, Leandra Piniata, Jehanne Rea-Monga and Miracle Puia.