In a historic first, Tetautua School students in Penrhyn travelled across their lagoon highway to Omoka School who hosted their annual prizegiving day event for the first time ever.

Teacher in charge of Tetautua School, Moehano Rasmussen Takai, boarded the village “Motutapu” boat with the students and members of the community for the 40 to 45 minutes “good conditions with a little swells” ride in the lagoon to Omoka.

School principal Apii Napa said the event held on Thursday, December 5, also celebrated an important milestone in the island’s history. In the past, Tetautua had always hosted the school’s combined prizegiving day.

“Although it was an overcast morning and drizzling of rain we continued with our programme and soon enough the sun came out,” said Napa.

“As you can imagine, with the backdrop of our beautiful lagoon and a cool breeze, it turned out to be a perfect day to host our prize giving.”

The 2024 Omoka and Tetautua school leaders - Teinakitea Marsters, Allan Joseph, Tihana Teika, and Vodafone rep Manongi Latham. HELEN LINA KIRIKAVA/24120557

This year, the theme for Omoka and Tetautua schools has been “Te Taokotahihanga”, which has been used for all events – academic, cultural and sporting.

“Therefore, it was fitting that we keep to the theme throughout the year until the last event,” Napa said.

She was proud to report that three students Alan Joseph, Tihana Teika and Emma Viniki have received scholarships to attend Tereora College next year and are excited to take on this new journey in their lives.

Napa also acknowledged the services of school teacher Moehano Rasmussen Takai, whose four-year contract comes to an end. She will be returning to Rarotonga, as well as Bank of the Cook Islands’ Aunty May Kavana.

Napa expressed her utmost appreciation to the Omoka and Tetautua schools’ hardworking Parent Teacher Association, and sponsors who have been kindly giving for the past four years.

“Meitaki korekareka to all our sponsors, Vodafone Cook Islands, our local Bank of the Cook Islands, and CITC, and our parents and community.”

Year 1 Overall Academic student for Penrhyn’s Omoka School - Easter Maria Tuku Marsters with her mum and Vodafone rep Manongi Latham (left). HELEN LINA KIRIKAVA/24120550

Last Friday, both schools celebrated their end of year picnic day on motu Terae hosted by Tetautua School and the PTA.

Helen Lina Kirikava, chairperson for Omoka School, said everything ran smoothly.

“Thank you, Jesus, for the beautiful day.”

Awards

The awards for each class level were combined across both schools.

Penrhyn Schools prizegiving awards: Year 1 Overall Academic student for Omoka - Easter Marsters, Year 3 Overall Academic student for Omoka - Takiika Isaaka, Year 4 Overall Academic student for Tetautua - Keturah Williams, Year 4 Overall Academic student of Omoka School - Reniael Pupuke, Year 9 Overall Academic student of Omoka School - Tuane Ivirangi.

Year 3 Overall Academic student for Omoka - Takiika Isaaka. HELEN LINA KIRIKAVA/24120856

Most Outstanding Students: Year 10 Omoka - Tihana Puremana Teika, Year 9 Tetautua - Ngarima Tiki Faira, Year 9 Omoka - Tuane Taputito Fana Ivirangi; Year 8 Omoka - Tahiri Emmanuel Matara; Year 8 Tetautua - Ruaiti Waland Solo; Year 7 Omoka - Thomas Teporoa Koherima Taime; Year 5 Omoka - Semani Torea Richard Ben; Year 4 Tetautua - Ketura Rev W.William; Year 4 Rianael Akava Pupuke;  Year 3 Omoka - Takika Pakaiere Isaaka; Year 3 Tetautua - Tepuakura Tiki Faira; Year 2 - Sangaia Tongarau Pangeaitu Andrew; Year 1 - Easter Maria Tuku Marsters; ECE - Memory Arikisau Taime. School Committee Awards - Allan Joseph - Omoka School, and Tihana Teika - Tetautua School.