Thirteen keen students from Year 6 have taken on leadership responsibilities for St Joseph’s Primary School.

The students proudly received their prefect badges in their student leader’s investiture that was held during the first School Mass last Friday at the St Joseph’s Cathedral in Avarua.

Desiree Taurarii was chosen as Head Girl, and Elijah Matapo Ta’ala leading the boys as Head Boy.

Taurarii said: “I’m quite nervous, but I’m glad they chose me and I’m going to do my best, and help our teachers.”

St Joseph’s Primary School Head Girl – Desiree Tauarii and Head Boy - Elijah Matapo Ta’ala. MELINA ETCHES/24021202

Apii St Joseph’s new principal, Anna Rauru, has returned home to Rarotonga after a decade on Manihiki island in the north

“Our young people are the future of our country,” said Rauru.

“This year, we have chosen two special students become prefects to be inclusive and to acknowledge that anyone can be given the opportunity to become a leader and take up responsibilities.

“We pray for blessings, for a great year of learning, and for support for our children on their journey of learning, ka oe kapiti tatou i te Vaka Iotepha Peata.”

Anna Rauru, the new principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, has returned home after 10 years of taking care of both Ruamanu and Tukao schools in Manihiki. MELINA ETCHES/24021213

Rauru acknowledged the parents, families and friends of St Joseph’s attending the student leader’s investiture.

She was the principal of Ruamanu School for seven years, and principal of both Tukao and Ruamanu schools in Manihiki for three years.

“It’s good to be back home, it’s a challenge coming from a smaller school …  I’m looking forward to it,” Rauru added.

The Apii St Joseph’s 2024 prefects are: Anne Marie Elisa, Catherine Teaurima, Joelyn Hill, Ketaria Vila, Ngaara Tuake, Patrina Tua, Regina Williams, Tiamata Wilson, Ron Crocombe, Gabriel Tiaore. Special Prefects: Rosalie Aue, Tuira Purua; Head Girl - Desiree Taurarii, Head Boy - Elijah Matapo Ta’ala.

Father Freddy Kaina led the school mass with Bishop Paul Donoghue. Secretary of Education, Owen Lewis and a delegation from the Ministry of Education also attended the prefect investiture.