Apii Rutaki, the smallest school on Rarotonga, inducted their eight prefects during a special school ceremony last week.

Tinomana Tokerau Ariki, Lady Tuaine Marsters, Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) chair Glassie Matata, guests and proud parents attended the ceremony, adorning their children with beautiful eis.

Head girl Moeroa Tataio, 10, said she was excited to be selected to lead their girls’ team.

“I want to look after my school and be helpful to the kids, and also help to take care of my class,” said Tataio.

Head boy, Strickland Mare, also 10, said he is willing to help the students with their school work, “to be good in sports and teach them to have good manners”.

Renall Vogel took over the role of principal at Apii Rutaki at the start of the 2025 academic year.

The Apii Rutaki 2025 prefects were inducted last week. They are pictured with Tinomana Tokerau Ariki, Lady Tuaine Marsters, principal Renall Vogel, school PTA chair Glassie Matata and invited guests. MELINA ETCHES/25021415

“I’ve had to rely on the teachers. They looked at students for their good character and natural leadership skills,” Vogel said, explaining the prefect selection process.

However, Vogel also noted that it was important to put forward those students who were keen to develop and learn leadership skills.

“I encouraged our staff to also look at those who don’t show skills of leadership … we can teach them,” he explained.

“The role of the prefect involves learning the skills of taking on responsibility and leadership skills.”

For Vogel, settling into his new role has been challenging. The office administrator has moved on to further her academic studies and Vogel is learning the ropes of the administrative duties.

However, he is pleased and excited to be leading Apii Rutaki, which now has 90 students, into the future.

Apii Rutaki students enjoy their lunch break after the prefect investiture ceremony. MELINA ETCHES/25021417

PTA chair Glassie Matata said the school prefect investiture has always been a “wonderful, happy occasion”.

Matata said the parents also have a role to play in helping to shape the future of their children.

He would like to remind parents to attend the school’s PTA annual general meeting next week on Thursday, February 25, at the school. Contact the school for more information.

Prefects

The Apii Rutaki 2025 Girl Prefects: Head Girl Moeroa Tataio, Leilani Tamarangi, Deshan Tamarangi, Latisha Hosking. Boys: Head Boy Strickland Mare, Patoa Denny, Piri Pitomaki and Hector Munro.