Natabua High School a prominent government owned institution held its prefects Investiture ceremony last Friday.
A total of 130 prefects were inducted into the student council.
They will be assisting the teachers in looking after more than 1000 students enrolled at the school.
Officiating at the event, Education Permanent Secretary, Selina Kuruleca commended the school’s resilience during trying times.
“The essence of leadership is the ability to inspire others to strive for common goals,” she said.
“And on this note I congratulate the 82 senior prefects, 48 form captains and assistants who have been selected through a vigorous selection criteria to serve as student leaders.
“I am certain student leaders that your appointment as prefects, class prefects and dorm prefects has been the outcome of your school’s student leaders nurturing and partnership.”
Ms Kuruleca reminded the newly appointed prefects as they took their oath to carry out their duties with outmost diligence and commitment.
“You must be faithful, you must be honest, and you must also be compassionate.
“The badge you will wear today is a symbol of trust that your parents and teachers have put in you, that you will help look after the children of our school.”
Highlighting the school’s exceptional academic achievements, Ms Kuruleca applauded Natabua’s deputy head girl Kia Pandya’s remarkable performance as Fiji’s top scorer in 2023, achieving an impressive 394 out of 400 in the FSLC examinations.
Natabua High Principal Virendra Sharma underscored the importance of quality leadership, advocating for a focus on rehabilitation over discipline and the cultivation of empathy and mentoring skills.
Mr Sharma told the students to act according to the Ministry and the government’s mission and vision.
“We thank our parents for their continued support in guiding their children in their leadership journey this year,” he said.
Head boy Josefata Naisali said being appointed to lead the school was not only a milestone achievement for him but a legacy to uphold as he was deeply honoured.
“I therefore would like to express my sincere gratitude to the teachers for electing me to be the headboy of this prestigious institution,” he said.
The yasawa native could not contain his emotions when thanking his family and only wished his late great grandmother could have been there to witness his achievement.
Meanwhile, head girl Nidhi Chaudhary had pledged to work tirelessly with her peers, teachers and administrators in upholding the school values.
“Ensuring that every voice is heard and valued,” she said.
“But I recognise I can not achieve this alone, I urge each one of you to stand beside me, as we embark on this journey together fostering a culture of inclusiveness, excellence and fellowship within our school community.
“By being productive agents of positive change we can make a lasting impact beyond the walls of our school.”
