One thing that has come out of this year’s Queen Victoria School (QVS) cadet training is that discipline must be applied to all aspects of learning – and it must be a core value to addressing bullying in school.
This was something that the Queen Victoria School head boy and baton of honour recipient for the 2024 QVS cadet passing-out parade strongly believes in.
The school head boy and baton of honour awardee, Anare Tabakaucoro who hails and has maternal links to Nakalawaca Village in Namara Tailevu hopes to leave behind a legacy that builds trust between junior and senior students.
“One thing that I hope to leave behind this year is the restoration of what Vulinituraga was known for – which is the safeguarding of our junior boys and for bullying to stop,” he said.
“One thing we’ve learned is that we must allow the junior boys to enjoy their time at school as most of them leave their villages and islands to attend the school – the least we can do is provide a safe place for them here.”
On being awarded, Tabakaucoro didn’t dream of receiving the prestigious cadet award.
“It was a short week of training from Monday to Thursday, but I thank God for the selection made,” he said.
“Leading up to this week’s parade it wasn’t easy for us prefects as we faced a lot of challenges. It wasn’t easy as well on our junior boys who have taken up cadet training for the first time, but we have worked together to provide a good parade.”
The 18-year-old this year with his Under-18 rugby team also hopes to make the school proud by retaining the Dean’s rugby title for the school – a dream his team is working hard towards.
At the parade, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces commander, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai shared some important points with the cadets.
Major-General Kalouniwai said the students’ dedication, discipline and professionalism has shined brightly as it reflects the highest standards of military discipline and camaraderie.
“I must extend to you my congratulations for a remarkable performance that truly exemplify the spirit of leadership and teamwork,” he said.
“We must step outside of our comfort zones, we must challenge ourselves and dream big that you may truly discover your capabilities and be able to shape your destiny.
“It is in pursuit of big dreams and the willingness to fail boldly that true growth and success are born.”
He encouraged the students to rise up to the occasion and to be good leaders of tomorrow.
“As emerging leaders of tomorrow the onus rest upon you to rise to the occasion to meet the pressing needs of our country or societies that we belong to,” he said.
“We must harness our time, our talents, our prayers and resources to effect positive change and contribute meaningfully to the greater good of this school, your communities and to the country as a whole.”
There were more than 700 students on parade last week.
The senior students with military officers also took part in the retiring of the old school colour which was laid at the school chapel.
The old school colour had been used by the school for 70 years after being replaced last year.