The Owaka Memorial Community Centre was packed with parents, caregivers, grandparents and the general community as we came together to celebrate Prize Giving on Thursday the 12th of December. After hearing from our Principal Glenys Hanley and Presiding Chair Kerri Nakajima, the itinerant music team gave an enthusiastic performance of two items, Chicken Fried and Achy Breaky Heart. 

Kapa Haka, accompanied by Heni Landreth and Timikuka Walker, gave a very moving, heartfelt performance which left goosebumps and a few teary eyes. 

TCAS awards were handed out to the junior classes for Tenacity, Care, Achievement and Service, and thanks to the success of this year's Scholastic Book Fair, all junior children were presented with a book. Years 7 to 13 were next to receive awards for Tenacity and Achievement for each subject, and a Care award presented for each year level as chosen by the students. Cultural awards and the Interhouse shield (Let's go Manuka) were presented by our Board Members. Sports awards, special academic awards, leadership and citizen awards were awarded also. Amelia Morrison and Jethro Melville were announced as the Head Students for 2025.

After a small break the junior school entertained the audience with song and dance before our farewells to our students. Our Year 13 leavers Yui Nakajima, Mauosamoa Fatialofa, Avni Batra and Mia Cable were acknowledged and stood on stage for their citation. These students were each presented with a gift from Home and School. As their final leaving gift they performed with special guests - staff as "the flash mob". It was a fantastic memory to end the evening, with great participation from the crowd. Thank you all for celebrating our year, we look forward to more success in 2025!