Masterclass for South school prefects
Senior students from local secondary schools received an education in leadership at the first AUT South Prefect Summit.
More than 40 school prefects in from Papatoetoe High, Manurewa High, Sir Edmund Collegiate and Mangere College, gathered recently at South Campus.
“The Summit aims to help Year 13 students realise their leadership potential and develop transferable skills that will serve them well as school prefects and beyond,” says Janet Akeripa, On Campus Relationship Manager.
The full-day programme was developed by the Future Students team in consultation with schools to target three specific areas – leadership, presentation skills and project management.
Auckland Councillor and Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board member, Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich, shared his person journey of leadership.
He reminded students that, as school prefects, they are ‘people of influence’ with the opportunity to make a real contribution to their families, schools and communities.
“Learn as much as you can from experienced leaders. Surround yourself with knowledgeable mentors – observe them and always ask questions,” advised Bakulich.
Presentation skills and leadership coach, Maggie Eyre, the former media advisor to Helen Clarke, led a session on public speaking.
Afterwards, the Director of the Pasifika Film Festival, Kalo Fainu, schooled students on project management.
Akeripa says she was impressed by the students’ maturity and awareness.
Deputy Principal at Papatoetoe High, Barry Williams, says the greatest leadership quality that he sees in students is resilience.
“I am constantly impressed by their ability to face and overcome challenges,” he says.
“Their positive attitude, frank honesty and determined approach to problem-solving is inspiring to see. Also, the special ways that they celebrate their success with one another.
“These young people have a lot to offer our community and we should be open to their opinions.”