BEING given the title and position of School Prefect is an honour and a privilege, thus, one must carry out its responsibilities with a sense of pride.
That’s the reminder issued by the Deputy Principal Secondary strand Wilson Mae of Bishop Norman Palmer Anglican School in East Honiara during its Prefects Motivation Session on Friday 14th February 2025.
About 18 prefects were inducted by the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) owned school.
The induction was held after the school concluded its fourth week in the academic calendar.
Prefects act as school leaders. The school administration sees it as very important to empower the School Prefects to remind them of their roles and responsibilities.
This session was conducted by Mr Mae and the Form 6 Coordinator Matilda Namoi.
Mr Mae welcomed the student leaders and introduced the session.
“Being given the title and position of School Prefect at Bishop Norman Palmers Anglican school is an honour and a privilege.
“We hope that you will look back on your time in this role with a sense of pride, particularly in future years when you move on from Bishop Norman Palmer Anglican school to university and beyond. This has been recorded in your history for live,” said Mr Mae.
As a school prefect a weight of responsibility rests on your shoulders, he challenged the newly inducted prefects.
“Teachers will ask you to take on extra duties in addition to your normal studies and extracurricular activities and expect you to always behave in good manner, setting the standard by which the other students measure themselves.
“You will play a crucial role in ensuring that the ethos of the school carry across to all areas of school life.”
Mr Mae also reminded the students’ leaders to be role models and show good examples to other students.
“The students will look up to you and will follow your example therefore, it is important that you set a good example.
“Your actions, and the way you conduct yourself, are especially important and will have a big impact on life at Bishop Norman Palmer Anglican school.
“You will need to treat all students equally, fairly and work to ensure that the students you represent are cared for and supported. This is very important as we experience a big population of students in our school in this year 2025,” he said.
He added, that prefects play a vital role and responsibility in the running of Bishop Norman Palmer Anglican School, assisting and supporting both staff and students.
Some of the expected roles and actions include;
- To act as a role model for students and promote the ethos of the school.
- To maintain an atmosphere of friendly cooperation, discipline, and unity in the school.
- To always wear the correct uniform.
- To always adhere to school rules and regulations.
- To help ensure school rules are adhered to by pupils.
- Academic and behavioural standards must be maintained.
- To report any issues to the teachers, duty teachers and the Deputy Principal.
- To attend all meetings as required
- To liaise and collaborate with each other as a team, to ensure efficiency and smooth running of their own area of responsibility and of the school.
- To be an approachable Prefect to whom students can come to for assistance or support.
- To serve as counsellors for younger students.
- To always work in the interest of the school.
- To help organise school events.
- To attend school events when required.
The Form 6 Coordinator Mrs. Matilda Namoi emphasized; “Always remember that being a prefect is not just about wearing a badge or holding a title. It’s about being a leader, a role model, and a support system for your peers, teachers and students.
“It’s about showing integrity, responsibility, and respect at all times. Respect is not demanded but is build.
“You are the bridge between the students and the school leaders, and your actions and decisions will have a lasting impact on our school community.”
The Deputy Principal in his closing remark encouraged the prefects to approach their role with an open heart and a growth mindset.
“Learn from your experiences, support each other, and always remember the values that define a true leader: honesty, empathy, and service to others.
“You have been entrusted with a great responsibility, and I have full confidence in your abilities to rise to the position.
“Congratulations once again, and I look forward to seeing you all succeed in your roles as prefects.
“With LOVE and HONOUR for our GOD and PEOPLE let us work together to make this year a good and successful year 2025,” he said.
- Bishop Norman Palmer School.
