The Last WordYear 13LeadershipAssembly
Dade Tredoux, 31 August 2026
The Last Word
Good morning, boys. My name is Dade, and I am a Year 13 student here. I’m talking to you about making the most of your time at Otago Boys’ High School.
The junior boys probably wonder how long these five years will take, while us Year 13 boys are probably counting down the weeks, wondering where on earth the time went.
For some, it’s only been a year or two; for others, it’s been five. Despite the gap, one thing we all have in common is the time we have left here at OBHS.
Making the most of your time here does not mean having to achieve perfection. It doesn’t mean winning every game; it means showing up, being active, and taking the opportunities given to you, rather than letting them pass by.
I can’t count the times I’ve said, “I’ll do it next year,” or, “There’ll be another time,” and that time has passed.
Looking back at my first few years, I can say I could’ve done better with my time. I did not take every opportunity, and there were many times when putting in 100 percent was not my priority, like not signing up for rugby earlier or missing out on helping with the Mount Aspiring Camp.
And I regret that.
Those missed opportunities don’t come back.
So, try out a new sport, challenge yourself in the classroom, put yourself out there, and don’t make the same mistake I did.
One of the biggest things I’ve realised is how many experiences and opportunities we get at school.
Whether it’s trying out for a sports team, putting your hand up and not out, taking on a leadership role, or even just being at school with your mates, there are so many opportunities to get involved.
Take these moments and enjoy them. It’s not often in life that you show up every day to see your best mates’ faces and have a laugh.
Make sure to look at the positives and put 100 percent into everything you do, so when you look back on your time here, you can say to yourself, “I really did make the most of my time at school.”
It’s easy to get stuck thinking about what’s next: university, apprenticeships, jobs.
But while you’re focused on what’s next, you forget to enjoy where you are now, and that’s why I think it’s important to actually be present when you’re here.
To the Year 13s and any other boys leaving at the end of the year, take all the successes and mistakes into the next chapter and use them to learn from.
And even then, you’re still making the most of what you’ve gained from here.
To the Year 9s and 10s, don’t fall for thinking the first few years don’t count. The habits you build now, dealing with setbacks and stepping out of your comfort zone, all set the foundation for everything that follows.
The biggest mistake you can make right now is being a spectator in your own life, because there is no waiting for the right time to start participating.
So, boys, make the most of your time here at Otago Boys’ High School, take every opportunity, and don’t let the fear of failure get in the way.
Because although it may feel like forever, it’s not.
In true OBHS fashion, I’ll end with a quote: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” — John Lennon