Prince Edward School is the oldest boys high school in Harare and the second oldest in Zimbabwe. The school is known for producing top notch academic and sporting personalities, and is by far the most reputable government school in the country.
The role of head boy therefore is a prestigious one. Harare News caught up with the recently appointed head boy to find out what the student body can expect for 2015.
Greetings Mr Head-boy! Can you please briefly identify yourself for our readers?
My name is Nixon Margolis, I am in form 6 and I was appointed Head-boy in October last year (2014).
Are you happy with the pass rate at this school of late? Why and why not?
It’s not pleasing at the moment, but there is great potential for improvement, everybody just needs to work harder.
Corporal punishment was recently ruled against in Zimbabwe. What is your own view of the practice?
It wasn’t a good corrective measure.
Then what is the better way?
I will give a scenario, sometime last year a student came to school drunk and started causing problems. As Head-boy, I took him to the Headmaster, his parents were called, had a meeting with them and the guy was suspended for a while. This brings both the school authorities and the parents together in trying to solve deviant behaviours rather than just caning.
How do you deal with bullying at school?
Though in my tenure as Head-boy I haven’t encountered it yet, I will not tolerate that and such acts are not necessary after all. I was once a victim of it during my early years it is not good.
Tell us about the relationship between students and teachers at this school.
It is a mixed thing, students hate some teachers and love others, and this is at their own peril. I encourage them to look at the bigger picture because teachers are there to shape our future. No sane teacher would want to ruin his students.
Which subjects are you taking?
History, Literature and Geography.
How would you describe your academic performance?
I am above average.
How do you balance your studies and your demanding work as a leader?
I rarely miss a lesson. Whenever I am not in class, I make sure I get someone who is not a prefect and whom I trust to give me a brief summary of the lesson and also get his notes so that I catch up.
As a link between teachers and students, how do you avoid being one-sided?
I always put myself into both their shoes, know what they want and then strike a balance.
How can one excel in both academics and extra-curricular activities?
Try to maintain equilibrium between the two. However, students must be inclined towards academics because at the end of it all without the certificate you will go nowhere.
How are sports taken up at PE? Are they compulsory or optional?
Both, one just have to be in one of the three; sports, cultural and music. I am in all, that is I do athletics, drama, and I am in the school choir as well.
How many prefects do you lead?
About 30 and we conduct meetings twice every week to deliberate on a number of issues as leaders.
One of your duties is conflict resolution. How do you do it?
Pay attention, get what is being disputed, analyse and decide.
What do you want to do after school?
I want to be a lawyer and also invest in the properties sector.
What else do you want to tell us?
Every year the Head-boy has a theme mine this year is ‘Take all, leave nothing.’
Meaning?
Put 100% in everything that you do be it sports or academics so that at the end of it you excel.
may this young man’s life rest in peace. what a tragedy
Rest in Peace Nixon
What happened to this young boy…..lots of condolence messages but how did his life come to an end ….so young
rest in peace
“Take all, leave nothing”
Didn’t really know him… but Rest In Peace <3
May his soul rest in peace.
rest well champ. youll forever be missed..
Rest in peace bro.I didnt know you but you have made me realise that life is all about putting 100% effort I will always remember you for that
Nixon, your death was such a shock, even though you were personally unknown to me. As a parent of a child the same age as you, I felt a deep sense of sorrow; what a loss. May your parents and PE find peace at such a trying time. MYDSRIP
God has taken One of his angels again. Rest in peace dear Nick.
You’ve shown the rest of us that with the little time we have on this earth ,we’ve got the chance to make a difference on so many lives.
Go well and be where you belong bro. #ripnick#takeallleavenothing
take all and leave zero…..may ur perfect soul rest in eternal peace….go well n God bless yur family
go well Nick Margolis…go well..
“Take all ” leave nothing. True words of inspiration, We will miss you Nick , always in our hearts, Rest in peace
Resonated very well with the motto: “Tot Facienda Parum Factum” (“So little done, So little time left”)
rest in peace you were a true icon and a friend.
“Tot Facienda Parum Factum” – Brother!
With a very heavy heart, I watched a war cry from the PE students. I was so saddened about such a young and potential man passing on. Go well son, I don’t know you but as a parent I was so hurt. You fought a good fight son, you were loved and are in a better place. You have been promoted to glory.
Congolences to the Margolis family. Mwari achakunyaradzai Asi ronda racho hari pere.
Go well son and may your dearest soul rest in perfect peace.
may his soul rest in peace……….gone bt nt forgotten
the sharp knife of a short life. i didn’t know you personally or well but you were such an inspiration to my brother. may the Dear lord give your parents peace and go on home.rest in peace
go well NIXON may your dearest soul rest in eternal peace thanks bro you changed my life PE will never forget you TAKE ALL LEAVE NOTHING the theme you gave us was the best theme ever thanks bro MAY THE LORD BRING PEACE TO THE MARGOLIS AND PE FAMILY AT A TIME LIKE THIS
Nick again i say rest in peace.i love u
tx a year nw
u greatly missed nick may your dear soul rest in peace
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