Marsden's Year 13 students marked their last ever assembly on Monday with a mix of laughter, nostalgia, and a very special Wellington surprise. 

Head Girl Tiantian and Deputy Head Girl Arabella took to the stage for their final address to the school, opening with warmth and humour. 

"We wanted to congratulate you all for a successful year and making it to the last term of 2025!" they began, before reminiscing on their journeys through Marsden. Their script quickly turned into a clever and heartfelt performance. 

After a comedic skit involving "forgetting their blazers" and being replaced by younger versions of themselves — played by Scarlett and Amalia from the Primary School — the hall erupted in laughter and applause. 

But the biggest surprise was still to come. 

As the lights dimmed, and the first few notes of Jess Glynne's "Don't Be So Hard on Yourself" played, the curtains opened to reveal none other than Wellington's famous Tree Man, street performer Jarrod Wood.

Dressed in his signature leafy costume and armed with his saxophone, Tree Man filled the auditorium with joy and music — a perfect embodiment of the song's message and the spirit of Marsden itself.

Wood, who performs as "Tree" around Cuba Street, Oriental Parade, and the Wellington waterfront, has spent years spreading happiness through his music. A much-loved figure in the capital, he says performing is his way of connecting people and bringing joy — something that resonated deeply in this final assembly.

As the applause faded, Tiantian and Arabella closed with one final sign-off:

"This is Tiantian…" 
"And Bella…"
"Signing out!"

Their performance captured everything that makes Marsden special — community, creativity, humour, and heart. It was a fitting farewell for two leaders who have left their mark not just on their peers, but on the whole school.