Our Jazz Band in action on their recent trip

The central north Island Music Trip returned to school last week and tour member Rosie Laing reports:” First performance was at Taihape Area School, where we discovered they had an Italian exchange student, who we gave friendly grief to during the day after the World Cup 1 – 1 draw. The next day we performed at Tauhara College in Taupo where I was amazed that the majority of students and teachers spoke in fluent Maori and showed that our Maori culture is still rich and alive. Tongariro College was our next target where they gave more of a performance than we did. The majority of the people in the hall, including the teachers, were up out of their seats and dancing at the front. Their hospitality was amazing and they even put on a lunch for us. On our way back down the island we performed for Ruapehu College in Ohakune and they were awesome. It took a while for them to warm up to us, but by the end of it we had everyone up dancing to Mercy. We all had a great time performing to new faces and the trip has helped to develop us all as musicians and performers.”

Music Tour members on tour in the Central North Island

The annual School Ball was held last Saturday and Year 13 students Allannah Davidson and Deana Collis report: “The theme this year was ‘The 1920”s’ with the Alto brothers hosting the opening of the ‘Speakeasy Bar’. After two months of hard preparation the night was a huge success. Events on the night included a limbo competition, statues and a Year 13 Dance off, in which the boys claimed victory. Congratulations to Greta Horne and Luke Parker who were named King and Queen, and to Prince and Princess Sam Keall and Stephany Walker. We would like to say a special thank you to Miss Sheridan, Mr Ngatuere and Mr Moffit for all their help and generous donation of their time.”


King and Queen Award for 2010 was awarded to Year 13’s Luke Parker and Greta Horne

A happy group of Year 12 students who after arriving in their cardboard limo, had just picked up the runners-up award for Best Arrival

Anaru Quinn – Waerea of Year 11, tells us about Matariki: “Matariki, the traditional Maori new year, is amongst us now where the group of stars known as ‘The Seven Sisters’ is visible to us. Matariki has two meanings being tiny eyes and eyes of god. It is a time to celebrate with friends and family and to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. We celebrate with education and food and the planting of new trees signalling new beginnings.

On July 17th three of our students travelled to the Nga Manu Korero speech competition which was held at Manawatu College in Foxton. Our speakers were Angel Harrison in Junior Maori, Elise Keall in Junior English and Stephany Walker in Senior English. Stephany was placed in the top three for the impromptu section of the competition. “Tama Tu, Tama Ora”


Year 12 Stephany Walker at the recent Nga Manu Korero speech competition

Year 11, Ashden - Rose Hemopo reports on the recent Kapa Haka trip to Napier: “To celebrate 100 years of Maori rugby, and also in celebration of Matariki, our Kapa Haka group , along with twenty other schools in the Kahungunu area were invited to perform the traditional Haka ‘Tika Tonu’ at the NZ Maori versus England game in Napier. It was a privilege and an honour to be given the opportunity to represent Kahungunu and to be part of the celebrations at the game. It was a wonderful experience for our Kapa Haka roopu who thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere at the game.”

Kathryn Pound competed at the 6 Centre Meet recently as a member of the Manawatu Swim Team.  She placed 2nd in the 100 butterfly and the 100 freestyle and 3rd in the 200 freestyle events. Both of the freestyle events were personal best times. Last weekend Kathryn was awarded the Swimming Manawatu RAGE (Recognition of Age Group Excellence) Award for 15 year old Girls for the 2009/10 swimming season.  This Award is for the Swimmer who has been judged the Top Swimmer in their Age Group in the Manawatu Region. Our congratulations go to Kathryn for winning this outstanding award.

Final sports results for the term are a well deserved win to the Boys’ Football team in their 2 – 1 victory over PNBHS 3rds, with both of our goals scored by Vinnie Carroll. The Girls Hockey team had a tight game before losing 2 – 1 to PNGHS where Jemma Lochhead was our goal scorer.

The Week at Tararua College will take a two week break over the holidays. For further information on this column or about Tararua College events, please contact the School office or email Mr. Mcknight at the College.