Karo Poua - strikes and blocks for mau rakau

 

Tyla-Marie and Isara demonstrate both the Poua (strikes) and the Karo (Blocks) coupled with the stabbing (Or Whakarehu) movements

People Leaders Day Performance @ Victoria Park Market

On Thursday 8th May 2014, our senior kapa haka group traveled to Victoria Park Market to perform for the 'People Leaders Day - Unleashing Potential' event run by Telecom.

We arrived on our luxury coach a little after 5.30pm.  The group were ushered to our changing room and began getting ready for our bracket.  Students were buzzing and excited to be performing outside of our school grounds.

The stage looked magnificent, illuminated by colourful lights and was dwarfed by an ancient Pohutukawa Tree.  This sight heightened the excitement of our students.  5 minutes before our start time, the heavens opened and down came the rain.

What started as a light shower soon turned into a downpour.  We rushed into the 'plan B' area, which was the market's car park.  The chaos didn't phase our wonderful students as they quickly repositioned themselves under the shelter of level one car park.  "Start now, start now" was the signal from Hannah, the event organiser.

The shelter acted as an amplifier and sent the beautiful voices of our group out towards and beyond the Victoria cricket grounds.  The managers from 120 different telecom retailers around NZ hovered around the performing group, enjoying the protection from the rain and the marvelous singing.

The group represented our school and community with kaha and dignity and were acknowledged for their efforts by Chris Quin who is the Chief Executive of Telecom Retail.  A generous koha was handed over from Mr Quin to our very own kaia Tyler-Marie and we are very grateful for both the opportunity for our students and the koha which will go towards whānau hui and Kapa Haka wānanga.

After the manuhiri tuārangi (distinguished guests) left, I could tell by students actions and faces, that the they experienced the pride of 'taonga tuku iho' (treasures passed down to us)  left by our Tupuna.  A wonderful experience for everyone involved - we are so proud of our students.  "Whaia kia eke' Strive to succeed!

2014 Fiafia

Every two years, Pt England School celebrates diversity with a Fiafia evening. Students choose which performance they want to participate in and spend time learning their dances.  We had 22 groups to choose from such as  Hip hop, Cook Island Drums, Tongan dance, Samoan Groups, Kapa haka and many more.

This year we were lucky enough to have 3 Kapa Haka groups - Junior, Middle School and Senior Kapa Haka. They all performed with dignity and pride and most importantly, had fun.

It was an amazing evening that lasted just over 2 hours.  We were all very proud of their performances and look forward to the next one in 2016. A big mihi to our community - over 2500 whānau members came to tautoko.

Check out the movie below made by Jordenne and Sela, it shows a snippet of our celebration.

Fiafia Movie - Jordenne and Sela from Team 5 PES on Vimeo.

Class 17's Counting and Karakia

Class 17 (Year 2 students) have been working VERY hard at practicing their Te Reo.  Here they are reciting the school karakia AND counting up to 20.  Ms Eadie (their lovely teacher) has been capturing their efforts - Ka pai Class 17 and kia ora for sharing Ms Eadie. 

Counting to 20 I'm Maori from Team 1 PES on Vimeo.

Ti rakau - Yr 5 & 6 Campers

This week our Year 5 and 6 students have their annual camp here at school.  Our school field looks like tent city and students spend 3 fun packed days doing various activities such as Kyaking, Top town, games and sports, blogging, item practice and cooking.

The boys groups got to make their own corn fritters and s'mores (melted marshmallows sandwiched between two biscuits) using a bbq.  One of the follow up activities after they had dried all their dishes and cleaned up was Ti Rakau.

A competition between group members emerged.  The winners that came up with the best combinations moved into the 'battle' round between groups.  I wonder who will win?  I'm pretty sure Ms Takarei and Mr Sommerville will take out the competition as the 'Ti Rakau' experts.

Classroom Mihimihi

This mihimihi you can use to start your morning in class.  It acknowledges

whoever starts the karakia, your teacher and your classmates.  So, say

the persons name instead of 'Rihari' in the recording, and say your

teachers name instead of Mrs Nua.  Have fun practising and remember to learn the english translation

too.

 

Whaea Saf's Taonga

Whaea Saf visits all Junior and Middle school classes throughout the week.  During her class visits she selects students to give out taonga that she has made with Aroha.  Students may be awarded for their manaakitanga, excellence in pronunciation, for doing their best, awesome singing and a whole lot more.  Check out these awesome students from Class 13 who have learned the school karakia and can recite it without looking at the kupu (words) - Ka pai koutou and ka pai whaea Saf x

From left to right: Job, Adrienne, Kerstein, Samoa, and Latu.