Rangitoto College

Performing Arts adapts to ever-changing Covid-19 challenges

Implementing our co-curricular Performing Arts programmes within Covid-19 restrictions has been challenging, with many aspects of music, dance, and drama being heavily restricted and in many cases limited to outdoor participation only.

After the initial few weeks of confusion, we gradually settled into a new reality in which many of our activities depended on how pleasant the weather was. Used to dwelling in studios, theatres, and small basement rooms this was not something we had ever had to take into account.

With the aid of masks, sanitiser, sneeze screens, pegs, sunblock, and a real “can-do” attitude from students and staff, it soon became completely normal to see dance troupes leaping on the field, drama ensembles learning lines outside the upper tuck shop, and the woodwind and brass sections of the orchestra setting up under the covered walkway outside MU3. Gazebos were set up under the trees by the flagpole and outside the auditorium to allow three breezy studios in which we could house wind, brass, and vocal tuition.

Despite the unusual start to 2022, we eventually enrolled and auditioned all our co-curricular music, dance, and drama groups, and timetabled 420 enrolments for instrumental, vocal, music technology, and music theory tuition. Students and staff have been eager to accept whatever compromises are necessary to get rehearsals underway and to start our journey back towards performing for audiences.

Thank you to our Performing Arts staff and students for remaining positive in the face of so many obstacles. To parents, families, and our school community, we hope to be able to entertain you in person, on stage, and indoors in the coming months.

Pre-season rugby kicks off at Rangitoto College

Senior Boys rugby hopefuls have had a very successful first term of 2022. Following pre-season training, a 1st and 2nd XV emerged. Many of the 2nd XV players have continued to train with the 1st XV and trial with the 1st XV against other schools.

Our other rugby boys and girls have been involved in a three-week pre-season programme where they have been working on different skills as well as making new connections within our rugby community. Current team coaches along with special guest trainers have provided great insight into different aspects of the game. Brett Craise, who is currently working with NZ Sevens and Secondary School teams, provided the group with an opportunity to improve their attacking skills. Slade Mcfarlan, an ex-student and former NZ Maori rugby representative, explained the finer details of holding a strong body position. Harbour Rugby also led a session on breakdown decision making. A huge thank you to these talented guests for supporting Rangitoto College rugby.

Ngā Toi Māori, our Māori Arts Programme, unfurls

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, tēnā koutou katoa.

Like the unfurling of a pōnga fern, the Māori Arts Programme, Ngā Toi Māori, has grown from a Year 10 subject in 2021 to a subject that spans Years 9, 10, 11, and 12 in 2022. Ngā Toi Māori sits within the new Te Manu Taki, Māori department. Students are continuing to journey up the ‘poutama’, learning stairway, into Mātauranga Māori, Māori knowledge and cultural identity. This year’s ākonga are busy developing their skills and knowledge around using the tools of a whakairo carver. Our Year 10 ākonga are currently applying this knowledge by creating a wheku mask. They have eagerly stepped up to the challenges faced by the whakairo carver and are creating unique pieces that they are proud of. Our Year 11 and 12 Whakairo Mahi Toi students are also busy familiarizing themselves with the wheku design. Our Senior ākonga are working towards NZQA Whakairo – Carving standards. The class is currently analysing art pieces from various carvers to demonstrate their understanding of how a carver shows meaning in their work.

Ko te piko o te māhuri, ko tērā te tipu o te rākau.

The way the sapling is nurtured, determines how the tree will grow.

Tīhei mauri ora!