Cultural Groups

Little did we know what was in store for New Zealand and the rest of the world when we learnt that Polyfest would be cancelled the day before it was due to go ahead, back in March 2020. This also meant Po Fiafia, our much-loved and hugely popular Cultural Showcase could not happen due to COVID-19 restrictions. The girls worked so hard on their Cultural dances and perfected their moves ready for the exciting week of performances and competition. Almost 200 students from Years 9 to 13 take part in Cultural groups each year. At Polyfest, kapa haka, Samoan, Tongan and Cook Islands groups have separate stages and groups can choose to enter either competitive or noncompetitive. Meanwhile Turkish, Tibetan, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Indian, Thai and Korean groups all perform on the Diversity Stage. The practice schedule for the lead up to Po Fiafia and Polyfest is intense, starting as soon as we start back at school in each new year through to the end of March. Performing in Cultural groups is not only beneficial for students to showcase their own culture or learn about and embrace a new culture, it also provides an opportunity for students to practise their skills in being reliable, performing, being a team player, having a positive attitude and being resilient. Before the full lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, we had a day to turn around a handful of amateur video performances for posterity; which were filmed in the Clouston Hall. Once we returned from our first lockdown, some groups also performed in assembly. There’s nothing like performing at Po Fiafia though and we look forward to having Po Fiafia in March 2021. Thank you to all the group leaders who work so hard organising everyone and keep the spirits and high ensuring there were smiles on the faces of the students, Thank you, too, for being amazing role models. —Issy Coleman, Dean of Durham