Shrek!
After COVID stymied attempts to bring the green ogre to the Newlands stage in 2020, we were elated to be able to put the show on at last in 2021. Two years in the making, the result of a lot of blood, sweat and tears, this was another triumph of talent and stagecraft for students and the staff who supported them. Video highlights below and photos here.
Debating
Term 2 was a busy one for debating with an inaugural Interhouse Debating Competition generating buzz in the junior school. The mighty Totara House once again spreads its limbs, overshadowing the opposition to win the final with the moot This house believes that social media makes people more lonely (both finalist teams and their coaches pictured below).
We also had the annual Lions Debate, a traditional rivalry between Newlands and our neighbours at Onslow College. Another very pertinent moot given the changes occuring to NCEA over the next few years: that NCEA Level 1 should be abolished. Full video of the debate shown below.
We also had the annual Lions Debate, a traditional rivalry between Newlands and our neighbours at Onslow College. Another very pertinent moot given the changes occuring to NCEA over the next few years: that NCEA Level 1 should be abolished. Full video of the debate shown below.
Matariki
Several members of the Newlands College whānau got up early to attend a special ceremony celebrating Matariki.
Senior Ball
Term 2 was proceding according to plan, with the shadow of COVID, but a child's nightmare relegated to the dusty memories of 2020. Highly anticipated events on the school calendar marched forward one by one to be enjoyed fully. One such was the keenly anticipated social highlight of the year, the Senior Ball. Photos here (password is 2021).
Big Sing
Our choir, Northern Notes, obtained two awards at this year's Regional Big Sing: New Zealand Music Best Performance Certificate for I te Pō and a Judicator's Choice Certificate Performance Award for their overall programme.
Two choirs from Newlands College participated at the Big Sing this year: Notified and Northern Notes. It was a great experience had by all as it was Notified's first year at the Big Sing. Notified did not compete this year and went to learn from the experience and have the opportunity to perform at the Michael Fowler Centre.
Malachi Heath, member of the Northern Notes called the experience, "very amazing" and the opportunity to wear his blazer backwards during their rendition of "Revolting Children", from the musical Matlida, "ironic, because I was the most angelic child there."
Amy Harrison, singer in the Notified choir said of the choir's effort, "I am very proud of our hard work rehearsing and performing together. The final product, "From Now On" was very moving."
Two choirs from Newlands College participated at the Big Sing this year: Notified and Northern Notes. It was a great experience had by all as it was Notified's first year at the Big Sing. Notified did not compete this year and went to learn from the experience and have the opportunity to perform at the Michael Fowler Centre.
Malachi Heath, member of the Northern Notes called the experience, "very amazing" and the opportunity to wear his blazer backwards during their rendition of "Revolting Children", from the musical Matlida, "ironic, because I was the most angelic child there."
Amy Harrison, singer in the Notified choir said of the choir's effort, "I am very proud of our hard work rehearsing and performing together. The final product, "From Now On" was very moving."
Cultural Performance EXpo
This student led event was a multi-hued, variety showesque showcase of the cultural diversity within Newlands College. Now in its second year, it has become a new traditonal favourite. Photos here.
Kapa Haka
Ka tū Te Roopu Kapa Haka o Te Ao Marama ki te whakataetae kura tuarua o Te Whanganui ā Tara. Newlands College Kapa Haka performed at the Wellington Secondary Schools Regional Competition where we placed 6th overall.
Sasa Competition
We wrapped up the term with our first ever Samoan Sāsā dance competition. Our Year 9 students spent eight weeks learning the Sāsā in form time with our Newlands College Poly Club and then performed together in the hall.