Last week a group of 15 students travelled to Pompallier College in Whangarei to compete in the annual Pompallier Shield competition.  There were 6 different events we entered including speeches, scripture reading and a group Waiata.  We had lots of lunchtime practices with Whaea Kelly which were super fun but also hard. 

The two hour bus ride was a lot of fun as we all sang songs.  We also got to know some of the Rosmini students who came on the bus with us.  We practised our Waiata at the same time.

We sang Ka Waiata for the judges and got a loud round of applause from the audience and the teachers who came with us.  We ended up 9th out of all of the Catholic schools in Auckland.  The whole day was so much fun and we sang our favourite songs on the bus home. 

I would like to say a big shout out to the girls who went to Pompallier College.  You all did amazing – we came 5th overall! 

Congratulations to Jasmine Lealaogata who also did well in her speech competition winning first place which was the first time Carmel has ever won that event!  Thank you also to the teachers; because of you I have this amazing memory and to Pompallier College for running this event after COVID had postponed it for 3 years. 

Ana Talilotu, Year 9

(pictured – Back: Tolia Palu, Keenai Sula, Sophie Farrell, Casey Minnaar; Front: Jasmine Lealaogata (1st Senior Oratory), Prisilla Faka’osi, Aurora Bentley (9th Jr. Scripture reading), Anahera-Rose Dickson (7th Year 9-13 Te Reo Scripture Reading), Ana Tailotu, Alice Gillies, Isla Gillies, Claire Gillies, Charlotte Cullum (4th Jr. Speech)