Multisports and Shared Kai
Māori and Pasifika Students, otherwise known as MAPS, is a group where students can socialise, build friendships and have fun. As Polynesian students are a minority at Carmel, MAPS provides a safe and friendly environment for cultural expression. However, this is not to say that non-Polynesian students are excluded from participation – all students with a keen interest in Māori and Pasifika culture are welcome to attend and show their support. Our first event of Term 3 is taking place tomorrow, on Friday 9 August, from 4.00 – 5.00 PM. We invite students, whānau, and friends to come down to Carmel’s outdoor turf to play multisport games and share kai. If you haven’t already and would like to attend, please contact Whaea Tina Peters (Māori Teacher) at tpeters@carmel.school.nz and complete the Parent Paperwork (online permission slip) for this event. We hope to see you all there!
Kapa Haka
Kapa Haka is a form of Māori performing arts and is an avenue for Māori students to express and showcase their cultural identity and heritage. Carmel’s Kapa Haka group is currently the largest Carmel has ever seen, receiving much interest from students. Throughout the year the rōpū (group) have performed internally and externally, performing ‘hau kiwi (haka powhiri)’ and ‘Nga hau e wha’ at Rosmini’s Culture Week earlier this year. At Term 2’s Carmel Day, the Kapa Haka group added a modern twist to their dance by incorporating rakau (sticks) into their performance of ‘E te Iwi’ and ‘Pony’. Their performance was a great success and was enjoyed by all. As a reminder for members, the Kapa Haka group meets every Monday lunch time to learn new waiata (songs), haka (cultural performances), and kanikani (dances). The first Kapa Haka meeting for this term will occur on Monday 12 August at lunchtime in the Whānau Room. If you have any queries please contact Sophie Mahuru at 2521@carmel.school.nz.
Waka Ama
Waka Ama is the Māori term for outrigger canoeing and is a great way to improve your fitness, gain a sense of belonging, and connect with your tangata whenua. In previous years, Carmel’s Waka Ama team have competed in local competitions against other strong schools. Despite the strong competition and it being the first time competing for a lot of our kōtiro (girls), they managed to place in the top three in all their races including the mixed waka category with Auckland Girls. As safety is paramount, our Waka Ama rōpū has been given new life jackets. The first practice of the term is on Wednesday 14 August at Water’s Edge In, Sylvan Park from 4pm onwards. If you have any queries please contact Whaea Tina Peters at tpeters@carmel.school.nz.
Te Taura here ki Pupuke
The next whānau hui (meeting) for Te Taura here ki Pupuke is on Thursday 5th September at 6.30 pm in the Whānau Room. Hui occur once a term and are for all Māori students and parents, especially those who are new to the school and whānau community. Attending hui is highly encouraged as they provide a great opportunity for networking, developing leadership, communication skills, and expressing feedback on the current and future path of the rōpū. Please bring a plate of kai to share and RSVP to Maria Bound-Gussey at miabeegee@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you all there!
