Chelsea Primary students showcase unique identity at today's cultural assembly

9 November 2010, 1.30 pm. Chelsea Primary School’s unique culture made a positive impression in an assembly that brought together students’ learning at school and connected their shared values to the wider school community.

One of the highlights was the performance of the newly formed Kapa Haka group. All of the hard work and practice paid off as our nearly 80 students put on an outstanding Kapa Haka performance with their synchronized action, footwork and vocals. Matua Heke was guitar accompanist while Whaia and Matua Parangi moved alongside the performers as the kaitataki (female and male leaders).

Two students, Megan and Charlotte Carlton, performed a Scottish Highland sword dance that was most appealing to the audience. Jelena Wells, winner of the Birkenhead Library Poetry competition, read her poem while Thomas Bennison and Casey Israelson gave their winning speeches.

The school’s choir practiced very hard for this assembly and it was evident in its loving rendition of Disney’s “Colours of the Wind”, the upbeat “Mamma Mia” and Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World”. Mr Tim Christie, one of the Year 5-6 teachers, was the piano accompanist. The choir shone and sparked the enthusiasm of the audience.

The Undergrads (Year 0-1 students) sang 2 waiata – “E te Atua” and “E te Ariki”. Waiata were sung traditionally, in unison with no actions and no musical instrument. Mrs Petita Cole, our Year 1 teacher, taught the waiata as part of an Interchange programme within the syndicate.

The Phds (Year 5-6 students) capped today’s celebration with a dramatic presentation that showcased the Waka Journey: a story of the great migratory journey to Aoteoroa. The level of kōrero Māori used by the student performers was commendable as they told their experiences and navigation across the oceans.

School Principal Sue Mulcahy, in her closing statement, acknowledged all students who put on a fantastic cultural assembly for the parent community, students and staff of Chelsea Primary School. Mrs Mulcahy also took the opportunity to especially thank Matua Parangi for his voluntary service and commitment to share Māori culture with our students through Kapa Haka.

Today’s assembly marks a celebration of the school’s diverse community and how the school provides a culturally inclusive environment.

Many students, staff and parents left the hall with a sense of connection to a rich cultural heritage that makes - Aoteoroa and Chelsea Primary School, uniquely different and deeply empowered to understand each other’s identities.

It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognise, accept, and celebrate those differences. —Audre Lorde, poet