Cultural
Choir
Our choir meets regularly in the hall to practise a wide range of songs. In 2010 it is being lead by one of our teachers, Jacqui Seque. This year we are preparing to take part in the 'Kids For Kids" Christmas Show with Suzanne Prentice, to be held in the Town Hall early in October. This is always an enjoyable experience for the children.
Hui Ako
Hui Ako group.
In June this year of pupils from the junior school performed their interpretation of the Maori myth In the Beginning at a Hui Ako, which was hosted by Tahuna Intermediate.
We sang waiata and danced to many traditional Maori songs. Our Whanau came to watch our performance and we really enjoyed them seeing our awesome singing and dancing.
Stars On Stage
Stars on Stage performers.
Every two years we take part in the Stars On Stage performance at the Regent theatre. The performance is part of the Inquiry topic for the term and is planned, and choreographed by the creative team of children. All years 4-6 children are expected to take part and to critique past performances by using PMI's (Plus, Minus and Implications). From there they are able to make choices as to the format for the performance including theme, costuming, music and lighting. Once all the pre-planning is completed, it's quite easy to put the dance together as the children have practiced twisting, collapsing, jerking, rolling and other dance techniques.
This year our performance was about the Battle of the Volcanoes. We had two volcanoes made from mosquito netting. It started with Maori villages going about their business. Then the earth quakes and the rocks, steam and lava come out of the volcanoes, and they battle over the love of a lady volcano. It ends with a dance where everyone comes together.
On the night everyone is very nervous, as it is quite overwhelming to dance on a huge stage in front of a packed house. And it always goes 'right on the night'.
Kapa Haka
Concord School Kapa Haka Group.
We are very excited that Toni Palasio has started the Kapa Haka group where the children are learning Waiata and dance in Maori. We have a great group of enthusiastic children who are looking forward to performing in the Maori and Pacific Island Festival coming up in September. We would like to thank Toni and all her friends who have made such a commitment to our children at the school. Without their expertise, the children would not have such a great opportunity to perform and explore the bicultural nature of our community.
End of Year Performance
Greater Green Island Cultural Day Performers
Our big productions are produced in a similar way to the Stars On Stage dance performances. The whole school is involved. It starts with a group of child writers, who come up with the basic storyline often based on the integrated learning theme for the final term. Once the script is finalised, everyone applies for a job they would like e.g. dancer, actor, computer worker, backstage helper, props designer, or the band. Then they break into the groups and work on their parts.
We are very proud of our end of year productions, but we couldn't do it without our wonderful teacher aids who help with the costuming, sewing, painting, and all the other little jobs that support the children and the teachers at the school.
It's always a great way to finish each year.
Duffy Theatre
Duffy's time machine, Duffy actors, and Concord staff entertain students.
The Duffy Theatre comes to our school once a year and the children always find this very entertaining and exciting.
The 'Mainfreight Award for excellence in Attitude' is presented at the conclusion of our End of Year Presentation. This award includes a trophy and usually a reference book/encyclopaedia and is awarded to a student nominated by the school staff.
Thank you Duffy - you have provided hours of enjoyment and learning for Concord Kids!
Elgrego Show
A performance by Elgrego Show.
As often as possible, and when the funding allows, we invite visiting entertainers to the school, so that the children can get a wide variety of experiences, especially relating to current themes and curriculum areas. Elgrego has a very entertaining puppet/magic show with an important anti-bullying theme. He is always well received by the children and staff.