Final Putangtangi Information for Parents

Raapa, rua tekau ma whitu o Whiringa-a nuku

Wednesday, 27 October 2010

Dear Parents/caregivers,

RE:    PUTANGITANGI KAPA HAKA FESTIVAL, INVERCARGILL

We are nearly there with everything.  There are just a few things that you will need to know for Friday, 29 October 2010.

Departure and Returning Times

Could you please ensure your children are dressed in their tracksuits with everything they need for the day. They need to be  ready to board the bus by 5.45am.  I do not want to be waiting around for anyone as the bus will leave at 6.00am.  We estimate that the bus will return to school by 7.00pm.  Please call me on 021925255 if you need to contact me.

Food/Kai

As I mentioned in the last newsletter, children are not to bring sweets or fizzy drinks with them.  They are away from home for 13 hours and need to have sufficient sustenance and water.  I do not want the children leaving the Civic Centre and looking for food to buy so they will not require any money on the trip.

Whanau Support

This is a big deal for our school to be competing in a Kapa Haka competition.  We are the only school in the Wakatipu Basin to have done this and our children are a credit to the community.  It would be fabulous to have some of our families/whanau giving these amazing children of ours the support they so deserve.  We do have a few seats on the bus so please let me know if you would like to come as we would love to have you.

Hair

If your child has long hair, they need to have it either pulled off their face with hairclips or up in a bun or a ponytail.  The judges need to see the students’ faces.

Pounamu(Greenstone)/Whale Bone Pendants

Each member of the group needs to have either a Pounamu or a bone pendant to wear on stage.  If you are able to borrow one for your child to use, that would be great.  I have a few that I can lend to students if you do not know anyone to borrow from. Just give me a call and let me know as soon as possible.

Acknowledgements

The preparation for this competition has clocked up a lot of time and hard work for some people.  I must thank Cel Mikaere and her whanau for the long hours of making poi and headwear accessories over the weekend.  Cel Mikaere has children at Remarkables Primary School and Wakatipu High School.  She has been coming along sometimes 3 – 4 times a week to assist me with the group since the second term.  I could not have done it with out her. Thank you to Margaret Young(our ‘Super Woman’ office lady) for her time and effort with adjusting and making more uniforms in the last week.  Thank you so much to Chris Hall who has organised the tracksuits, bags, uniforms(also includes the ironing of the uniforms) for our children.  Thank you to Jackie Leat for making another korowai(Feather cloak) for Sophie Morris to wear on the day and finally thank you to Michelle Ngata for donating some of the feathers for the earrings

It has been a huge build up for our first Kapa Haka competition and I know it will not be the last.  Your children are paving the way.  Kia kaha to them!!

Please contact me on karenn@arrowtown.school.nz should you have any concerns or questions.

Kind regards

Karen S Neill

Performing Arts / Te Reo Maori Teacher