Paraparaumu College

What to expect at the Paraparaumu College Pōwhiri for Year 9 and new students tomorrow:

New students and any whānau who wish to attend will gather at the front of the school in the crescent shaped parking area in front of Te Manawa (the main office). Boys should be at the back, girls at the front. Non-binary or gender diverse folks should be in the middle. There will be an adult to speak on behalf of the group - this year it will be Bruce McDonald, principal of Kenakena School.

A karanga (woman's voice) from the auditorium will signal the start of the pōwhiri. The karanga will go for a long time as everyone walks in. It is a welcoming message.

There will also be a haka in the auditorium from the Paraparaumu College kapa haka as the year 9s and others walk in. This will go for the time taken for everyone to enter the auditorium.

As the group enters Mr McDonald and about 4 pre-arranged new Year 9 students will hongi the PC paepae.

Once inside the parents and whānau should stand at the sides or back of the auditorium. Students should find a seat and stand in front of it. Girls can go to the far side of the auditorium and back rows, boys should be in the front and on the side closest to the door. Please remain standing. Once everyone is inside Matua Brooking, rangatira Māori from Paraparaumu College who is running things, will say a karakia and invite everyone to sit down. Some students might have to sit on the floor if it's crowded.

Next will be speeches - starting in te reo Māori, but with some English later on. The first speeches will be from the college side. A kaumātua from Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, the iwi most closely associated with the college, will speak. After the speeches the college teachers and students will sing the school waiata.

Next a speaker from the new student side will speak. This will be Bruce McDonald. When he finishes all the students will sing the waiata Te Aroha.

Next the principal of Paraparaumu College, Craig Steed will speak. He will start in te reo Māori then speak in English. When he finishes some of the teachers and students from Paraparaumu College will do a haka.

After this Matua Brooking will close the proceedings. The parents and whānau are invited to come up to the pavilion for a karakia and some shared kai.

Year 9 students will stay in the auditorium to find out their form classes and where they have to go. They will go to classes for the rest of the day. They will learn about the school, meet each other and get a chance to set up their devices, wifi access etc, and meet many of their teachers for the year.

NOTE: If it’s raining we might get everyone into the auditorium first to stay dry, and then kick things off with a haka pōwhiri before starting on the speeches.

NCEA results were released earlier today. Students can access their results by logging into the NZQA website or by accessing their school kamar portal. We wish all students all the best for their results.