Takumi Japanese drumming, dance performances, songs and an hyper-energetic interactive session with the Youth Workers were some of the memorable moments from the Burnside High School Familiarisation Day.

Approximately 400 Year 8 students from all over Ōtautahi, who will be Year 9 Burnsiders in 2021 attended the day. The Takumi drummers, many of which are students here, performed jaw-droppingly spectacular pieces. This set the scene for the manuhiri as one of the many opportunities available on offer here. Mr Holstein welcomed everyone, and then the wonderful Burnside Leaders departed with groups on tours of the key places around our kura. There were many stops at important places such as the canteen, gyms, student office, and Learning Centre and the guides were able to answer burning questions from the students such as yes, you can buy slushies here.
A whole troupe of Burnsides talented dancers performed many and various pieces to the students back in the Aurora Centre. This was another chance for the Year 8’s to see what fantastic courses are on offer here. A huge thank you to Mrs Ellis and Ms Papa-G for getting this to happen.
Following this there was another tour of the school, where students when into learning spaces such as classrooms and the library. We were then back in the Aurora to hear about even more chances to get involved at Burnside High. Thanks so much to Kieran and Frankie the Arts and Culture prefects, Tuscany and Aimee who filled everyone in on our supportive Whanau club, Kiwa and Shon from Te Ora Hau, Environment leaders, Mrs Guillemot and Mrs Taylor the sports co-ordinators and Monet Schutte for her powerful and stunning singing.
Nate, Gene and Marcus, the 24/7 youth workers finished the afternoon off. They played awesome games that included many audience members. The cheers and applause in the Aurora Centre were deafening and the energy in the room was infections. Cup-stacking, stocking swinging, dance parties… you name it they played it. It was such a perfect way to conclude the experience. We really hope that this day helped ease any big nerves, so that the start of next year is as smooth and trouble free for these students as possible. We can’t wait to have the Year 8’s here next year as Year 9’s and we thank them and their kura for enabling them to be here.