Nau mai haere mai!

Extravaganza! Wow!

Last Thursday evening I had the privilege of being able to watch and participate in my first Extravaganza and boy was I blown away on a number of levels.

First it was a great vehicle for our students that are passionate about the performing arts to have a platform to share their talent. I am hesitant to name individual students in the fear that I will miss out someone but I will have to make special mention about a few of our students.

Josh Walker and his dance partner, Simon, gave a stunning performance of Hip Hop dancing.

Greta McCaw, Ava Edy, Gabbie Cowie belted out some individual songs with confidence.

The Kapa Haka group and Advanced Choir added some excellent items.

The art items that were on display showcased the visual arts talent we have in our Kura, with all four pieces hotly contested in the silent auction.

Each house presented excellent Dances, Songs and a House Chant that demonstrated that House and School spirit is certainly alive and well at EOHS.

I couldn't have been prouder of the participation levels and how the community got in behind this with over 300 people in attendance. I was very nervous leading into the final week. We had a number of moments where our student leaders and staff were questioning how this event could come together. Perseverance, resilience, positivity and hard work won the day with the last couple of days being crucial to get this over the line with the quality we experienced.

Congratulations School House for taking out two sections and overall winner on the night, but all houses and students were the winners really.

A huge thank you must go to Kelvin Cummings who supported all houses with their performances and having the technical ability to produce a professional production. The student leaders for growing into their roles and developing as strong, empathetic leaders. Our amazing staff that encouraged the students, participated and performed themselves.

Now that the Extravaganza is complete it is time that the senior students knuckle down into their studies leading into their practice examinations in Week 9. The same can be said for our Year 7-10 students that need to return to the routine of learning in the classroom.

This week we had two teams participating in tournament week. Our senior Netball team competing in Timaru and our XI Hockey team in Gore. This is a great opportunity for these players to experience quality competition in a tournament setting and regardless of results will help them develop in their chosen sports. We are proud of all your efforts!

Next week will see our senior students going to their Formal. This promises to be another highlight of the year and keenly anticipated by our students.

Nga mihi nui

Marcus Cooper

Principal/Tumuaki

East Otago High School