On Friday 20th November all teachers and students of the Community English classes at both Champion Street and Hagley campus joined together at the new Champion Street campus to celebrate their last official event for the year 2020.

The event began with the singing of the National Anthem and skilfully signed in New Zealand sign language by CE2 and CE3 classes under the direction of Margaret Kirk. This was followed by a speech from Hagley College’s principal Mike Fowler. He acknowledged the work of students, teachers and others in making the new Champion Street campus a success in the difficult circumstances of a new campus and the impact of Covid 19 on the year.

This was echoed by each of the Teachers who spoke directly to their tutor groups before announcing the academic prize winner for each class and handing out certificates of achievement or participation to those students present.

There was an underlying theme to the ceremony which originated and was sustained by the repeated singing at various times of the Maori folk song Tutira mai.

Stand together people , all of us , all of ….seek after knowledge and love of everyone .

There were a number of performances from the tutor classes which included Choral speaking, several dances, a tai chi routine accompanying a Beijing-style Operatic aria, a humorous skit and songs .

The event ended with the teachers taking the stage and singing the traditional Christmas carol , ‘Silent Night” in English, German and French.

School photographer, Leonie was on hand at the end of the event to take class photos for everyone before light refreshments were served .

The level of enthusiasm, learning and gratitude shown by students and teachers alike suggests the future of ELL at Hagley is in good hands.