A magical evening of whānau and community.

Last night, our whānau gathered in the classrooms for soup and buns, before moving to the court to be together as a whole school. It was a truly magical experience for me. Walking along the pathway of lanterns, hearing the beautiful singing of the students and the community as a whole, watching the Class 12 lanterns float down the driveway, the lighting of the fire, the poi and fire staffs, the karanga, the reflection on those who have passed over the last year, the karakia, releasing our wishes for the next year, the spiral, and finally, the walk down through the glowing lanterns of Classes 6, 7 and 8.

Many thanks to all of you who provided soup, buns, knives, butter, napkins, and to those who served the kai on the night. Thank you also to the parent reps for organizing this, so that we could have a lovely meal together.

What a special evening with an incredible community! My heart is full. Thank you all.

Tanya

(on behalf of the Festival Team)