Kapa Haka, St Patrick's and Greece's National Day all round out a busy March.

St Patrick's Day - 17 March

On 17 March, our school flew the Irish flag on the flagpole in celebration of St Patrick's Day. Students were invited to add green accents to their uniforms, and some teachers decided to go all out with full green outfits. St Patrick’s Day commemorates the death of Ireland’s patron saint: St Patrick. St Patrick was an Irish bishop and christian missionary, and he brought the idea of Christianity to Ireland. He actually arrived in Ireland at the age of 16, stolen by Irish pirates from his home in England and sold into slavery. His job was to tend sheep. 

In the 1850s and 1860s, many Irish migrants arrived in Auckland. That is where the earliest accounts of St Patrick’s Day celebrations began in New Zealand. It was even a public holiday for some years; that has since been changed. But that does not mean the celebrations have died out, as we have seen for ourselves. St Patrick’s day will continue to be celebrated in New Zealand, and at our own Roncalli College. Next year, we will see the Irish flag flying once again. - Samantha Robb (Y12) and Monica McDonald (Y11)

Greek Independence Day - 25 March

In the past month the world celebrated Greek Independence day on 25 March. At Roncalli, a Greek student in year 12, Kostantinos (Kostas) Svarnas-Merrik, wrote a message for all of us in the notices to commemorate the day. Greek Independence day celebrates the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821. To celebrate this, towns and villages throughout Greece and Cyprus hold school flag parades. The children march in traditional Greek costume and carry Greek flags. - Olivia Piddington (Y11)

Kapa Haka - 30 March

Kia ora e te whānau. Roncalli College is pleased to announce that Kapa Haka is back on the calendar at school! We are lucky enough to have Haami Rahui work with us every Tuesday from 10:30 - 11:30 in the school hall. The group has seen a very solid start with more than 20 sign up in Year 9 and 10, with a few seniors also showing interest in joining.

Keita Frisby (Year 9) said: "It was a great start to the lesson yesterday morning. Haami took us through a few songs and then a name game. It is sounding great, excited for next practice!"

Watch this space, more photos and updates to come!