Heart of the Pacific Goes off With a Bang!
Heart of the Pacific Goes off With a Bang!
November 06, 2017 at 12:36 PM
What a difference a day makes!
After an early start on Saturday morning in readiness for the Boys’ School Fireworks Night, steady rain throughout the afternoon sadly prompted the Parents and Friends to put their plans on hold and postpone the event to Sunday. We are so glad they did! Unlike the ‘umbrella night’ a few years back, Sunday threw up a perfect night sky with just the right amount of cloud cover to set the stage for another fantastic Fireworks Night - and a relieved team from the Parents and Friends could relax knowing that their months of planning could now come to fruition!
After Celtic Day in Term 1, the next most favoured event on the Boys’ School calendar must surely be Fireworks Night! The gates opened at 5pm as a capacity crowd of 2000 streamed in, loaded picnic baskets at the ready, for an evening of relaxation and entertainment. With the main focus of the evening skywards, every patch of turf was a perfect picnic spot! As parents set up camp, the children quickly did the rounds to check out the ‘fairground’ activities.
From late afternoon, the stage came to life, as the Boys’ School musicians entertained, drawing a mini-mosh pit of proud parents to record the performances on their phones! Meanwhile the majority of the youngsters flocked to the rides, purchased wrist band at the ready, to take advantage of as many turns as possible while the daylight lasted. Amongst the adrenaline-filled fun was the ‘world’s tallest inflatable slide,’ that caused more than a few wide eyes as those brave enough to climb, whizzed down the slippery slope! A new addition this year was a maze that proved a true puzzle for some!
Without question, one of the biggest draw cards is the rare chance to target a teacher with a wet sponge! Amongst the staff willing to test their dignity was a very game Principal, Mr Peter Cassie and School Chaplain, Reverend Reuben Hardie - good preparation for next year’s castle siege at Celtic Day! The gold coins flowed in as hopeful students took aim!
This year’s theme, ‘Heart of the Pacific’ gave a distinctly New Zealand flavour to the evening. As the night sky darkened, Mr Cassie welcomed the Saint Kentigern community before the Girls’ School Kapa Haka group, followed by the Boys’ School group, owned the stage with two commanding performances. Keeping to the NZ theme, Mr Cassie and Reverend Hardie returned as Wal and Dog from Footrot Flats, as Wal tried to secure a spot with the All Blacks. As they kicked the ball out wide, pipers, Nicholas Forgie and Nicholas Berry crossed the field before the Girls’ School returned to the stage to accompany Xarya Knox and Jade Nomani as they sang Pokarekare Ana. Their hongi on completion signalling the start of the fireworks!
Year 11 College student, Valance Yates had offered his talent for the voice-over at the start of the show, setting the scene for the discovery of Aotearoa. As the night sky burst into life, the imagery and music took us on a dramatic journey through New Zealand’s history; the show including some fiery kiwi!
The logistics for a fireworks night held on school grounds are such that a lesser team, faced with so many hurdles and safety requirements, may have simply placed it in the ‘too hard basket’ long ago. Over the years, our own determined organising committee has conquered the paper work to ensure that both people and property are safely protected. Planning began at the start of March and the team, spearheaded by Parents and Friends Chairperson, Mr Simon Ward, has been totally focused on ensuring that that a safe and successful fireworks night continues as our school's signature event. Well done! It was fantastic!
Our sincere thanks to the Fireworks Organising Team, parents and staff for their immense effort in bringing this to fruition: Naomi Hageman, Simon Ward, Deb Ward, Kathryn Hughes, Robyn Kenna, James McLeod, Michael Hewes and Logan Aves. Our thanks to our staff from the various campuses and many parents who gave their time to assist with the field rides and barbeque. Thanks also to the many others who helped in the clean-up.
A special thank you to the following sponsors: A-Ward, New World Eastridge, Hirepool, True Advertising Agency, Kiwi Flush.
