Dannevirke: Gala eagerly awaited

Lord of the Flies? Sacrifice at camp.

As I write this, things are in full swing for organisation of the gala. I can't wait to report on the success of the gala and to share the pictures of the evening. A huge thank you to all our sponsors for the night. Without donations and sponsorship from the business community, a fundraising gala would not be possible.

The tone around school has continued to gain momentum and the busy time has not slowed down; if anything it has sped up. Inter-house events are in full swing. Swimming sports were of course, a hit; the bombing competition is always a favourite. It was fun to see international student Shun Sawabe have his first experience bombing. Impressive bombs from Puke Ruaporo and Rawiri Akarana made for an exciting competition, not forgetting the girls, some of whom can put the boys to shame.

Athletics sports is on today and events for this have started with the 3000m and the 1500m held last week. A huge thank you to the PE staff and helpers who make the day a success; there is a lot of work that goes into organising such an event.

Academically we are also in full swing, with school excursions beginning; the first being the Year 13 geography trip.

Upcoming events include the Year 13 English and drama trip to Wellington to see a range of live performances. This is a much anticipated event which is very valuable to the students learning art and performance.

On the cultural front, the Dannevirke High School production is beginning to ask for interest from students. The roles to be filled involve singing, acting, dancing, back stage and technical. It has been a while since Dannevirke High School has held a major production and we look forward to seeing the students under lights. This year's production is Little Stars, a rock 'n' roll based musical that follows the behind-the-scenes story of five finalists competing in a national TV hit show Little Star to find the next TV star. It is a parody of reality TV shows like American Idol or X Factor.

There are crooked judges, hyperactive presenters, and a live studio audience. It is a musical that has a real opportunity to showcase the talent of our students under the specialist direction of drama teacher Shasta Pene.

On a musical note, congratulations to the following students on their music examination results: Kaitlin Edmonds, Grade 2 pass with Distinction; Michael Mui, Grade for pass with Top Honours; Jess Lawson, Grade 2 pass with Merit; Jess Lyford, pass Grade 2.