Kapa Haka
E nga mana, e nga reo, e nga iwi, e nga rangatira. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena tatou katoa. Kapa Haka is an integral part of our cultural heritage in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This year we have been blessed by tuition offered from Maunsell Haka tutors. They have encouraged us to revitalise Te Reo through Maori performing Arts. Kapa Haka also embraces all art forms: waiata ringa, haka, poi and waiata tira. Kapa Haka is taught from yrs 3-13 on Fridays and they usually perform at Assemblies, Powhiri and Awards day.
Maori Activator: Danielle Smith – danielle.smith@excellerecollege.school.nz
Worship Team
We are privileged in our school to be able to worship as a school supported by our Worship Team. This consists of students from Year 8-13 who have a passion for music and worship. The group meets once a week to practice led by teacher Tim Osborne who is passionate about youth learning to use their talents to worship God. In this group students develop their musical skills in their chosen area and grow in their ability to play together as a team.
Worship Team Coordinator: Tim Osborne – tim.osborne@excellerecollege.school.nz
Enviro Schools
Excellere College is in the process of joining Enviroschools. So far we have already started mini projects around the school involving waste management, such as recycling paper, plastic and composting. We have constructed two worm farms and had an Ecosolutions representative come and teach the students how to set up and run worm farms. Around the school there are gardens created to supply herbs and vegetables to the hospitality room. In future we hope to have more land allocated so we can make the most of our vast and fertile grounds.
Enviroschools Coordinator: Mehrzad Sinclair – mehrzad.sinclair@excellerecollege.school.nz
Duke of Edinburgh
Students have the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. This internationally recognised Award consists of three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Students can begin the Bronze award when they are in year 10. Each group goes on 2 Adventurous Journeys a year. Some journeys we have done are Ruakaka to Waipu, Te Paki Stream, Cape Brett and Waikaremoana. Students also have to keep a log of their activities from each section of the award: Physical Recreation, Service and Skills.
Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator: Ben Keyte – ben.keyte@excellerecollege.school.nz
Junior College Choir
“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations” (Psalm 89:1). The Junior College Choir is a new opportunity for the youngest members of our school to use their musical giftings, students from Year 1-6 are able to join and sing in this group. Larissa Matheson leads the Junior College Choir, the students find worship songs that speak to them and they share these songs at assembly.
Junior College Choir Coordinator: Larissa Matheson – larissa.matheson@excellerecollege.school.nz
Special Events
- Senior College Ball – In the Senior school, we host a College Ball where we invite other Christian Schools in Northland
- NZ Opera Trip – We apply for funding from NZ Opera to sponsor students on a trip to an opera held in Auckland
- Creative Music Industries Music Mentor – Sponsorship from Creative Music Industries enables us to host a Music mentor who is usually an industry expert with a range of skills from compositions, performances, sound production and theatre
- Staff Devotions – Local pastors are invited on occasion to present a devotion and share communion with staff
- End of Year Awards Ceremonies – We have two end of year awards ceremonies, one for the Junior College, held in the afternoon and a combined evening ceremony for the Senior and Middle College.
Events Coordinator: Chantal Minnaar – chantal.minnaar@excellerecollege.school.nz
Assemblies
- Assemblies – Assemblies are held twice a term and are an opportunity for the school and families to meet and showcase the learning for the term or reflect events significant to the Christian lectionary
- Leavers Assembly – In Term 4, our graduating students are honoured at a Leavers’ Assembly and dinner which celebrates their learning journey at Excellere College
Assemblies Coordinator: Larissa Matheson – larissa.matheson@excellerecollege.school.nz
