Massey High School Weekly Newsletter

This week I took a break from seeing our sports teams in action, instead devoting some time to the Arts. Whilst we have had a number of events occurring during the day (today being the last, the inaugural inter-House lip sync battle), the highlights of Arts Week are always our Music Soiree and the Dance Showcase.

Tuesday night was the Soiree. Superbly hosted by our Arts Leaders (who both also performed), it was a night of incredible performances from the choir through to the jazz combo, with just about every other musical genre visited along the way.

Every time one attends the soiree one is always astounded at the talent that we are blessed to have at our school. Too many highlights, but if I were to touch on a few they would be Troy Kennedy performing ‘Eyesight to the Blind’ – although an Eric Clapton number, Troy channelled his inner Hendrix to put a unique twist on it. As mentioned, our two Arts Leaders were heavily involved, Monty Vea holding down the bottom end on bass for many of the performances, and Yujung Heo hosting. Yujung also delivered incredible vocal performances, first as a soloist for the choir and then putting a Massey High School flavour on ‘Shake it Off’ by Taylor Swift. For a born and bred Westie like me, it is great to see that guitar-based rock is still alive and kicking with two student bands ‘Strategist Wang’ and ‘Pineapple Roll’ performing original songs. Another notable performer throughout was Iggy Palmero Epstein on the saxophone, his interpretations of a Beatles standard, and ‘In a Sentimental Mood’ by Duke Ellington were phenomenal. Accompanying many of the performers was Jamal, an incredible talent on the guitar. As mentioned, all genres were catered for – and David Mihok provided a touch of elegance on the Fazioli.

Thursday Night was our Dance Showcase. Our Dance students across all year levels, taught by Tracy and Maddie put on a spectacular night of entertainment (although my ageing ears did start feeling the strain toward the end). The miserable weather on the night did not deter the crowds, the Bruce Ritchie Performing Arts Centre was sold out, with many having to be turned away as we had reached capacity. As with our musicians, the talent of our dance students was evident for all. Countless hours go into their routines and for them to be able to perform to a capacity crowd rewards their dedication to their art. It is easy to see why so many awards and competitions are won by dance crews from Massey High School.

For those who missed out, there will be a chance in the first week of Term Three to see some of this talent again. Our Showcase is being held on the 27th to the 29th of July (tickets on sale now). As well as the best talent on offer from our current students, former students including Lani Alo, Rita Laing, Ana Jeon, Ellaphon Tauariki, and Alan Motufoua will each be performing on a given night. To top it off, each night will also host performances by groups from some of our contributing primary schools.

On a more personal note, it was wonderful to see Glen Denham this morning, albeit briefly. As you are aware, Glen started as Headmaster of Wellington College on the same day that I started in the role of Principal at Massey. This morning was the first opportunity for our calendars to match up and allow a formal ceremony to take place, one which acknowledged the passing of the torch from one Principal to the next. I will always be grateful for the support and guidance he has provided, and it was an honour to have him with us. My heartfelt thanks to all those involved in organising the ceremony (and keeping it a secret), and particularly to our Director of Te Ao Māori Hone Tobin who ensured that the ceremony was unique to Massey High School. To be with my family as I faced our school haka, performed by our First XV and our Under 15 rugby team was an incredibly emotional experience.

As the Term draws to a close I want to acknowledge our staff, many of whom have their own families to support through periods of illness as well as navigating through COVID themselves. Despite this, they continue to go above and beyond to ensure continuity of face-to-face teaching and learning and in their support of each other. For some, their break does not start until the Tuesday as many are giving their time to attend the ball on Monday night.

I want to wish all of our students and staff the best for their two-week break. For all, spend quality time with whānau and friends, and take time for yourselves where needed. For our students, it is also time to reflect on their progress to date, look at what support they may need for upcoming assessments, and formulate a plan to achieve their goals for the year. At assemblies this week I have mentioned to our Year 13 students that they only have around 50 teaching days left (not including exams etc) at Massey High School.

Ngā mihi

Alastair Fairley
Principal

School Board Elections

BOARD OF TRUSTEE ELECTIONS ARE COMING!!

Mr Rex Curtis

It is with great sadness that Massey High School acknowledges the passing of Rex Curtis.

Bees and Apiculture at MHS end of Term 2 2022.

Adventure Days

WATCH VIDEO

Academy Stars for June Term 2 2022.

Congratulations to all our Academy Star Award Winners for June Term 2 2022.

Boys Hockey Fundraiser

Arts Week 2022

Leadership Programme

Early Childhood - Playing the Lunchbox Game

Jade Bench at her Early Childhood Placement.

Introducing Samoa Fale

New Careers Advisor at Massey High School

Have You Ever Thought About Becoming a Board Trustee?

BOARD OF TRUSTEE ELECTIONS - 2022

Teacher Training Programme

Community Notices

Access To Healthcare During School Holidays

We hope you have a happy, healthy and safe holiday. 😊

Teacher Only Day

Teacher Only Days for Term 3

If you have recently unsubscribed to our newsletter however have now received this one please accept our apologies. There has been a technical glitch that our web design team have now rectified and when you unsubscribe this time they have promised it will be permanent.

** We strongly suggest that parents/caregivers of our current students do not unsubscribe to our newsletters.

Should you no longer wish to receive our newsletters please click unsubscribe at the bottom of this email.