HSS Events

The Gala

That time of year again, and the infamous HSS gala takes centre stage. Months of preparation from the governors, parents, teachers, children and the wider community make this event a true highlight of the year. A huge thankyou to all those involved, and for those that attended, contributing their hard earned cash to the wellbeing of HSS. A special thanks to Ngaire, Nicole, Di and Catherine for their outstanding organisation and the smooth running of the day. 

The extra funds help contribute to various projects throughout the school, in recent times: the school van, the tiger turf, subsidising school camps, devices within school and many other projects that provide opportunity for HSS children to experience and promote learning

The weather looked ominous, and at one stage in the early afternoon, gala preparations looked to revert to an indoor plan. However, in true kiwi mentality, positivity in the face of adversity saw every finger and toes crossed for a positive weather report, and it wouldn't disappoint. Miserable grey skies exit stage left, glorious nelson sunshine enter stage right.

With the ongoing redevelopments within the Middle syndicate, space understandably restricted the amount of activities/stalls available at this years gala. The Art Sale and White elephant stall being the most notable absentees. Traditional stalls such as the Chocolate wheel, plate throwing, sponge lobbing, jolly bags, and 'Teddy Toss' all proved popular. Refreshments and food were available with the copious amounts of parent helpers: whitebait patties, sausage sizzle, cake stalls, lucky dips, the options were endless. On the field, lazer-tag and water-zorbing attracted the crowds, with smiling faces for all to see, and the backdrop of fairground acoustics and the HSS band in the backdrop.

On the centre stage were outstanding performances from the Te kakano group; most notably Jessie and Kadeisha from Room 4. They deserve particular mention for their leadership and attitude to Te kakano this year, acting as great role models to the younger children of HSS. Georgia, Auriela and  Kadeisha also performed beautifully in the school Rock Da House choir with the HSS band playing throughout the evenings events.

The Senior syndicate staff once again converted Rooms 5 and 6 into a maze of winding passages, hosting a series of mysterious and frightening experiences. This years theme was 'The haunted Toy shop', following the construction of HSS on the grounds of this once famous toy store... A huge thankyou to Karen for her outstanding contribution, her incredible talents with make-up and special effects make all this possible and somewhat believable.

     

The Masked Parade

Nelson Mask Parade 2015 from Mr Skiperoo on Vimeo.
The Mask parade finally hit the streets of Nelson and what a spectacle it proved to be! Another perfect day in sun city; milky blue skies met with a sea of vibrant colours, and chorus of enthusiastic children. It's only a shame so many of the smiling faces were concealed by their creativity. It's taken several weeks of preparation; a lot of hot glue, copious amounts of paint, and numerous visits to Harvey Norman's excess cardboard supply, but now the stage was set.

A lively Montgomery Square was the setting for the opening act: teachers joyfully circulating with staplers, masking tape and an abundance of weathered string to make last minute alterations. The streets lined with hundreds of cheering support, and the atmosphere didn't fail to disappoint.

HSS had opted for the 'Where's Wally?' theme to coincide with the 2015 Port Nelson's Mask Parade overall topic of 'the world of books'. The children from HSS arriving in a sea of red and white, with each syndicate occupying another setting. 

The Seniors confidently parading their diverse and very creative 'Wild, Wild, West' entry. The creativity and imagination was on show for all to see: Cowboys and Cowgirls, sheriffs, miners, Gold diggers. We had our own Saloon town, complete with county jails, outlaws, poker players, can-can girls, trains and wagons. A series of Cactii concealed Wally, as he weaved through horses, a buffalo, dynamite sticks, tumble-weed, stray bags of loot and the odd sheriffs badge!

Other syndicates chose themes 'Under the Sea', 'Dragons, Knights and Princesses', 'Land of Pirates' and 'Creatures from the Hungry Caterpillar'. An exceptional team effort from all the parents, teachers and Children. Thankyou to all the parents for their help and assistance in assisting with costumes, escorting the children to and from the mask parade and continued support throughout the main event. I'm sure everyone would agree; an overwhelming success!

School Senior Disco

Senior Syndicate Disco from Mr Skiperoo on Vimeo.
Last night the Children of the Senior Syndicate pulled off their best dance moves in the annual Senior Syndicate Disco! The theme was the letter 'W' and the costumes failed to disappoint... From Wheelbarrows, to washings baskets, Waterfalls to William Wallace and numerous Willy Wonkers to famous Woody from Toy Story. An evening of some 'shape-splitting' music with all the children wiping their feet on the rhythm Rug. Well done to all those involved; the children and their dance moves, the teachers and their organisation and natural dance moves!

The Science Fair

Well the day finally arrived, when the children of the senior syndicate got to present their projects, ideas and findings to an enthusiastic audience. 

Visitors ranged from supportive parents, curious teachers, and a medley of HSS children from various classes eager to witness all the excitement. Expert scientists from the Cawthron institute were also their to judge the entries, alongside a merry band of proud senior syndicate teachers.

The projects were diverse; with projects involving organisms, plants, chemistry, psychology, forces and sound... The list seemed endless. With some high level entries, a list of students will get selected to compete against a range of schools in mid September at the Cawthron institute.

From a teachers perspective, it's been great to see the independence, initiative and organisation adopted by Room 4. The level of investigations has been varied, with a lot of key questions along the way. But the persistence and tenacity shown has been really impressive to see. From a proud teacher, I thank all those parents that have taken time to support/ question and listen to their child's scientific ideas. There has been a huge progression in discovery science, both in an experimental sense and creating a approach to science about taking risks and giving it a go.

Well done to room 4 for all your hard work over the last few weeks, and smiling throughout. I know theirs some very proud class members, and rightly so!

HSS has got talent

The last few weeks has seen HSS has got talent progress to the finals. Girl group 'The Midnight Breakers: Part 2' breezed into the final with a well self-choreographed routine. They had 2 days to rehearse their piece for the final producing an incredible performance in the final. Unfortunately the competition was so high that they didn't prove victorious this year. However, credit has to be given to the other finalists and overall winner: Ocean in Room 5 for a deserved win, for her well-choreographed solo dance performance. I'm sure the girls will bounce back for the 2016 finals, well done girls for the hard work and dedication...

Midnight Breakers part 2 final from Mr Skiperoo on Vimeo.

Cole and Ryan produce a superb piano, singing and dance display: all created by themselves!

ANZAC Day
Room 4 have been working incredibly hard researching and presenting their findings alongside the 100th year anniversary of Gallipoli. We have produced a collaborative google Doc to demonstrate our research.

A very somber Trafalgar Park at 5:30am, was well attended by many HSS pupils. An overwhelming turnout
 for the ANZAC parade to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli.