30 March 2026

The past two weeks have seen the culmination of countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. Polyfest and FiaFia night have been triumphs this year. Polyfest saw 5 groups performing – Samoan, Indian, Fijian, Tuvaluan, and Tongan (Kapa Haka stand this Wednesday). 

The Samoan group this year is the largest we’ve had for some time, and not by accident, the best we’ve had for many years. Whilst previous years have seen amazing performances from them, this year was next level thanks in no small part to Metileilani Alo (Head Boy 2011) returning to the school to work with the group (he also composed their performance). Everything from costumes through to performance to positivity all came together on the day. 

Our Tuvaluan group again picked up an award for their performance, securing the Judges Choice Award on the Diversity Stage.

Our Fijian and Indian groups both did themselves proud on the Diversity Stage as well. The Tongan group wrapped up the first week of Polyfest performing on the Saturday morning – they were another group that excelled in all aspects of their performance, it was wonderful to see.

FiaFia took place in the Jack Adam Gym (having first been transformed into a great venue by our Building Academy students). The larger stage, proximity of the audience, and greater capacity all added to a wonderful night – the highlight of which was the first full dress performance by Kapa Haka in advance of Wednesday this week.

As always, a huge thank you to all staff involved in the practices, costumes, transport, supervision, and management of our groups. Similarly, to all parents and family/whanau who have supported their children over the past Term, our gratitude for that support. Polyfest and all that surrounds it means a great deal for the students involved, your support is evident and appreciated.

This weekend I had the privilege of hearing a sneak peek of our choir Sublimitas as they prepare for Big Sing later this year. I popped into their camp at Shakespear Bay and was treated to a full choir performance. Only a couple of weeks into their preparation, and with more members joining, they already sounded impressive.

Our annual Onehunga Sports Exchange went ahead in trying conditions at Onehunga High School (the rain and wind proving challenging on the day). A couple of hard-fought comeback draws and a gritty win by our Boys First XI Football ensured that the trophy remained with Massey High School. Of note was the exceptional behaviour of all students involved – particularly that of our aforementioned footballers, with the referee of the game contacting the school to thank them for their conduct and the respect that they showed in the match. 

Year 9

As you are aware, significant changes have been made to our Year 9 program this year, all aimed at improving the transition to secondary school, strengthening links with the school through improved communication regarding extra-curricular opportunities and our new Tuakana-Teina initiative (which has senior students working as mentors in junior classes), and better preparing them for the rigours that will come as they progress toward gaining their qualifications. We are keen to hear how this has gone thus far and will be sending out a survey to parents and caregivers of Year 9 students in the next few days. 

With only three days left of the Term a reminder to all to finish the Term strong – be mindful of doing the basics well and being prepared – assessments for many begin to fall due at this time.