Hokianga
Hokianga was filled with excitement and the competitive spirit. Our 2024 house leaders Gerard and Carleen were constantly encouraging our participation and supporting us throughout the track and field events. The day was filled with cheering and healthy competition, all Hokianga were encouraged to participate in both competitive and non-competitive events to help gain as many points as possible for our house. To help gain more participation points our house was given a card that displayed all the events, once we completed an event it would be stamped off. And every card with all events stamped off was in to win a prize. This method of recording, implemented by our house leaders, was a genius idea because Hokianga’s participation increased.
A highlight for us was watching and cheering for our relay team. Although Hokianga was leading for most of the day, Waitematā took it in the end. Hokianga came so close, but we were all still proud of the effort and support we gave the whole day and week before Athletics. It wasn’t the result we wanted but the house competitions are not yet done for the year. BLEED BLUE HOKIIANGA BLEED BLUE!!
A blanket of grey clouds hovered over a sea of green. Waitematā paraded proudly towards the turf, banging drums, waving flags, and chanting “Waitematā, best by far!” – like an army. The air was electric as the houses assembled on the turf, filled with tense anticipation for the Athletics events to come.
Throughout the day, students in Waitematā were allocated to different sporting activities, such as discus, sprints, high jump, and long jump – where they demonstrated incredible sportsmanship and participation. The screams and cheers of support for various individuals resounded through the field. Waitematā’s spirits were unwavering.
Athletics Day 2024 was an outstanding opportunity where peers in Waitematā strengthened their bonds and practiced sportsmanship; various individuals challenged themselves beyond their comfort zone. A massive thank you to all Waitematā members, as everyone’s contributions resulted in Waitematā’s victory (in first place) – continuing Waitematā’s legacy.
Kororāreka
Athletics day of 2024 starts off strong with energy and passion coming from everywhere across houses. Kororāreka kicked off the day with a grand entrance, chanting their hearts out and jumping into athletics day feeling red hot. Everyone buzzing with excitement and proudly wearing their bright red colour, ready to create a memorable athletics day full of competition, camaraderie, and enthusiasm.
As the day went on, track and field events were bustling with athletes pushing themselves to achieve their best with cheers and chants fueling everyone’s competitive spirit. Amidst the lively atmosphere, two remarkable junior girls have made Kororāreka proud with their outstanding achievements. Congratulations to Thalia Lam for breaking the record for Junior Girls shotput and discus, and to Tammy-Kay for breaking the Year 8 girls high jump record.
Isabella Ibbetson said: “athletics day is a magical day; everyone is participating, trying their best and that’s all that matters.”
Leo Simpson said: “Everyone’s participating and doing amazing, I’m seeing good progress.”
At the end of the day, Kororāreka came 3rd, but our participation, motivation and house spirit were definitely deserving of 1st.
2024 Athletics day kicked off with a surge of energy and enthusiasm as students from all houses poured onto the field in preparation for their chants. Each house brought their own unique flair, igniting the atmosphere with excitement and their very own house chants.
Akaroa house was fired up and ready to make the day unforgettable. House colours were adorned by every participant, symbolising the spirit, unity and competition that filled the air. Athletes pushed themselves to their limits, fueled by the cheers and chants of their peers. Among the participants was Eirynn Belonio who broke the record for junior girls 300m sprint.
Milly Corboy says “it was great to see how encouraging our house is to each other”
Miss Heffernan says, “It was probably the greatest amount of participation from every year level and the house spirit was at its most competitive”.