Karamu High School let their colours shine
Spring was in the air at Karamu High School as students, staff and the wider Hastings community celebrated the turn of the season.
The annual ‘Blossom Day’, held this year on the last day of Term 3, saw students showcase their creative ideas with an array of colour, music and art included in a parade around the school.
Following COVID-19 restrictions, a socially distanced and not shared picnic kai was held where friendship groups were able to spend time together. Mr Whippy made an appearance, and streamers and chalk designs filled the school grounds.
Year 13 student and community leader Marcus Krekeler said it was an opportunity for them all to let their “colours shine” and celebrate being Proudly Hastings.
Karamu High School Year 13 students and community leaders Emily Brookes (left) and Marcus Krekeler. Photo/Supplied.
He, along with fellow community leaders Kade Lindsay and Emily Brookes organised the day – something which they say was a privilege as they remember taking part as Year 9s.
The Blossom Parade has long been a celebration in Hastings (dating back to the 1950s) to acknowledge the start of Spring and was introduced as a special day on the Karamu calendar in 2010 in respect of the unique and special place it has within the district as the only Co-educational high school.
While the Blossom Parade had been postponed due to Alert Level 2 restrictions, the students say they were glad to be able to go ahead with the event.
“It’s a time to hang out with everyone and enjoy the fact that we hopefully are no longer going to have rainy days,” Kade said.
Marcus said it was also a way of introducing the Year 9s to life at Karamu. Each form class was tasked with coming up with a theme and designing a float for the parade.
Principal Dionne Thomas says Blossom Day allows them to celebrate, embrace and accept diversity.
“Students demonstrate amazing respect and school pride in their dress, actions and interactions. And we invite others in to join us (ie: the local vintage car club) to continue to build strong links between the community and the school.”
The finale of the afternoon was Karamu Got Talent - a showcase of the school’s Performing Arts – Drama, Music, Dance and Cultural Groups.
Emily said it was amazing to see how everyone got involved.
