By Jonty Ralphsmith and Eleanor Wilson
Ten students from Hallam Secondary College are vying to be part of the Haka performance at the Victorian State Schools Spectacular later this year.
Hallam was one of three schools that took part in the performance at the last event, in 2019, and there are now students from five schools – including nearby Narre Warren South P-12 College and Cranbourne East Secondary College.
Haka involves traditional Maori performances that symbolise strength and unity.
“For a lot of them, it is the first time they have ever done anything like that and they don’t realise how empowering it can actually be,” teacher Karlene Morgan said.
“We do talk a lot about our ancestors of the Haka as well, and how when we’re out there, we do represent them, so it gives them connection to their family and in general because it is for any newcomer to Victoria.”
Unlike the performance in 2019, females will be involved this year, with eight of the ten from Hallam being females.
“It is very empowering as well for our young female students to be involved in that.
“A lot of them saw the Haka two years ago that our boys did and wanted to be involved in it the following year and some are very angry now that the girls can do it because they missed out!”
Alongside the Haka performers, the event will feature a performance by the Pasefika Choir, a group made up of 40 Pacific Islander students from schools including Cranbourne West Secondary College, Narre Warren South P-12 College, Monterey Secondary College, Lyndhurst Secondary College and Hampton Park Secondary College.
Head of instrumental music at Cranbourne West Secondary College, Shane Chidgey said the Pasefika Choir had been great for students and school staff.
“It’s been great because the students really take ownership over it. We just facilitate it but the kids steer the direction,” he said.
“It’s great to give them the opportunity to even just being able to wear cultural dress, they just love it and take that pride in being able to demonstrate that.”
The choir will hit the stage at the State Schools Spectacular to perform a customised version of Bigger by Maori artist Stan Walker.
“We’ve changed the altered the version to include a verse in Te Reo Maori and a Samoan verse. To sing in native language and wear designed traditional culturally significant dress gives the students a large platform to demonstrate their culture.”
He said the Pasefika Choir has also assisted in student engagement at the schools.
“Some of the kids might disengage in an academic sense, but having an opportunity to celebrate their culture and collaborate that culture into a school environment – they start to shine,” Shane said.
“It also allows teachers to view them in a different light and not only allow students to celebrate culture but it educate staff about the culture of these students.”
The State Schools Spectacular is set to light up John Cain Arena on 10 September.
