Arts Week 2018
10 Sep 2018
With live acts welcoming staff and students to school each morning, early in the week it was, literally, singin’ in the rain – but an enjoyable way to start the day. For Head of Arts & Culture Angus Mossman and his team, Arts Week presents an opportunity for College to celebrate the arts and have some fun. Anyone wanting to perform could do so at the open mic sessions in the Chapman Room at morning break, while lunchtime events were designed to amuse and entertain.
Monday 3 September
Young College “chefs” rose to the challenge, creating culinary masterpieces from a humble pack of instant noodles in the cooking competition. Three, two, one, and they were off ... Junior sous-chefs racing to select fresh ingredients plus seasonings, while the seniors prepared to create a noodle snack garnished with flair. Judges – teacher David Chambers, and students Robert Rolleston and Liam Allan –were asked to consider aesthetics and presentation, texture and taste. As the clock ticked down, the pressure went on, but by the final buzzer the food prep frenzy was done and the judges could set to work. Although frequently overwhelmed by the gastronomic delights before them, they unanimously agreed there could be only one winner: Richards House – and Year 12 student Ivan Panyarachun stepped forward to claim the prize.
Tuesday 4 September
For polished performers and madcap chancers willing to be judged by their peers, the talent – and non-talent – show is a surefire way to get noticed. Acts ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous, each doing their bit to showcase the extraordinary breadth of talent – or not – at College. MC Charlie Horncastle kept the show moving along, the audience cheered, catcalled and clapped, eager to get in on the act, and Head Prefect Max Goodwin had the unenviable task of picking the winners. Singer and guitarist Jono Stewart picked up the talent award, with special mention going to vocalist William Pegg for the way he worked the audience, while Hunter’s Angels took the prize in the non-talent category for their questionable Kiki Challenge dance moves, with Harry Black acknowledged for his skill in achieving a bottle flip.
Wednesday 5 September
Angus Mossman and Jono Stewart led the singing in Congers, selecting some of the boys’ favourite hymns, everyone putting their hearts and souls into the songs.
The short film competition launched at lunchtime. In an homage to MTV Cribs, the boys were asked to create a video tour of their House, showcasing what makes their House the place to be at College. Students will be able to binge-watch College Cribs at a later date.
Thursday 6 September
Prostate Cancer NZ’s Blue September ambassador Jason Gunn struck exactly the right note at assembly, saluting College for holding Arts Week to raise funds for research and to support families. Prostate cancer affects 3000 New Zealand men each year, and we lose 600 annually. “When it comes to New Zealand men, we’re really good at rugby, heart attacks and prostate cancer, but bad at talking about it. Don’t be afraid to go home and say to your Dad that he should get tested.”
Jason praised College, telling assembly how envious he was of the opportunities on offer, and how lucky our boys are!
It was all about rock music and a sausage sizzle in the “Picnic on the Quad” at lunchtime. Great weather brought out an appreciative crowd – and those who didn’t front up on the grass, hung out of House windows and other elevated vantage points. With GRNT&SLAM as DJ, the music from Years 9–13 student bands – among them Run 77, The Subs, Grizzly Therapy, Ice Burg Lettuce, Big Dave and the BBs, JJ and Stingers, and Bug Spray and the Bad Boys – played long after the sausages had disappeared.
Friday 7 September
Insults flew during “Should College reinstall a student hierarchy system?” – the humorous, spirited debate between staff and students, and the big wrap of Arts Week.
Essentially a debate about bullying in all its guises – fagging, tipping, food, protection, exploitation – adjudicator Chloe Harland wasn’t swayed by the persuasive arguments of Sian Evans, Lisa Trundley Banks and Chris Cheesman, and ruled in favour of the negating team of Jack Tyler, Josh Stevenson and Wills Wynn Thomas. It was a popular decision, the packed Assembly Hall strongly for the end of the hierarchical system, fagging being part of it (which happily ended in 1987). Josh Stevenson claimed the Year 13s were being asked to fill a “power vacuum” left by the failing of the teacher system, and Wills Wynn Thomas got the crowded hall on side with his conjecture that the teachers were failing to do their jobs.
