Athletics successes
After a tough year with no sport, Helensville Primary School had a great month of athletics in November, starting with their school athletics event, followed by the Kaipara Athletics competition. Next was the North West Zone Athletics competition at Henderson’s Trust Arena for Year 7 and 8 students. The HPS team won 18 events, had many placings in the top three and was awarded first place overall, winning the NW Zone Athletics cup with 77 decisive points.
From there, the 11 students chosen to represent the North West zone in the Auckland Athletics Championships at Mount Smart Stadium were part of the school’s biggest team ever. All the students performed well, with several placed in the top eight. Of special mention are:
Georgie Collinge-Coker, Year 7, 2nd in the 400m, 5th in the 800m and 8th in the high jump.
Brooke Scrivener, Year 7, 4th in the long jump.
Mila Laarakkers, Year 7, 7th in the 800m and 8th in the 1500m.
Cassandra Zickert, Year 8, 3rd in the high jump.
Ottis Oliver-Chambers was, Year 8, 5th in the 1500m.
Sports Coordinator Nicole Stokes says the school was thrilled with the results, is proud of the students who took part and grateful to the wonderful parents who transported, supported and managed the students.
Touch
Another notable sporting success was the Year 7 and 8 girls touch team, which won the North West touch competition, then competed at the Auckland Touch Championships and placed 4th overall. This was a massive achievement against some really big immediate schools.
Te Po Arohia Ake, ‘Aiming High’ night, 2020
Te Po Arohia Ake filled the wharenui with friends and whanau of the school’s Maori and Pasifika students. Led by Cultural Director Waratah Taogaga (Ngati Whatua), and a hanau support crew, the evening consisted of acknowledging students for their efforts and success over the last two years. Students Siatua Tavui, Jock Steedman and Honney Murray were awarded taonga to acknowledge their commitment to cultural aspects of Helensville Primary School.
The event was MC’d by superstar Jordan Vahakalo (MaiFM presenter), who was very impressed by the energetic, colourful evening. HPS thanks everyone who made the evening possible and sends a huge mihi to the local businesses contributing to its success.
