St Thomas’ Haka
The St Thomas of Canterbury College Haka.The beginning of the haka is about encouraging these young men to have confidence and self esteem, and to prepare them for when they leave the College to become our leaders for tomorrow.
The second part of the haka acknowledges our Catholic and Edmund Rice vision (“To embrace and educate minds and hearts in a Catholic school community“).
The third part of the haka follows the tradition of the Christian Brothers, foundered by Edmund Rice, which will help these young men grow and develop at St Thomas Canterbury College. (For it is virtue of knowledge, the virtue of faith and self-control with discernment:2 Peter 1:5-7).
The fourth part of the haka acknowledges the mission statement and core values of the school.
Mission statement (“The College exists to provide a Catholic Education, which challenges and stimulates us to strive for the attainment of our personal potential“).
Core values (“Belief in God’s presence amongst us, acceptance of the dignity of each person and empowerment of students through education“).
The last part of the haka is to the students, staff members, parents, and the community. Let us stand together with dignity and pride as we celebrate our school St Thomas Canterbury College. We should all come together and unite as one just like the proverb “United we stand, divided we fall”.
In regards to rules and regulations, there will be tikanga (customs) put in place once the haka has been approved by the Board of Trustees, the Principal, staff members and the students. The rules include making a strategic plan to uphold, protect and respect the haka at all times. The haka will be implemented into the schools’ curriculum to ensure it is preserved and protected for the years to come.
Who Can Perform The Haka
- St Thomas Canterbury College students
- Previous College Students (old boys)
- Willing Staff Members (optional)
When The Haka Can Be Performed
- As a mass group (all the school performing it)
- At all Sport Events (for example rugby, soccer, softball etc)
- Award Ceremony Events
- End of year prize giving
- Cultural Events
- School Celebrations
When The Haka Should Not Be Performed
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In conclusion the core values of the college recognise the cultural diversity. In particular, it recognises the unique position of our Maori students. This is shown as a result of the school having a strong Kapahaka group, a taiaha programme offered to junior students, and the chance to participate in the Manu Korero Speech Competition. With this in mind, the culture, customs, and protocols of this haka should be preserved and protected for the years to come.
Finally, thank you for giving me the opportunity to compose this haka. I have developed a better understanding of the school’s ethos, beliefs, and values that you embrace. Thus preparing the students spiritually and mentally to reach their full potential and have a positive outlook on life.
I leave you with the following proverb
Kaua e hoki i te waewae tutuki, a, apa ano hei te upoko pakaru
Do not turn back because of stumbling feet, but only for broken head.
Despite obstacles that make present themselves, forge ahead with an undertaking and don’t give up but press ahead to desired goals.
KO TE HAKA O HATO TAMATI KĀRETI
Kaitito Miru Mclean