• Edie Brenan

Spanish Debating

News from Rangitoto College

Spanish language students from across New Zealand convened to debate a wide range of contentious topics at the 2018 STANZA National Debating Competition, held at Rangitoto College in Term 2. Students presented cases in Spanish on topical issues, ranging from whether Auckland should build more motorways to the power of schools to search students’ bags. 

Rangitoto College’s Edie Brenan, a talented Spanish Language student, took out the award for Best Speaker. Edie presented a four-minute speech in which she skilfully advocated for limited government control over citizen’s communications. Edie believes learning a second language is a valuable opportunity and vital for all students. “Learning both Spanish and Japanese has challenged me and given me a new perspective about the world and my native language.” Edie’s Spanish teacher, Rosa Guevara, says: “We have a lot to thank Edie for. Her enthusiasm and passion for languages has ​​brought us victory in two occasions; in 2017 as a member of the winning team in the National Spanish Debate Competition, and in 2018 as Best Spanish Speaker. We wish her every success in her future endeavors.” Edie heads to Kent University later this year to study Film. She will also study both Spanish and Japanese as part of her Arts Degree and hopes to immerse herself in language learning by studying abroad in the next few years. 

 

Cultural Evenings

With students represented from over 60 countries around the world, Rangitoto College is a truly multicultural school. Two highlights of the cultural calendar are Chinese Night and Korean Night. These student-run performances are an opportunity for students to connect with each other and share their cultures with the wider school community.  

Early in Term 2, hundreds of students, staff and family members poured into the auditorium to experience one of the best cultural nights at Rangitoto College, Korean Night. This crazy, colourful, evening saw over 80 students take the stage in a celebration of both traditional and modern Korean culture. Highlights included K-Pop renditions with slick dance moves, traditional dances and the synchronised Nanta drum performance which really hyped up the crowd! 

Following hot on the heels of Korean Night was the highly anticipated Chinese Night. The stage was awash with students from all year levels who performed everything from the traditional Chinese fan dance to hip-hop. Aside from the performances, highlights of the evening were the opportunities for the crowd to get involved in balloon games and karaoke. The evening was a testament to the students’ dedication and talent, having practiced for months beforehand choreographing dance moves, learning new music and perfecting songs. 

 


Issue 90 August 2018