St Francis Xavier School decided to be part of this year’s National Marimba Festival. The festival is organised by ONZA the theme this year being; Rongo Ma Tane – Cultivated Gardens. The festival is online and registered participants will have their recordings combined with those from other schools to create a final performance. In order to practice and record their performance, the students needed to get to the Old Library on Rust Avenue in central Whangarei. There they were joined by students from Whangarei Primary and Sistema Music group.
Teacher Emily Malone decided to make use of the school bikes to get the students to their destination, which proved very efficient with the added benefit of some fresh air and exercise. The school is located just off the Kamo Shared Path which takes them directly to the Old Library building. With support from some wonderful parents and Bike Northland, the students all rode. We were treated to lots of stories and singing on the way. Several students noted that the trip there was much easier than back to school due to the route being slightly downhill.
What a fantastic example of sustainability and active transport, which was without a doubt beneficial to everyone’s health and well-being – and most importantly it was fun!
We look forward to seeing the final video of the performance.
