Up to the challenge

STUDENTS of all backgrounds slapped their hands and stamped their feet when they performed the Haka at Pakenham Secondary College on Tuesday.
About 15 executed the traditional Maori dance, after taking part in a Haka workshop earlier in the day.
Three intermediate VCAL students, Robert, Anique and Brook, organised the cultural extravaganza, as part of their goals assignment.
Teacher Laura Henderson said the students were required to organise an event involving three or more people as part of their VCAL outcome.
“The Haka is about goal setting and that’s what it was about,” she said.
“I’m hoping that Robert (Hay) and a couple of the other kids can run their own Haka club and keep the culture going.”
Seasoned Haka performer Rutene Sullivan ran the workshop for about 40 students. VCAL hospitality students catered for the event, while the college’s budding artists were officially recognised for making the banner for the performance as part of a project with the Cardinia Shire Council.