Hello everyone, you all know that here at Pompallier Catholic College, we only settle for the best.  And the new ‘Water Machine’ is most certainly, no exception.  We acknowledge the importance of clean, pure, healthy water in a school environment, and realise the current water dispersion system, generally known as ‘water fountains’ are old fashioned, impractical and simply inadequate.  (Especially when our tap water has got to be at least 60% deteriorated copper piping particles…but who’s to complain?)  The new ‘Water Machine’ boasts, clean, healthy, chilled water, free of harmful chemicals, as well as any heavy metal poisons, and all it for the low, low price of a single 50 cent coin.  And so, day after day, the ‘Water Machine’ brought seemingly endless joy to the Pompallians, in the form of water, and things were looking great at Pompallier Catholic College, students began seeing the school in a new light, seeming livelier than ever, perhaps, finally free of the depressing, copper-induced state brought about by the ancient ‘water fountains’.  But alas, such a thing was not to last, and during one conspicuously dark Sunday night, the unspeakable occurred.  As bright-eyed children ran to the ‘Water Machine’, the air was suddenly filled with the clattering of empty bottles and the metallic pitter-patter of 50cent coins.  There stood the ‘Water Machine’ stripped of all its former glory…and coin compartment.  It was a sad day for everyone at Pompallier Catholic College.      

The ‘Water Machine’

Other news, slightly more exciting then the arrival of the new water machine, was the arrival of our new principal. On the first day back in term three, we held a Powhiri to formally welcome Mr. Stanton. Principals from other schools in the area were invited, and many showed up as well as Mrs. Armstrong, our former principal. Mr. Stanton, our new principal has moved down from Nelson where he served as the assistant principal at Garin College for five years. The highlight of the Powhiri was definitely the Haka performed mainly by the year 13 boys and some younger pupils as well. The Haka was put together by our Head Boy. The girls especially appreciated the boys efforts as their shirts came off and they took their positions. Mr. Stanton however looked slightly terrified as the boys lifted the roof of the gymnasium with the words of the Pompallier Haka which was especially modified to honor the new principal. This was the last time this Haka would be performed as the College looks forwards to having a new Haka written for us. The school Choir also performed a song and there were speeches from Mr. Mutton and a year 11 Maori student and of course the guest of honour delivered a speech as well.

By Syrie Hermans and Josh Raravula.