SS Otaki Ceremony

 

SS Otaki Ceremony

Today, Friday the 12th, our school hosted the SS Otaki ceremony. There were many important guests such as Commodore Melissa Ross, Captain Tony Date, Captain Lewis Robinson, and Helen McAra. We got to sit under the shade of red, blue, green and yellow tents. We ran out of room for me, Lilley, and Shylah under the green tent so we had to sit under a red tent with some Year 13's and guests.  

There was a powhiri that was for welcoming the guests into the school. Father Phil led the whole ceremony and many people gave speeches. One person told the story of the SS Otaki, a ship that gt attacked by the German ship SMS Moewe in 1917. Captain Archibald Bisset Smith like all captains went down with his ship and was awarded a Victoria's Cross, the highest ranked award for bravery. That was my favourite part, hearing the stories.

Five people raised flags like Mana who raised the SS Otaki flag and Leo who raised the New Zealand flag.  Rose also raised the Robert Gorden's College.Whaea Destin and Whaea Maha did the karanga.  We all sang some songs and listened respectfully. When it was over we listened o bagpipes while the important guests left. We then left the ceremony.