11/01/2026
AND IT'S A WRAP FROM US.
Our committee, pictured here on the final night a week ago, are just tidying up loose ends and looking forward to putting our feet up properly, for a good while at least.
Special thanks to Su Marshall for amazing social media coverage throughout the School, including this image. Likewise to Loralee Hyde and Joy Tracey for their superb coverage and willingly helping with more formal photos. These will be circulated when they have been fully processed.
As organiser of my first Summer School I could not have chosen a better committee, sub-committees, gofors, or requested and gratefully received help from our Region. Support from local dance clubs ensured suppers were generous and well received by dancers tuckered out at the end of the evening, yet looking forward to the next day with enthusiasm. Everyone happily chipped in to make events run smoothly. Our transport team made sure everyone was welcomed on arrival, in the right place at the right time during the School and on their way safely home at the end of the School. After a couple of unfortunately cancelled Schools we were very pleased to be back at College House, enjoying their updated facilities, relaxing spaces, catering and incredibly helpful staff.
A few highlights .... Our afternoon offerings - podiatry session with Georgina, Swing dancing with Carla, a chance to visit The Antarctic Centre, a general class with Linda Henderson, a "little music session" with Ewan Galloway Music and friends, and of course Mock Court were all well received. Fancy Dress Night saw everyone in the '20's spirit. A lucky few took away prizes judged by "The Peaky Highlanders" and kindly sponsored by McPhees Celtic https://mcphees.co.nz/ All our MCs did a great job to make sure everyone had plenty of dancing in the evenings using up any energy left after classes. Hogmanay was our biggest night and who would have thought singing the New Year in to the Proclaimer's "I'm Gonna Be" would be such a hit .... we thought you'd like it.
Initial feedback from our after school survey has been really positive and I cannot be more pleased with how the School ran. There is always room for improvement so we are taking those comments on board to make sure future Schools run smoothly and are enjoyed by everyone.
There is one group of people to thank and they are absolutely key to us all enjoying Summer School. A massive thanks to our teaching and musician staff for being such an amazing team bringing out the best in our dancers and fellow musicians. Rest assured, your feedback has been absolutely phenomenal and we look forward to seeing you all back at a New Zealand Branch Summer School in the future.
Now to pass the baton. Best wishes to Emma Uren (another first time organiser) and her committee for a successful School in Auckland later this year. Yes, it is just 351 days away, so get your registrations in.
