Hero photograph
 
Photo by Arahunga School .

Arahunga Leavers 2022

Transition to Work —

This year we have been proud to celebrate the achievements of Grace, Sam and Loren who graduated from our Arahunga School transition programme. All three young people have made fantastic progress and are now moving to adult life beyond school. We also farewelled Slade from our transition programme. He is leaving us and will be continuing his education in Palmerston North. We are incredibly proud of all four of our leavers and wish them all the best for a bright and happy future.

 Aaron and Az lead us in a Karakia to open the formal part of our lunch.  This was followed by speeches and the presentation of our leavers certificates and gifts.

You are finishing one part of your life and starting a brand new part in your journey.
New day
New chapter
New page
New opportunities
Use what you have learnt
Make choices for yourself
Follow your dreams 
                  Opening words to our leavers - by Caleb
Slade - We have admired your motivation and determination. You always give your best effort and have the most fantastic smile. We will miss you. 


Grace is a spirited and fun-loving character, with a fantastic sense of humour and a mischievous grin.  We have been impressed to see how Grace's confidence and maturity has blossomed.


Grace she was pretty happy with her leaving gift. 


Loren is a kind, fun-loving person with a great sense of humour and a sparkling smile. She is also very thoughtful, and understanding of the needs of others. She has steadily grown in self-confidence and maturity. 


Sam is an easy-going, fun-loving character with an excellent sense of humour and a radiant smile. He is a very thoughtful and has shown a talent for being a reliable hands-on practical person. 


Developing social skills is an important part of our transition programme. Sam, Aaron and Az have been nailing the social aspects on our programme. 

Az gave a final speech to all four of our leavers followed by a rousing Haka to conclude our 2022 leavers lunch.


Poem written by our Therapy Team to celebrate our leavers.

Sam Sam he’s the man
If he can’t do it no one can!
He always greets us with a wave and smile
We know in his next adventures he will go many a mile
Loren loves fashion, is hardworking and caring, she looks out for her friends each day.
When we see her she exclaims on your outfit or hair, she knows just the right things to say,
to lift the spirits of those around her, she is one of a kind, we wish you all the best Loren you won’t be far from our mind
Grace, Grace, well you couldn’t beat her in a race.
She is fast on the rowing machine, just like a dolphin she can swim,
she is great at all things she tries in the gym.
Grace has given many new things a try, she is very brave.
Good luck for your next adventures, if you see us give us a yell and a wave!
Slade is mischief, laughter and smiles, he always keeps us in line,
we will miss you next year, we won’t have you to give us a sign.
That we are not on the right track, that it’s morning tea time you see, not reading or work time, come on now, geee!
Keep being your awesome self Slade and having new adventures, good times, we are better for knowing you, you are a really cool dime!