The HPE Department have enjoyed another activity packed year, despite the impacts of Covid.

Term 1 saw the continuation of our PEL22 tramps to Mt Somers, 3 tramps over 4 days, wind, rain, sun, and hail all seen. Student tent pitching was put to the test, and some saw the impact of inadequate set up. 

Our Leap courses have been fortunate to work again with some our feeder schools through our Coaching Unit. The students establish connections at Chisnallwood Intermediate, Rāwhiti and Waitakere Primary Schools. These sessions enabled our classes to build confidence in managing groups and lesson planning. We are appreciative of the community connections we have with Allenvale and Ferndale School (New Brighton & Ōrua Paeroa Satellite) who have participated in our Health Promotion activities and allowed us to support their Tabloid Sports Day. Also through Eastern Community Sports Centre and Pukeko Centre we were able to gain more leadership development through their Pukeko Sports Day.

This year’s Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand played a central role in our PED333 course, with assessments based around this event – including pure practical skill development that was put on display when playing Villa Maria College and our school taking the win. Being able to attend matches gave first hand evidence to the impact of such sporting events on our society and a wonderful way for our students to see top female athletes in their element.

Our junior programme took shape in the form of semester courses this year, which allowed for more student choice. This included a full Health and Time to Adventure course at Y10. The latter an introduction to the outdoors meant participants could experience days outside the classroom to Cave Stream supported by our Y13 LEAP classes and practicing their bush craft and rock-climbing learnings.

We look forward to 2023 and the Physical Education and Health learning opportunities and experiences that await our students!

Elaina Smith

HOLA - Health and Physical Education