We have had a great start to our first year of The Breens Challenge with over 50 of our Year 8 students involved in some exciting and challenging outdoor activities. 

This programme is designed for our students to have some new opportunities in the outdoors while stepping out of their comfort zone in unique and powerful learning experiences.

Our first event started with the Muddy Good Run back in March where we had our biggest turnout of students. Our kids competed in true Breens style - Braving the mud, cold and wet and showing Belonging by getting involved with and helping out their peers. Having a number of parents there to support and encourage our kids was Brilliant!

So far this term we have had a trip to Coopers Creek/Ryde Falls for tramping and most recently the Christchurch Marathon 10km run last Sunday. Both of these events have required students to show perseverance and grit with a result of a real sense of achievement.

We are looking forward to our Geocaching trip in Week 8 of this term - a new experience for the teachers involved too!

Events for the second half of this year include the Rail Trail, Overnight Bivvy at Spencer Park, Ashley Gorge Abseiling and Tubing and Cave Stream.

In Term 4, we will be looking for our Year 7 group to begin applying to be a part of our Breens Challenge team for next year. There will be an element of choice for them to select activities and events that will challenge them and allow them to be involved in something a little bit different.

Jess Pearce, BC Leadership Team