As 2024 comes to an end, it is time for us to reflect on the year.

In two years we have made new friendships and made the most of every learning opportunity here.

Sam B

Kia ora, my name is Sam.

I have been lucky enough to be involved in many sports during my time at Breens. One of these sports was Water polo, which we played at QE2 every Monday night.

 It was a great experience and our team worked well together. We played a very good season and even though we had a couple losses we always had the best mindset and enjoyed ourselves. 

I was fortunate to be in the team that represented Breens for the South Island tournament in Dunedin. This was a really great experience for us all and the highlight of the trip, apart from the final game that we played that went down to a penalty shoot out, would have to be the hydroslides! If you are in year seven, enjoy swimming and working as a team, then you should think about being Brave and joining a team next year. 

Another sport I have been able to represent Breens in this year is basketball. The Breens Breakers had a phenomenal season in the Kind foundations Friday night comp. We met Russley in the final and had an epic game against them. We were determined to get the win and managed to take it out in the last seconds. Basketball has been one of the many highlights of my time at Breens so I highly recommend you get involved next year. 

Manaaki:  

Kia ora koutou.

Sports at Breens have been such an awesome part of my year. From flag football to Tuesday sport, I’ve learned so much—not just about playing the game but also about teamwork, trying my best, and having fun.

Sports brings our school together, helps us make friends, and keeps us all active. For me, they’ve also built my confidence and shown me what’s possible when I set a goal and go for it.

Next year, I encourage you to take every opportunity Breens has to offer. Whether it’s sports, learning, or something new, believe in yourself, give it a go, and you’ll surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

Ngā mihi, and good luck for 2025!

Fin:

Kia ora my name is Fin.

My year 8 journey has been full of opportunities and a great experience for me. Breens offers so many activities to learn new things and meet cool people. I have been fortunate enough to have been a part of the First Lego League Auckland trip, Canterbury athletics, Code club, School cricket and many many more. 

One of the biggest highlights for me was the First lego league Auckland trip. First Lego league is an event where teams of 4 must work together to make a robot and code it to do challenges. Five Breens teams participated in the regional competition with two teams qualifying for the nationals in Auckland. A big thanks to Mrs Taylor and Mr Josland for giving up their own personal time and taking us to Auckland. Both teams who went to Auckland came away with a trophy and some amazing memories. 

Another huge moment in my time at Breens was representing the school at Canterbury athletics. A bus load of the schools best athletes went to Nga puna wai to compete in the canterbury athletics meet. I competed in the long jump and the 60m and even with the tough competition I managed to come away with a personal best in long jump. Breens competed very well on the day showing how amazing our school really is.

My message to the year 7’s is to step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of the many great things Breens has to offer. 

Maia:

Kia ora, my name is Maia.

For me, my year 8 journey has been an amazing experience. During my experience at Breens, I was fortunate enough to participate in lots of activities, including the Koru games and the BC.

One of the biggest highlights for me was when we went to Glentui for the BC. We had lots of fun, and even though it was really cold, it was still a really amazing experience. Besides this, we were also able to participate in lots of other activities throughout the BC, and all of them were really challenging and fun. I would like to thank Debbie, and all the other teachers who helped to give us the best BC experience possible.

Another activity I was able to participate in was the Koru games. I made it onto the volleyball team, and we had lots of fun during the three days of sport. By the end of it, we had all improved a lot, and we managed to get fourth place after a really long game.

My message to all the year sevens is to try lots of new things and to have fun.

NYLAH

Kia ora e te whanau.

This year, we had the amazing opportunity to perform at Tūhono, a kapa haka event. It’s hard to put into words how incredible it felt to represent our school on that stage. The energy, the pride, and the connection to our culture was unforgettable. We worked hard, yes, but when we stood upon that stage, every practice, every song and , every haka was worth it.

And that’s not all. Every Tuesday at Nunweek , we came together as a team to play touch. Those afternoons were more than just practice—they were about building confidence, and strong  relationships, sharing laughter, and improving together as a team.. Some days, we struggled to get the plays right, but we always supported each other, and that’s what made it special.

Year 7s, next year, this could be you. Imagine standing on stage at Tūhono, performing with your friends, and making memories that will stay with you forever. Imagine being part of a group where everyone has your back and helps you grow.

Kapa haka isn’t just about performing. It’s about pride in yourself, your school, and our culture. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and discovering what you’re capable of.

So, when the chance comes, take it. Join kapa haka. And Give it your all. 

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

Zoe:

This year has been so busy. I was lucky enough to participate in Wearable Arts, the Winter Tournament, Tūhono, Tuesday sport, Leadership, and much more.

I'll tell you about a few of these things.

Wearable arts isn't for everyone, but I know everyone who joins wearable arts will learn new skills and talents. 

You don't just have to stick to one category, you can be as creative as you want! It's a great way to meet new people from around the school and find people with similar interests.  It's a lot of commitment and effort but it's all worth it in the end.  Wearable arts wouldn't be possible without all the amazing work Mrs Turpin puts in behind the scenes.   A big thank you to Mrs Turpin. Next year, if you are interested in art, give Wearable Arts a try.

Earlier this year I also participated in the netball winter tournament. This was held at the hagley courts and we played matches against other intermediate schools in Canterbury and a few from further South.

It was really cool to see so many people get involved and try their best. I encourage the year 7s to try out for summer and winter Tuesdays sport, and tournaments. 

It's a really great opportunity to play sports that you're passionate about, and hangout with friends at the same time.

The winter tournament teams did amazingly and the A netball team came out with second place. A big thank you to Mrs Glen and Mrs Marryatt for all their help training us up and teaching us strategies.

Be bold, step out of your comfort zone and try new things

Sam M: 

This year at Breens has been filled with many amazing opportunities, some of which I have been fortunate enough to take part in. Those include the Cantamath competition, Choir, Orchestra, as well as taking part in the Global Youth Ambassador China Trip. All of these are just a few of the opportunities available at Breens, and they are all something that you will remember doing for years to come. Even if standing on stage and performing or doing math problems isn’t your thing, there will be something for you. So next year, even if you’re moving on to highschool, show belonging, get involved and maybe you’ll get to try a chewy duck foot.

Annabelle: 

This year at Breens has been filled with heaps of spectacular opportunities. I have been lucky enough to involve myself in Winter Netball, Showquest and much more. Those are just a few of the wide range of opportunities Breens have to offer. This year 5 netball teams from Breens participated in the weekly Hagley Winter Sport. We experienced more wins than losses which was great to see, and had grown a great relationship between the teams. Later on in the year, I got the opportunity to be a part of the Breens Showquest. Showquest is a great way to get to know people with similar interests and make new friendships. Showquest is a eight minute video about one topic, it includes dancing, acting, and singing. Breens did exceptionally well when performing at the town hall, winning awards like, best live music, and best acting trio. I would like to thank Miss Wilkinson for all the hard work and dedication she put into this performance.

My message for the year sevens is to give everything a go because you never know what you like until you try it.

Best wishes to year seven students as you become the tuakana! Make the most of the opportunities next year

and be the best leaders you can be!