Small enough to know you; big enough to grow you

One of the actions on our Strategic Goals this year is to provide more leadership opportunities for our senior students. Attending a rural, full-primary school at intermediate level allows for some fantastic and unique opportunities that ensure that all students can shine and build on their talents and interests. Our motto in this area of the school is 'we are small enough to know you, and big enough to grow you!'

This week, we have had a team of students represent Cust School at the Police PCT course event, where they competed against 52 other teams from across Canterbury (see photos). They had to work together to complete various physical challenges across a genuine Police training course. Our sensational Cust tamariki came in at 8th place! This was a truly commendable effort, and now we know what to train for next year 😏

Coming up soon, we also have two Year 7-8 teams competing in the Agrikids Canterbury competition. This will involve pitting their farming skills against others from across the region. We look forward to hearing how they get on. Big thanks to Trina and Nerissa for getting this underway.

Cust School is also sending 4 talented Year 7-8 students to be a part of a Puketeraki Performing Arts troupe, made up of performers from 16 schools across North Canterbury. This will involve weekly workshops at Ashgrove School with professional coaching in voice, dance and drama, culminating in a performance showcase later in the year. Auditions will take place next week - watch this space!

Our senior Kaitiaki team also spent some time at Cust Preschool yesterday afternoon. The role that these students play in transitioning our newest ākonga to school is so valuable. During their regular visits, they share some learning and play and spend time making connections. This week was all about musical instruments.

All of these events, be they one-offs or regular, stretch our tamariki in multiple ways. As well as the obvious fun and learning involved, they learn to interact with others beyond our school gate, and be proud of who they are and the school that they represent. This is one of the ways that we as a school are working towards meeting our 2nd strategic goal:  Mana: 

To strengthen and develop the mana of students, staff and school.

Working Bee: Sunday 30 March, 10am

We are having 9 cubic metres of bark delivered on Friday 28 March that needs to be spread across our junior playground. Please come and give us a hand if you can - many hands make light work. BYO wheelbarrow and shovel!

We look forward to seeing you in your posh frocks and shiny shoes tomorrow night at our PTA Midnight Masque.

Miriam