What an amazing year 2019 has been for the Stars program at Hornby High School.

One of the highlights of the year was the Stars activity day with Kendra Cocksedge attending. Her involvement was enjoyed by all especially during the rafting sessions. After the activity day at the Groynes getting to know each other, it was into class sessions, with topics such as social media, communication, cyber bullying, sustainability and citizenship. The new Star mentors demonstrated true honesty and took to their leadership roles with such pride. They delivered each lesson with integrity, striving to entertain their Year 9 classes as well as having fun.

The community project this year was held in conjunction with Ngai Tahu Farms at their wonderful Kokomuka Lodge in Te Whenua Hou (Eyrewell). The students were able to taupua their host Rex &Karla, who taught the students about their aroha for the farming community.

This year we hosted the Stars-opoly, which was a huge success with several businesses within the wider community attending to share their wealth of knowledge about opportunities that are available to the students. The students particularly enjoyed Surf Life Saving New Zealand, St John and the YMCA, who all had interactive activities to share. The other organisations involved were Volunteering Canterbury, Canterbury District Health Board, CCC Graffiti Environment, Canterbury Motivationz, Inspire, Youth Culture Development, Environment Canterbury, and Whaea Jude.

The month of May was a very exciting time for the Graeme Dingle Foundation with our first ever ‘Drop for Youth’ fundraising event held in Ashburton, with Skydiving Kiwi. There were 36 fundraisers who fundraised over $1000 to Skydive 13000 ft. with up to 55 secs of freefall! We were daring people to step outside of their comfort zone, just like our young people do through our life changing programmes.

The foundation had amazing support from Hornby High School, with two teachers, Mr Aitken and Mr Williams, and Daunte, our Project K student, all reaching their fundraising targets. They held a mufti day and bake sale at school and all shared an amazing experience together.

Due to the event being so successful and so many people wanting to jump and support Graeme Dingle Foundation, we decided to do it all again in October. Jayton, one of our Stars mentors, participated along with Josh and Jaleel who are Project K students. Josh was lucky enough to have his skydive donated by Rothbury Insurance. The students sold nachos at the International food festival at Hornby High School, as well as making hundreds of cheese rolls. They also sold raffles to help reach their fundraising total, as well as holding a mufti day at school. 

Unfortunately, Crystal was sick so she will be jumping with us with in April 2020.

During the final prize giving Ashleigh Shortland was awarded the “Stand out Star” award for 2019 and we finished the year off with a fun day out to Alpine Ice Arena.

The Graeme Dingle Foundation Canterbury would like to thank everyone within the Hornby High School whānau for your incredible support throughout 2019. 

We wish you all a very Merry

Christmas and a Happy New Year.

“Transforming young lives forever”