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Te Roopu
 
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Learning Support Class - Te Roopu

Amanda Wilson —

A Place Where Great Things Happen!

Our class has been very busy this year. The students have continued to participate in their individual programs and this year, thanks to the Lions Foundation, all students have been presented with an Ipad. These have proven invaluable for learning and the students have produced some fantastic work including the making of movies and computer game design.

The students have continued with their SPEC program this year, an alternative self-directed approach to learning. Folders were submitted for external verification and moderation in Term 4. Work was of a high standard and all students gained their SPEC certificates, some gaining two. This was a huge achievement.

Along with many other art works which adorn the classroom, we have also recently completed a large mural on the wall outside class and entered the IHC Art Awards with our art displayed in the Community Gallery in June.

We have continued participating in the weekly Adaptive Sports Programme and also, this year, Community Drama and Music. This has given the class an opportunity to mix, make friends and reconnect with students from other schools.

Blast Off has been the favourite activity of the week and we especially enjoyed mountain biking, fishing, building huts in the bush, farm visits, the sea side train trip and the museum trip where we learnt about what school was like in the old days.

The Special Olympic swimming events in Term 3 Special Olympic Athletic sports in Term 4 showed our LPHS students to be exceptionally talented. With athletics LPHS won both Relay Athletic events. First places gained in the 100m run, shot put, long jump and 200m run. In swimming first places were gained in 50m freestyle, 25 m freestyle, 15 m walk,25 m back stroke and 25 freestyle.

We congratulate Alex and Josh who, through hard work and determination, have gained the skills necessary to be mainstreamed and will be entering Year 11 and completing NCEA Level 1 next year. We say goodbye to Jack who is now transitioning out of school and into the community. We wish them all the best.

Thank you to teachers and all the support staff, volunteers and wider school community who have supported us this year. You have all helped to provide quality education and a safe learning environment in which everyone can participate!