22 students and 13 adults enjoyed a range of activities in and around Ruapehu last week. The four day camp allowed students from within the Te Whare Ako programme an opportunity to ski; sled; indoor rock climb; soak in hot pools, cook up a rat pack at the Waiouru Army Museum, eat world famous chocolate eclairs and enjoy time with friends. For some students this is one of the first opportunities they have to experience being away from home and family. I take my hat off to these young people who without exception give every learning opportunity a go. They embody all of our school values and are a pleasure to take away on these trips.

A special thank you to our parent helpers: Hugh Thomson; Paul Garrett; Tee Felagai; Sofia Udovenko; Maree Dolman and Niah Time and to our staff: Cam Fraser; Mike Freeman; Faye Jarrett; Andrew Moe; Ace Neudeck and Donna Garrett-Ahern for taking time away from their own families and lives to provide this wonderful opportunity for students. We are already looking forward to the next trip!

Some comments from the students were

Hayden Garrett: "Camp was awesome we laughed all the time. It was cold on the mountain. Away from home it is harder for me to sleep."

Melina Kessell: "I liked the pyjama party - I was dressed in cat pyjamas - miaoow."

Rachael Sim: "The food was yummy. My Favourite was fish and chips!"

Andrew Davia: "Sledding was fast and fun."

Lachlan Thomson: "Camp was lots of fun."

Kelly Moore: "I liked being with Jazz and Nga, it was fun."