Get well cards

Kia ora e te whānau,

"Poipoia te kakano kia puawai"
Nurture the seed and it will blossom

Our children have certainly shown me the importance of the values we hold dear at Maungaraki School this week.  Tuakana-teina is the principal of learning from each other, no matter your age and stage.  This week I have had two excellent reminders of this, that show just what a special place our school is.

Over the last two weeks I have been hobbling around the school on crutches after rupturing my achilles tendon.  The response from your tamariki has been eye opening to me and shown me just how strong our RIPPER values are.  Each day the children's actions have surprised me more and more.  From holding doors open, going out of their way to help me get places, offering to do jobs for me and genuinely enquiring after my wellbeing or just lifting my spirits with 'get well soon' comments.

Each day they have gone above and beyond to assist me.  One lovely bunch of students even spent some time making get well cards to share with me.

Our visitors do often comment on the excellent way your children treat them and this past week has helped me see that more clearly.  Their values of respect and their relationships with others are outstanding.  This work is not all done at school, so thank you for the hard work put in your homes each and every day. 

Last Thursday and Friday we had Science Art Day's.  This was a chance for children to work with a different group of people as they created some artwork under a scientific theme.  We had optical illusions, mural making, bird feeder creations, stained glass windows and 3D images just to name a few.

And what a great two days we had.  Students collaborated, helped each other, discussed solutions to problems, presented a variety of views and expressed themselves visually.  A few pictures are attached below, but a full slideshow of the days will be on display on Facebook.  A huge thank you to the parent helpers that came in to run groups.  It is amazing to have your support, you were a very important part of these special days - thank you.                                              

Finally, last week we had a Pool Party to raise funds for our senior camp later in the year.  This was an event dreamed up, organised and run by some of our students.  They did an amazing job and the night was a huge success.  It was fun, raised money for camp and was so well attended by our community.  Well done Allie and Mia!

Until next time, be your best.
No riera, kia kaha ra,
Nga Mihi Nui,

Shane Robinson