My Merrin Memories 

I have made lots of friends at Merrin who I love sharing things with and playing games with. We enjoy sports like basketball and playing games together. I love to share what I am proud of with my key friends and show them what I have done. I have loved the chance to imagine lots of adventures with the toys and activities I am involved in. I have lots of ideas and like to ‘tell stories’ through my play. Highlights for me have been sport, outdoor activities, Southern Centre visits, Technology and life skill adventures out on a Tuesday afternoon in Year 7. I love to listen to stories and watch them on Reading Eggs, always smiling and engaging with them as I learn. My Jams I am such a fan of The Lion Sleeps Tonight however now, in Year 8, any music is a chance to have a little boogie with a smile on my face. 

My Favourite Things:

I have loved sharing my favourite book ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’ with anyone who would like to hear me read it. I love acting it out with puppets or characters. Bubbles - Always a lot of smiles and joy when I got to play outside with bubbles. I loved watching them blow away and popping them. Balloons - High and low, hitting them back and forth with friends has always been lots of fun. Toys (Bat, Owl, Dog) - Imagining my stuffed toys flying through the air or crashing to the floor always has made me laugh. I enjoyed sharing my stories with other people around me and encouraging someone to say ‘Oh dear’. Favourite Animal - Puffins! Watching videos, making puffin nests and reading about puffins have always been a highlight! Favourite Sport - Basketball. I enjoy shooting hoops and get so excited when I get one in. A close second would be ‘borrowing’ Rena’s scooter and going for a ride. 

Messages from My Team:

Dear Sammy, I have loved all the times we have had together. Especially swimming and the Southern Centre. Remember when you used to splash me at the pool? I liked it when you showed me the animal wall with the cool noises at the Southern Centre. You have learned so many new things since I started at Merrin when you were in Year 2! We are all so proud of you for all your achievements. All the best for High School Sammy. Love Mrs G 

Hi Sammy, A couple of memories from working with delightful Sammy last year, was when he was allowed screen time for a break. And he would always ask "Ipad, please Lynette"... twooooooo minutes!! Also, I was blown away when Sammy wouldn't speak very much and he came up to me" Lynette Lego city ______ please- and said the specific number for the train set). Sammy, you have always been such a happy young man to help. Your laugh is so joyful. Lynette 

My awesome memory of Sammy is the joy on his face as he threw things up in the air and watched them fall. He especially liked making bubbles and letting them land on him. He would giggle when they tickled him. His first word with me was WOW Miss Abrahams 

I first met Sammy in 2022, he would visit Auahiroa, with his penguin, at break times and enjoy sitting in the booths. I think he thought if he remained still and quiet then he would not be asked to go outside in the chilly air. Sometimes I would see a penguin come flying over the back of the seat and then hear a little noise. Sammy has left an indelible mark on me. Every day he reminds me of the power of kindness and perseverance. Best wishes on your next adventure…Ms. Burt 

Hi Sammy, We have had a lot of fun working together over the years you have been at Merrin. You have the wickedest sense of humour and you always make me smile. When we go and get the milk to deliver to the different classes, you always try to take the half-empty bottles with the biggest smile. We have had many fun trips to the Southern Centre, where your favourite activity is to say “Can you see the rainbow?’ And I reply “Yes". Then Seal or Monkey starts flying through the air and then crashes into the rainbow. Then I need to say “Oh dear, poor seal/monkey, is monkey/seal ok?” All the best for your next stage in life. Rebecca 

Sammy, working with you over the last two years has been an absolute delight. You are so joyful to work with and I love the cheeky smiles and jokes that you share with me. My favourite times have been when you started conversations and wanted to share what you love with me. You have a wonderful imagination and it is such fun to see you interacting with your toys and making up adventures with them. Recently you asked me a lot ‘Mrs. Stewart happy?’ and my answer ‘Yes Sammy, I am happy’. Working with you is something that always has made me happy. All the best for your next season - you are a superstar! Mrs Stewart 

Malo e lelei Sammy, It has been a pleasure watching you grow over the years. From not saying a word and communicating in other ways to responding unprompted. Even joking around and having a new favourite TA every day. You have an infectious smile that can turn a gray day into a sunny one. Listening to you read a whole book on your own, watching your face light up when you're watching puffins or whale sounds or just playing basketball with your many friends. These are all memories that I hope you keep with you as you move forward and make new connections with new friends in a new place. This year you have made a lot of progress from tasting new flavours during Technology to cooking new foods and making more independent choices. A special memory I had this year was the first time you said NO to me? I asked you to stick your Math sheet into your book, you paused and looked me straight in the eyes, and said with full intent “NO” It was a proud moment. Louisa was there that day. You will always be a shining STAR. From your favorite TA on a Monday Rena. 

Dear Sammy, I have many fond memories of working with you! From your cheeky smile to your infectious giggles! You have become an amazing young man and I wish you all the best in your next adventure! I can not wait to hear about high school:) Lots of hugs Kirsten. 

Sammy I have so enjoyed getting to know you these last 2 years. You are such a sweet, affectionate young man. I have especially enjoyed our roaming sessions around Merrin School, exploring Ako stations in the junior school, and having fun in the new playground. I am so impressed by your progress this year especially when it comes to communication. I love that you are talking with me and asking questions and expressing your needs with words. It’s been a privilege to work with you and I wish you every success and happiness at your new school. Big hug from Mirjam 

Dearest Sammy, I will miss you very much next year. I have enjoyed the last 4 years with you. You have learnt so much and have come a long way on your learning journey. You should be very proud of yourself. I have enjoyed running beside you in cross country especially when you ran the whole 3k around Burnside Park to reading your favourite story, Giraffes Can’t Dance. I’ve enjoyed watching you make loads of friends and laughing beside them. I know you are going to have a great time at Riccarton High School. Make sure you say hi to Liam. Have fun, from Nicola. 

Dear Sammy What a one of a kind you are! I remember the first time I was your teaching assistant, I put your hand on my throat so you could feel the vibration of my voice and the day you read your first book brought tears to my eyes. Look at you now! You are a super clever, very intelligent young man! It was an honor being your teacher aide Sammy, I sure will miss your cheeky smile and cheeky ways. I loved watching you grow into the young man you are today. Best of luck at Riccarton High Sammy. Arohanui Shar xx 

Kia ora Sammy You have a magnetic personality - everywhere you go adults and children are drawn to you. No-one is immune from your charms 🙂I loved doing music therapy with you in 2021 and then being your class teacher in 2022. One of my favourite memories is of us playing together in the music room; I would sing and play ‘In the Jungle’ on the keyboard and then - at just the right moment - you would create chaos on the drum kit to represent the frightened animals. Over the last two years you’ve extended the game into other spaces, resulting in lots of squeaks and squeals of delight. All the best at Riccarton High. We’ll all miss you heaps at Merrin. Miss Revell 

My Favourite Quote: “Can you say, Oh Dear” “Sammy happy” 

My Wrap Up... I hope that everyone remembers Sammy for the delight he is. For the cheeky smile and the joy that he brings to every day. Sammy has made lots of friends and connections with those at Merrin and they will all remember him with fondness. Sammy, you should be so proud of all your learning and how you have grown at Merrin. You have many amazing memories and successes you can look back on. All the best at Riccarton High!