A huge congratulations to the wonderful RISK-TAKERS in our school and community who tried something new and a bit daunting these July holidays! I was so excited to see your photos, videos and slideshows and to share your adventures with everyone in this newsletter. A risk-taker is someone who approaches uncertainty with forethought and determination, and who works collaboratively and independently to explore new ideas (and experiences) and innovative strategies. Risk-takers are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenge and change!

Lexi and Brennan were risk-takers in the snow! Lexi went sledding with her dad and Brennan hung out in an ice-cave and also sent a video of himself, sliding fast down a snowy slope! Two really cool kids! 

 
Emily faced a different type of risk - she challenged herself to think outside the square and to learn new skills and strategies in the areas of robotics and coding! Emily said, "I had to create instructions for the robot, by drag and drop the command buttons from the menu bar. It doesn't tell you your errors if you made mistakes, and the robot won't work, so I had to find out what mistakes I made. I had to keep on trying until I found out where the problems were." Emily, not only were you a risk-taker, you also showed that you are a Thinker! 

Mina faced her fears in jumping from a pontoon and solo kayaking! Her mum said, "Here are some photos of Mina taking a risk with jumping off the pontoon and solo kayaking. Mina was a bit scared or unsure about doing these but she said that she was determined to do it just like her older siblings. She felt so proud of herself and really appreciated the spa afterwards." Good on you Mina!

Georgina challenged herself to be a risk-taker in zip-lining! She emailed me to say, "I did Zip Lining in a forest at Rotorua. I was a bit scared because the lines were really high and long. A guide gave me a harness and clipped it to the line then I had to just let go and fly it was amazing! I got to learn about the birds in the forest and how to keep them safe." Georgina, your photos are great and really show that you tried something new that challenged you and that you enjoyed yourself! 

We also had Risk-Takers in Year 2. They have written some short stories to share their adventures!

On Tuesday I went to Taekwondo. I went with my mum. We did kicks, blocks and punches. It was hard but fun.
By Deniz

My challenge was trying at mini golf to get the ball in the hole. It was really hard. I went with my mum and dad and my sister. I got the ball in the hole in the end.
By Ryan B

I was challenged by my mum to put my skis boots on by myself. I got them on in the end.
By Piper

I went to a badminton camp for four day. We got three days of practise. The last day was the challenge. I kept practising and I passed! Yay! I got a badge.
By Kaitlin

I went to Kiwi Valley with my dad. The challenging thing was to get off the horse because it was so big!
By Isabelle H