Here we celebrate student achievement and showcase activities our students are involved in around college.

STUDENTS IN THE COMMUNITY

This week in our Junior assembly we celebrated some of our junior students who volunteer with M!NT Charitable Trust.

M!NT charitable trust is an organisation based in Wānaka, supporting intellectual disabled individuals to live meaningful lives in their community. The trust relies heavily on volunteer support, and has the pleasure of having some Mount Aspiring College students as part of their incredible volunteer team. These individuals have showed such empathy, dedication, and guidance through their volunteering within M!NT programmes.

Toby Mills: Toby has volunteered for M!NT for over 2 years, and over this time has supported their weekly music programme. They commend his commitment, and his natural ability to share his love for music with M!NT members. Toby’s reliability, along with his encouragement creates a consistent, safe environment for so many individuals to push themselves and make positive changes.

Tasmin Murphy: Tasmin has also been a part of the M!NT volunteer crew for more than 2 years, and she dedicates over 3 hours per week to supporting various M!NT programmes including gym, dance, sports and music, and gives up a lot of time during her school holidays to support holiday programmes. She is inspiring to so many, and her selflessness and passion for helping others is something to be recognised. Tasmin always strives to continue to upskill herself, and further develop her understanding of supporting those who may need an extra helping hand.

Juno Gerlach: Juno has been volunteering to support the M!NT music sessions for over a year, creating wonderful heart-warming connections with those in M!NT programmes. She brings her calm, fun and supportive energy to every session. Juno has performed alongside M!NT members at various community events, such as the Festival of Colour and Matariki.

Susannah West: Susannah has volunteer weekly for the M!NT adaptive gym programme at local gym Fit Collective for over a year. Susannah supports individuals each week to work on balance, strength and coordination in an environment that helps build social skills as well. Susannah’s confidence in her volunteer role has sky rocketed, and they are so delighted to have her as a core part of their gym team.

Alianna Hay: Alianna has recently starting volunteering for M!NT, for their gym sessions as well. She is enthusiastic, helpful and supportive to all those participating at the gym each Monday. Her energy lifts those around her.

M!NT would also like to thank Briana Joyce who has volunteered for holiday programmes in the last year, and Denali Emmitt who has volunteered for gym and the Alpha Challenge, both showing incredible peer support skills.

M!NT is so appreciative to all their volunteers and they thank you for your support. They will be training new volunteers in the coming months so if you are interested, they would love to hear from you.  Please email Charlotte on charlotte.jackson@minttrust.nz

PLAY IT STRANGE FINALIST

Congratulations to Matilda Metcalfe for being selected for this year's Play it Strange Peace Song Album. Her song Mailbox features as a National Finalist. You can check it out here... https://playitstrange.bandcamp.com/album/peace-songwriting-competition-2023-vol-2

SCHOOL CLUBS

MACMT

MACMT (musical theatre club) is opening up to new members on Tuesday afternoons. All age groups and abilities are welcome. Come and give it a go if you like singing, dancing or acting. No experience required!

MAGIC The Gathering Club, Friday lunchtimes, Soc Sci 4 - between the playground and the field. Bring your best commander decks!