On the 3rd of February 2023, the new Year 9 Whenua students, along with their peer support leaders, went to the Lindisfarne campsite as part of Orientation Day.

Mr McGregor gave a brief rundown of the agenda for the day and then we set out to complete the first activity on the list, walking up the steep hill. There were thistles everywhere, a slippery river to cross, and the scorching heat to endure, but the encouragement from both the teachers and students motivated us to keep going. Everyone gave it their best despite the many challenges along the way. For those who made it to the top, it was very rewarding being able to enjoy the beautiful views. On the way back some of us decided to slide down the hill, which proved to be very effective and fun! After the walk, most of us had already formed good relationships by overcoming a common obstacle together but now it was time for a well deserved swim in the river. We jumped off the rocks into the cool water, sang and laughed. Before coming back to school we all got given an ice block. As we like to say in Whenua, “if you do the mahi, you get the treats” and we sure did! Another awesome day for Whenua to remember :)