Last month, eight Year 10 students joined with students from other local schools on a three day RYPEN Camp (The Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment) at Lake Okataina from 17-19 March 2023.

It was designed for students who show qualities of courage and perseverance in everyday life. The camp aimed to help students develop new life skills in a team environment through physical activity, outdoor skills sessions and indoor presentations.

Congratulations to Harmony Ward-Ross, Avena Alefosio-Tuck, Royale Kapene, Nikita Harding, Sophie Davis, Rosa Hingston, Lelagi Alefosio-Tuck and Sahara Katene who represented our kura so proudly and for the resilience and dedication they showed in this experience.

RYPEN Camp is an amazing experience at this age and I hope that many of the year 10s for next year get to go. I believe that it would be great for them all to go and have the experience.

Avena Alefosio-Tuck

I had a very fulfilling time. I met lots of new people, and was worked to the bone. Overall 7/10 experience, I would've given it an 8/10, but sleeping out in the woods deducted a point.

Sophie Davis

I got to try Waka Ama and other boats, and we slept in the bush one night under a tarp. I had fun, but I was really tired at the end of the weekend. I was pushed to be brave.

Nikita Harding

Ngā mihi kia koutou

Janaye Biddle-Kite
Year 10 Dean