Some very exciting news- Wakari School was the recipient of the Best School Project Award at the Keep Dunedin Beautiful Awards held last week. The trophy was presented to us by the Mayor, Jules Radich.

We won the award for our term 3 school wide project based around School Creek. Our Stream Team have been learning about water testing and taking care of our waterways under the expert tutelage of Dr Simon McMillan. The tamariki shared their skills and knowledge and worked alongside every class, teaching them about stream health. Each syndicate looked at different aspects of caring for the creek and we were lucky to get experts in to help with our study. Thanks to Tess from Enviroschools, Jack from the Otago Regional Council, Tahu from the Orokonui Sanctuary, the School Creek Restoration Group and Dr McMillan from KVC for their support and assistance with our study and helping us all to become kaitiaki of our local environment. A huge pat on the back and well done to all teachers and tamariki for their efforts that helped us to win the award. 

Another successful Year 5 camp was help at Waiora last week. Well done to Dave Waddell and the Senior Syndicate teachers for organising and running the camp, the fantastic group of parents who attended and worked hard for the three days and also to the ākonga for their enthusiasm and willingness to give things a go. 

It seems like we have had a year of comings and goings.  Cathy Logie, our Special Needs Coordinator, has decided to finish her teaching at Wakari School so she has a bit more freedom to spend time with family in England. Cathy has not only been an outstanding advocate for children and families at Wakari but she has also put in a huge effort with the garden group. I'm sure we will see Cathy back at Wakari School some time in the future.

Once again, if I can be of assistance with any matter, feel free to contact me.

Stacey Gribben