Mahi ngātahi.
Tihiraki North Loburn School recently celebrated ten years of weaving the Enviroschools kaupapa into their whole school life with a special day of nature-focused activities to celebrate their journey so far and reaffirm their commitment.
Ākonga (students) from year one to year eight participated in activities to learn about wool, bees, weaving harakeke, and identifying native manu (birds) from their calls. They also created ephemeral art with clay faces displayed on trees around the kura (school).
Using harakeke to create putiputi.
Kaiako (teachers) split the kids into mixed-year groups and noted that the older ākonga, some of whom are Enviroschools leaders, embraced their role of teaching and assisting the younger students and the chance to increase their leadership skills.
Anna Webb, Assistant Principal of North Loburn School said “my favourite part of the day was seeing the students buzzing as they came from activities and working and learning together. It was great to be able to recognise and celebrate many years of mahi (work),”
Anna said the school’s vision is to nurture well-rounded citizens of the future with a lifelong passion for learning.
“The Enviroschools kaupapa (purpose), especially empowering students to take positive action, ties with this really beautifully. The gentle expertise that Enviroschools offer is key to embedding the kaupapa across our school.” -Anna Webb, Assistant Principal of North Loburn School
Sharing stories of learning and action – the people the place, the learning and action.
Ākonga were presented with mānuka seedlings by Waimakariri Enviroschools Facilitator, Siobhán Culhane, and Enviroschools Regional Coordinator, Andrea Taylor. A total of 85 seedlings were gifted – one for each family unit. Former Waimakariri Enviroschools Facilitator, Toni Watts, was also invited along to enjoy the festivities.
“It’s important that we celebrate this milestone because it shows the strong commitment and perseverance North Loburn School has to maintaining a high level of sustainability through a whole-school approach,” said Siobhán.
The Enviroschools Programme is coordinated in this region by Environment Canterbury and delivered in partnership with the Waimakariri District Council.
North Loburn School has been an Enviroschool for 20 years, quickly embracing their vision for a healthy, peaceful and sustainable school.
One of the activities was creating ephemeral art with clay faces displayed on trees.
Celebrating with cake and other kai.