Opening waiata – Motupōhue E.
After some unexpected postponements last year, our final stage-based reflection has taken place and St Teresa’s School has had their day!
Friday 28 March saw the culmination of over a decade of sustainable practices at St Teresa’s School (Motupōhue Bluff). The small but mighty crew of students reflected at Green-Gold status and smashed it out of the park.
With representatives from South Port, Bluff Hill Motupōhue Environment Trust, Invercargill City Council, Community Trust South, Father Gerard, Bluff Primary School, Bluff community members, past students, friends and whānau present, the tamariki presented their mahi through a powerpoint presentation and tour of the sustainable practices they have in their school and surrounding community. Many of the guests were visibly moved by the passion and commitment tamariki showed for their work.
Students began the day with their school waiata Motupōhue E and an opening karakia. Speeches from Rosi Smith (St Teresa’s kaiako) and Jane Tagomoa (Murihiku Southland Enviroschools Facilitator) followed, to welcome the guests and explain the Enviroschools programme and the significance of the day. Enviroschools is a programme schools choose to be a part of, it is a kaupapa about creating a healthy, peaceful, sustainable world through learning and taking action together. Embedded in the kaupapa are five ‘Guiding Principles’ which help to drive the programme. They are Empowered Learners, Learning for Sustainability, Sustainable Communities, Te Ao Māori and Respect for Diversity.
Throughout the tour of the sustainable practices the tamariki are actively engaged with, they clearly showed the importance and their understanding of the Guiding Principles in relation to their mahi. It is very clear that their Enviroschools journey is not only one of sustainability, but is embedded in all that they do, confirming they are a truly Green-Gold Enviroschool. The tour included their recycling systems, worm farm, fruit trees, chicken coop, Fish on Drains, vegetable, herb, rongoā and bee-friendly gardens. Other activities such as the participation in the Bluff Community Street Clean-up and the annual beach clean-up were also acknowledged.
Learnings and journeys from the vegetable and herb gardens. Mint WILL take over!
Tour of the bee-friendly, herb and vegetable gardens.
In true Green-Gold style, the tamariki also recorded a lengthy list of ‘Next Steps’ for their Enviroschools journey, showing once again their dedication to their journey in sustainability.
After a thorough decision-making process that considered the evidence prepared and collected throughout the day, it was extremely evident that St Teresa’s School (Motupōhue Bluff) is a Green-Gold Enviroschool.
Congratulations to Rosi, the Tamariki, Nicola and Caroline!
Please see the attached presentation containing photos and captions, which further show the highlights of the day.
Past and present staff and students who have all been a part of this journey.