Sports Start

Rochelle has catapulted us into new learning this year in partnership with Sports Canterbury and Mel from Hillmorton High.
The programme teaches sports skills and strategies and gives a broad basis from which children can participate in a wide range of sports.
The hope is that by building the skills over the years we will see more children involved in sport and having greater enjoyment and success.
The focus for this term is gymnastics. I've seen some strange shapes and movements on the ground and on the classroom floors as I travel around the school. It's great to see everyone trying to learn the skills. Laughter is always a good indicator for me that the work is both challenging and enjoyable.

Rugby Visitors

Two members of the Crusaders came to school on Friday 7 March to spend time with the children who play rugby. I had a good giggle when I overheard Tricia ask Owen Franks who he was and what his intended business was in the school. Beautiful moment.
Johnny McNicholl is the big brother of Joe, one of our current students. Johnny first played rugby here at West Spreydon School with the then Principal Stew Cron, himself an ex All Black.

I watched the match on Saturday night and was pleased to see a win for the Crusaders and a couple of key interceptions and passes by Owen and Johnny which helped to seal the win for the Crusaders against the Stormers.
We are very grateful for the time these young men spent with our children to help to inspire them.

Matthew had many questions sorted that made the Crusaders think hard about their training and their skills.

Joshua Foundation

The Board of Trustees has once again funded our year 6 students to complete leadership training though Chris Allan and the Joshua Foundation. Chris does a full analysis of the qualities that each student displays and develops throughout a series of challenges. It's a lot harder than it looks and I know that many adults would struggle with the levels of co-operation and thinking required to complete the tasks.
Well done WSS students.

ABCD

The new round of discovery learning has started. Teachers spend intensive time planning activities that will help children to think, problem solve and face challenges. The children love Friday mornings at West Spreydon School.

Hangi

We were able to host another hangi this year. It is a privilege to be able to connect with our local community and share kai and company. Bill Earle and his nephew Mark Hopa and his mate Aaron did a lot of digging and fire tending to get the hangi pit to a temperature hot enough to cook the meat, veges and puddings. This year they were done to perfection. We had pickled pork, venison, beef, pork, lamb and eel. The veges included kumara, pumpkin, potatoes, broccoli and cabbage.
Setting and preparing a hangi takes a lot of hard work. So many volunteers helped by donating food and goods, preparing the meat and vegetables and setting and lifting the food.

Our kapahaka group helped with the pepeha and karakia.
It was lovely to see you all there and to enjoy the great company. Thank you to all of the staff who gave up their family time to serve the food and to help with clean up.
Bill you are a champion.

Bill checking the veges

Mark and Aaron dealing with the heat and steam of the hangi

PTA made steam puddings. My favourite.

Isaiah and Graham await the goodies



Jan helping us to dish the food. There was heaps and a lot left over. Bill is always right.

Baby Eda too young for a pork chop but just right to be spoilt by everyone