And They're Off.

 We had so many fits and starts over school camp this year due to Covid-19. Finally, after a few tears and 15 minutes late (I bet there are still sleeping bags and undies missing) the buses pulled out and headed for Hanmer.

It is tough for children to face separation anxiety and to realize  that they have to overcome the Dragon of sadness, anxiety and separation in order to get to the treasure of the fun on camp, making life memories and being with friends on new adventures. We  had a few who needed an extra hug or two, and some parents needed that reassurance too as it is a very big deal to trust your children into someone else's care.

I always smile that the fussy eaters suddenly eat everything on camp, and ask for more, and the children who sit quietly in the background can suddenly become the daredevils and Bravehearts on camp. It is magic to watch the children grow and change. For some it is the first time we have seen them in a new light and it is unbelievable how different some children are when they find their strengths and can shine.

It is always a privilege to visit camp (not too keen on the bunks) and to make the connections with parents and children as they face all of the new experiences and challenges. My lasting impression of every camp I have been on, is the sound of laughter.

I look forward to all the exaggerated accounts of leaping off mountains, traversing a flooded river and fighting off hippos, having all food sources cut off and being made to forage bush tucker and the night all of the adults disappeared after bright lights appeared in the sky, over the forest. mmmmm

Healthy and Active Schools Play pod launch

 Such fun to be in partnership with Vicki Cowley and Adam Gard'ner from Healthy and Active Schools. Last week the Playpods were launched with media presence and many staff from Sport Canterbury proudly watching their baby's public reveal.

Megan Stewart and Charlotte McCone worked with the PALs leaders to design and purpose the Playpod especially for the children at our school.

The children love the equipment and one of the favourites is the tow rope for Tug 'o War. Great to see the Moon Hopper back in vogue.

Thanks to everyone for the kindness and generosity shown to our school.

The key is that adults (teachers) play with the children too. As Stevie said so eloquently in her tv interview debut, "play helps the brain to recover and relax. You can go to a place of imagination even when things have been hard." Gotta love that child.

Here's the tv news link:

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/play-now-part-curriculum-christchurch-school

 

Names to faces

 Finally we have some photos of Rachael and Helen the new office/admin team. They are a force to be reckoned with.

They are the first faces you will see in the school office and they are the first port of call for our tamariki who are feeling poorly or lonely. I've eavesdropped on their conversations with children and they are so kind and patient. They have already attracted their "frequent flyer" group who make their way to the office just for a little extra attention. Some days we all need that.

We are so happy to have them join our team and look forward to working with them here, and on our home campus.

Rachael has been doing two jobs since Tricia passed away, and she has given up study and family time to help us out. We asked Rachael at her interview if she could learn new tasks quickly. Apparently she can! 

Our names are written into history

On Friday 21 we walked all of the children to our home site and we wrote our names on the steel ready to be added to the building. We added Tricia's name too as she had been a key part of helping us to put our case for a rebuild.

Maybe one day, in 100 years time, they'll build a new school and find our names there. 

It was a great idea from one of the TBig Team who helped us to find a link between the past and the future.

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cross country

 Despite being a miserable day, lots of whanau turned up to support their tamariki.

It is a tough event and we were so pleased to see the resilience and determination of the children as they toughed it out. Several children helped others to complete the event.

Corey Glithero aced his field and showed talent in an endurance event. Ethan Cox was the senior boys outright winner and has the opportunity to compete in the Canterbury Champs and the Nationals. 

Congratulations to everyone who competed and tried, and to those who won.