Waitati School - Column by Julie Cook

WAITATI SCHOOL

by Julie Cook

Waitati has had a school since 1864, and it's been at its current site
for the last 128 years. The roll of 57, aged between 5 and 12 years,
come from homes in the environs of Waitati village, including
Warrington, Doctor's Point, Mount Cargill and Silver Peaks.

The school code ("We care about ourselves, our environment, each other
and our learning") is something that shapes and distinguishes school,
pupils, staff, and even our community.

We pride ourselves on being an Enviro School, and with the
participation and support of the children, staff, parents, donors, and
the Waitati community (including the well-known Waiotati Edible
Gardens Group) we have a thriving cottage garden. Where possible, the
children harvest, cook and enjoy shared meals, living the real garden
to table experience.

Enviro School is also about knowing our environment and community, and
we're fortunate to live on such an accessible and diverse coastline,
in such a compact community. We're constantly looking to ways we can
enrich the curriculum by increasing sustainable initiatives – solar
hot water perhaps? We're steadily progressing up the award ladder,
with a Bronze in 2008.

The school couldn't provide all its cross-curricular activities
without the parents who lend their experience in music, craft, art,
gardening and sport. Workshops/activities include: mosaics,
printmaking, guitar, recorder, performance arts, flax-planting,
carving, karakia and cooking. Orokonui Ecosanctuary on our doorstep
has provided a focus for learning about our natural heritage and
wildlife.

Outstanding sports performances by a number of students at regional
and national levels shows the depth of our children's abilities in
individual events like athletics, swimming and taekwando and team
events like softball, rugby and soccer. And with many children walking
or biking to school and just actively tearing around our lovely
grounds, we have a fit and energetic bunch of kids.

Every year there is a whole school camp which is a great team-building
event, fostering caring and cooperation across classes. Last year we
went to Waiora Scout Camp and this year it'll be Tirohanga. The year
6-8 children have an extra camp each year with challenging,
adventurous outdoor activities: watch this space!

We've had setbacks this year with multiple break-ins and theft of
school equipment over the Christmas break. Despite the irritation of
petty criminals, we have great support from the community and local
businesses, the playcentre and the library. The PTA is again planning
the Annual Fair, Matariki Supper and Lantern Walk, Book Fair, Spring
Bulb Sale and also offers catering to village functions. Waitati
school is positively looking forward to a great 2009.

ENDS

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