Waitati School

by Julie Cook

There has been a primary school in Waitati since 1864 – that's 145 years – and it has been at it's the current site for the last 128 years. At present the school has a roll of 58 children, aged between 5 and 12 years, coming from homes in the environs of Waitati village, including Warrington, Doctors Point, Mount Cargill and the Silverpeaks.

Several features set the school apart from others and make it the friendly small school that it is, and worthy of maintaining the code: We care about Ourselves, our Environment, Each Other and our Learning.

We pride ourselves on being an Enviro School, with the participation and support of the children, staff, parents, donors, and the Waitati community (including the infamous Waitati Edible gardens group). We have a thriving edible garden. The school entered and secured a Bronze Enviro School Award in 2008 displaying good planning, action and learning focused on sustainable activities; and this year the Silver Award is set firmly in our sights.

The school couldn't provide all its cross-curricular activities without the parents who lend their experience in music, craft, art, garden and sport, contributing to a uniquely Waitati experience for the children. Workshops and activities like mosaics, flax-planting, native tree planting, caring for chickens, learning the guitar, karakia, cooking are just some of the activities. The presence of Orokonui Ecosanctuary on our doorstep provides a link to the nature of the area helping to focus our learning on New Zealand's natural heritage and wildlife.

Just because we're a small school doesn't mean we don't have our share of success in sports – outstanding performances by a number of students at regional and national levels shows the depth of our children's abilities across the sports arena including individual events like athletics and swimming, and team events like softball, netball, rugby and soccer.

Every year the whole school participates in a school camp – a great team-building event which fosters caring and cooperation across the classes. Last year it was Camp Iona and in Term 2 this year Tirohanga will be the destination. The Year 6-8 children have an extra camp away each year with challenging outdoor activities, which last year included abseiling, kayaking, and cycling.

The Parent Teacher Association has done a splendid job with a variety of activities during the years, and the community can expect more of the same, including the Annual Fair, Matariki Supper and Lantern Walk, Book Fair, Spring Bulbs, and also providing catering services to functions being held at the Waitati Hall. Like every small school we appreciate the invaluable support of our local businesses, Blueskin Playcentre and Blueskin Library in supporting and helping us achieve our goals.

Look for us at the A&P Clearing Sale and Fun Day at Bland Park on Saturday, 4 April.

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