August 2022

We’ve reached the mid way point for the year and what a busy time we’ve had to date.

Since the pandemic (like many) our landscape has changed from the ‘norm’.

This has given us an opportunity to look at things differently and to grow our resilience, adaptability and connectedness.

I guess you could call it the new norm.

The connection to others has become more important and we have been discovering creative ways to build relationships with others, while (at times) being distanced.

While doing so, Hauroko Valley has embraced the local curriculum as we look for ways to respond to our community values, culture and identity through rich learning experiences for our tamariki.

The partnerships we have developed with others have opened doors for our children providing exceptional moments.

Here is a glimpse into a few;

“The Blazing Pitchforks” our Year 7 & 8 AgriKids team attended the Young Farmers Grand Final in Whangarei.

There was a lot of mahi completed before attending the 2022 NZ Grand Final Young Farmers, with regular homework to ensure coverage of the variety of challenging agricultural modules.

Ewan, Oliver and Harry represented the Otago/Southland province proudly; demonstrating skill, knowledge and teamwork throughout.

They were incredibly well supported by our school and wider community and their families.

In particular we would like to say “Thank You” to Coach - Jono and Manager - Ang.

While at Nationals the boys spent time networking with a range of people including Te Radar, supporting local Young Farmers Renee and Tia, along with Otago/Southland

Representative Alex R.

On behalf of the team and HVP we would like to express our gratitude to all sponsors/organisations for supporting our students to attend this prestigious national competition.

Thank you - Tuatapere Lions Club, Property Brokers, DairyTech South, Dave Halder Contracting, C&T Miller and Alex Reid Contracting; as well as all those that supported fundraisers.

Two years ago a group of students worked with Mrs Waikato to modify the lyrics to the song “The Southern Dream '' by Jason Kerrison.

We included words to reflect Blair Vining’s journey in building a hospital and by singing ‘Buy a Brick for Blair’.

This year we received a very exciting phone call to say our lyrics were being recorded for a new S.C.H. Music Video, performed by Jason Kerrison and we were invited to take part!

Wow - a pinch me moment!

Twenty students from HVP performed in Invercargill at the Water Tower to support Southland’s Charity Hospital.

It was a once in a lifetime opportunity performing, alongside several New Zealand celebrities!

Missy, Della and Lilly - we thank you for sharing this special opportunity with us, while we support a phenomenal cause, close to our hearts.

In 2019 many of the children from HVP and WAS shared their artworks and words as to why the Waiau River is a taonga to them and their family.

This documentation has led to a number of opportunities to promote the Waiau and for the children’s voice to be heard.

This art piece was a commission piece and depicts the challenge that these children face as kaitiaki of their river, along with acknowledging their role and voice for the Waiau.

Check out this corten steel visual art installation, currently on site at Hauroko Valley Primary School.

The idea is that the children can learn more about this art piece and its meaning, before it is relocated to its permanent location.

History in the making!

The Waiau Rivercare Group have worked tirelessly for our awa/river - the Waiau and their journey to The Beehive.

We understand this is the first time children have been included, as part of an Environment Select Hearing Committee Meeting presentation.

Two of our Year 5 learners represented our local rangitahi, attending the hearing at Parliament, Wellington.

Tomas and Libby impressed with their maturity and sincerity demonstrated throughout their visit.

MP/Minister Eugenie Sage was impressed with the ‘voices’ of our tamariki, saying it was compelling.

We are incredibly proud of the mahi these two learners and our kaiako Christina and Jen, alongside Waiau Area School Malakai, Oli and Richard undertook as part of the Waiau Rivercare Group.

Finally, we have gathered our “Local Legends” to share the stories of our people and place as part of the 2022 Miharo Polyfest.

Kowhai class completed their “Maui and the Sun” stories and illustrations.

While also contributing to a collaboration by classes as part of a wider sharing of our local Anzac stories.

Our connection to Ann Robbie has made this journey all the more special and we thank her for sharing her stories, and the history behind many men and women, as part of her War Memorial

Restoration Projects.

As we reflect on the past 6 months, we look forward to the next half of the year with enthusiasm as we continue to think of new opportunities.

These moments all add depth to our curriculum while enriching our learners and their journey; as together we find out more about our people and place.

As per our motto “Always Our Best/Tonu tou tatou pai”.

We look forward to sharing more of our tamariki and their learning stories with you later on in the year. 

Ka kite ano.

Hauroko Valley Primary School learners.

D T King proudly supports Hauroko Valley Primary School