Hedgehope School was visited by the Kiwi Kids Charity ( previously known as The Variety Bash) as part of their tour of Southland.

Along with the massive amount of gifts, laughs, fun, dancing, and cheeseburgers they cooked for us, the organisation donated $4000.00 towards our playground repairs!

What an epic day and a huge thank you to this phenomenal group of Kiwis. 

The focus for the term in literacy has been speeches, but bubbling away in the background has been our picture book creation. We have been successful in obtaining two grants.

One from RABO bank and another from the AIRNZ Everycorner Project. This funding has launched our picture book project, which is based on our environmental impact and actions.

Winton and Districts Funeral Services proud sponsors of Hedgehope School

Samantha Montgomery, a Dunedin-based writer who has written over a hundred educational readers, spent two entire days at Hedgehope School.

She was busy workshopping with all the classes to help storyboard their ideas for their picture book vision, and helped guide the students with an experienced author's eye and perspective.

The experience was phenomenal and left all the students and staff exhilarated about this project.

We were also very fortunate to meet online with Gavin Bishop, who shared his illustrative processes and gave a sneak peek into his newest book.

Gavin is one of New Zealand's foremost children's writers and illustrators, having received over 45 national and international awards for his work, and was awarded The New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013 for his contribution to literature.

His guidance will be key in making our narratives exceptional. 

Picture Book Creation. Photo: Supplied

.

Our twelve Enviro Leaders regularly head into our Forest School ( Sherwood Forest), which we are kaitiaki of. During these sessions, our leaders set and maintain trap lines to suppress predators, replant areas of need, and take action through advocacy.

One platform that we use to share our mahi is Sherwood Sharp. This online series found on YouTube has been relaunched into what will now be its third season. 

Enviro Leaders relaunch Sherwood Sharp. Photo: Supplied

.

Our student chefs have been busy cooking hot meals on Wednesdays and Fridays for students. Last week was marinated venison, salami, pepper, and basil pizzas with homemade french fries. 

For dessert, students and teachers enjoyed sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce. A big thanks to Lewis Risk at Pypers Produce for the donation of potatoes and carrots for these meals.

A special thanks to Demi Johnstone, who contacted Lewis on behalf of the MAARD team.

MAARD ( Max, Anna, Adalyn, Rylan, and Demi). Photo: Supplied

.

Early this month, our year 4, 5, and 6 girls competed in the Annual Netty Fest in Winton. In an 18-team strong competition, the Hedgehope Hedgehogs were undefeated. Congratulations! 

Netty Fest. Photo: Supplied

.

A massive thank you to the PTA and our year 8 leader, Max Jones, for hosting a great disco. It was great to see parents reconnect and see the students having such fun. The food options, especially the popcorn, were a hit. 

Fun had by all at the Disco. Photo: Supplied

.