Welcome back to all our readers! We’ve kicked off the term with an exciting mix of learning, both in the classroom and beyond.

Our tamariki have been reconnecting with friends, settling into routines, and we’ve warmly welcomed new students and staff to our school whānau. It’s been a fantastic start, full of energy, curiousity, and community spirit.

AgriKids Competition. Photo: Supplied

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It’s been an action-packed start with the NZ National Young Farmers AgriKids Otago/Southland Competition. Our team, the Wild West 3 — Aydee, Ilyssa, and Layla — represented HVP with pride, showcasing our strong culture of support and teamwork.

The race-off was a real challenge, and we are especially thrilled to congratulate Aydee, who was awarded Best Contestant for her outstanding encouragement throughout the day.

Wild West 3 — Aydee, Ilyssa, and Layla. Photo: Supplied

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Our students took on the Southland Secondary School Triathlon in Winton, held around the stunning Central Southland College (CSC) grounds.

Several of our Year 7 and 8 students competed individually, giving their all across swimming, cycling, and running.

Year 7 and 8 students taking on the Southland Secondary School Triathlon. Photo: Supplied

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We also entered a number of teams in each year group, demonstrating fantastic teamwork, determination, and school spirit. 

Teamwork and School spirit. Photo: Supplied

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Congratulations to Angus, who was placed 3rd in the individual Year 8 event. Our Year 7 team of Oscar, Jack M and Layla were placed 1st. In our mixed Year 8 teams, we had a first for Aydee, Isaac and Finley.

Year 7 team of Oscar, Jack M and Layla were placed 1st. Photo: Supplied

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It was inspiring to see our tamariki supporting each other and pushing themselves throughout this challenging, action-packed event.

Harold and Teresa have been part of our Year 8s’ journey since they first started with us as five-year-olds. Each year, we truly value the Health Education that the Life Education mobile classroom brings to our doorstep.

Life Education mobile classroom. Photo: Supplied

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Their final focus with our Year 8s was Identity and Resilience, with an emphasis on self and time management.

Identity and Resilience was the focus this visit. Photo: Supplied

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This was the perfect learning context for our senior students as they prepare for the year ahead and begin looking towards secondary school.

Preparing for the year ahead. Photo: Supplied

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A huge thank you to our Blackmount Community for enabling us to stay at the Community Centre overnight during our two-day Year 7 & 8 EOTC experience.

Year 7 & 8 EOTC experience. Photo: Supplied

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Day one saw us tackle the Burnt Ridge Track at Monowai, enjoyed a refreshing swim at the Blackmount Pool, and took part in a range of team-building activities at Brunel Peaks, Blackmount.

Outdoor adventures. Photo: Supplied

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On day two, we headed to Te Anau for climbing, bouldering, volleyball, mini golf, and finished it all off with a well-earned real fruit ice cream.

Team building activities. Photo: Supplied

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Our first ‘Have a Go’ experience for our Year 7 & 8 students took us to the Fiordland Climbing Wall in Te Anau.

Fiordland climbing wall. Photo: Supplied

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This world-class facility provided an incredible opportunity for students to challenge themselves through bouldering and rock climbing, guided by Sensei’s expert tuition.

All abilities were catered for, with skills and confidence growing steadily throughout the sessions. Students came away buzzing from the experience, with many showcasing impressive ability and others stepping well outside their comfort zones.

Bouldering and rock climibing challenges. Photo: Supplied

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A heartfelt thank you to Sally for leading our adventures and keeping our tamariki grounded in mana whānau throughout the experience. We also appreciate Nathan and Kate P for staying over and supporting our group.

Thank you to all of our wonderful parent helpers who assisted with transport and joined us for activities along the way — your support made it possible.

Stepping outside comfort zones. Photo: Supplied

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Although this was a first for us, it proved incredibly worthwhile, and we’re already looking forward to doing it again next year!

Recently, Tuatapere was featured on Seven Sharp as part of a spotlight on the ‘Sausage Capital’ of NZ.

Rabco Ag proud sponsor of Hauroko Valley School

Butchery teams from New World stores across Aotearoa were challenged to create an exciting new-flavoured snag, before bringing their creations to Western Southland for locals to taste-test, including several of our own students.

In the lead-up, our classes joined in the fun by developing and sharing their own flavour ideas. The event at the domain had a fantastic community vibe, with plenty of mixing, mingling, and sampling a delicious range of sausages.

Check out Mataī’s work!

Students sharing own flavour ideas. Photo: Supplied

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It’s been an action-packed and rewarding start to the term, filled with learning, adventure, teamwork, and community spirit. Our students have embraced every challenge, grown in confidence, and supported one another every step of the way.

We’re proud of their achievements and can’t wait to see what the rest of the term brings. Until next time!