“WE ARE AN ENVIROSCHOOL AND WE ARE CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE!”

A former tamariki of KiNZ Mission Heights read out these important words as part of the centre’s Bronze award celebration ceremony.

It was a beautiful Sunday with Rā spreading his warmth as 35 families flocked into KiNZ Mission Heights with an array of cultural dishes to be part of the unveiling of the Enviroschool mural signage. The teaching team organised the event in the weekend as it gave an opportunity for greater participation from families and whānau.

Ngā tamariki sang the welcome waiata as kaiako Cristina acknowledged the various Atua.  The centre’s vision for a sustainable future was shared with the whānau, and ngā tamariki performed two more waiata as their older siblings and parents joined in. Watching the school children and parents participate in the waiata gave the teachers insight into how the young ones have been teaching waiata to their families!

Those gathered were told how the children’s voices and action leading from the beach clean-up in March (with families) had been the trigger for the new initiative – ‘Going Plastic Free’. The centre now has quality waterproof bags available for families to purchase for wet and soiled clothing.

Finally, some tamariki who have been great kaitiaki for papatuanuku were given the privilege to unveil the signage covered with a woven Tongan mat.

The delicious kai was blessed by the tamariki as everyone moved on to enjoy the spread and the feeling of whānaungatanga.  The team felt privileged to have Debbie and Rebecca as Enviroschool representatives at the event along with the many families that came together for this special day. There was a small koha of Chinese Chives seeds which the children had packed for interested families to take home and continue the journey of sustainability.

KiNZ Mission Heights is now concentrating on working towards the Silver Award with their community of learners.

Sangeeta Lal, Head Teacher – KiNZ Mission Heights