The “Minute to Win It” challenges brought this learning to life in so many ways. One standout was the “no-hands cup stacking” challenge, where students had to work together using only strings and a rubber band to lift and stack cups. Hunter, Gurvansh, Eddie, and Max quickly discovered that slowing down, talking clearly, and working together made all the difference.
I told my group how to pull the string back more so we could get it on the cup. We put it over the cup so carefully so it didn’t fall and we were the fastest at stacking in the end.
Another highlight was practicing balance and hand-eye coordination through the balloon challenges. These encouraged students to experiment, adapt, and think creatively, especially during Celebration of Learning.
I was able to bounce my balloon really high. I used my hands to hit the balloon up in the air, then I figured out I could use other things like a foam block and my feet. I found out that kicking it made it go the highest. Others started copying my idea because they saw that it worked really well.
Students also loved stepping into the role of teacher, confidently sharing their learning with whānau.
I taught Amaia-Jay’s Nan the balloon challenge in our Celebration of Learning. I told her that the balloon couldn’t touch the ground. I showed her how to hit the balloon with my hand and bonk it on my head. I think her Nan had fun. I had to do the bottle flipping challenge two-hundred times and it didn’t even land, I’ll have to keep trying.
My challenge was the ping-pong challenge. I had to bounce a ping pong ball into the other cup. When I first started, it went in on my first try. I showed my Dad how to do it and he got better and better.
The cookie challenge was another favourite, with plenty of laughs shared at home as well. Amos was so excited to tell his mum about it, and when she gave it a go, she managed to get it in her mouth after just two tries! Do you think you can beat that?
For many whānau, the Celebration of Learning was a special opportunity to see their children in action. Kate’s mum, Nicole, shared how much she enjoyed experiencing this for the first time at Wairakei. Kate had been building excitement all week, preparing her family for the challenges ahead. It was wonderful for Nicole to see Kate confidently leading her learning, and even more special watching her join in with her brother James’ challenges too!
Strong learning begins with strong relationships, built through knowing students well and valuing what matters to them. When students’ interests, strengths, and stories are understood, learning becomes more meaningful and engaging.
Relationships grow deeper when students also know their teacher as a real person with interests, passions, and a love of learning. Sharing personal passions helps build trust and connection, showing students that learning is lifelong and lived beyond the classroom.
Through a love of the outdoors, learning is often brought to life through stories of my adventures exploring our backyard in Taupō, hiking, fishing, and camping. Through my passion for dance, expression and movement are woven into everyday teaching, showing students learning can be creative, joyful and full of music and rhythm. These shared parts of life outside school help students see that their teacher is authentic. This makes relationships stronger and helps create a classroom where curiosity, confidence, and connection can grow.
Growing up with a lifelong connection to Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, my passion for education has been shaped by growing up in a small rural community, surrounded by nature and animals. Wairakei Primary feels like home, reflecting the sense of belonging and community that made school such a special part of my childhood.
Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa. Let us keep close together, not wide apart.
This whakataukī highlights the importance of connection, relationships, and shared journeys. Strong school-whānau partnerships are key to student success and engagement, and being part of the Wairakei community brings excitement for the relationships, learning, and growth ahead.
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