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!
With 5 ½ years of teaching experience and a lifelong connection to Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, my passion for education has been shaped by growing up in a 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.
Now settling into life in Taupō with my husband, time is often spent exploring the region—enjoying hīkoi’s by the lake, swimming, fly-fishing, and camping. Dance has always been a huge part of my life, and rediscovering this passion as an adult has been an exciting journey.
My strengths as a Kaiako are in teaching The Arts, Hauora (Health), and Te Reo Māori. Creating Mana Ūkaipo—a sense of place and belonging—is at the heart of teaching, ensuring that every student takes pride in who they are and where they come from, allowing them to flourish.
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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