Building the tents was not easy — the poles were not cooperating, and the tents were literally bigger than us! Helping each other and laughing at the mistakes made it so much more fun. The best part? Every single tent stayed up all night!
I loved that I got to share tents with so many different groups of people." It really felt like whānau. Gossiping and hanging out in the tents at night was honestly one of my favourite parts — just being together and having each other's backs.
With tents standing proud, the fun really ramped up. Everyone jumped into a series of energetic team-building games designed to get people communicating, working together, and—most importantly—laughing. These activities set the tone for the teamwork and leadership that would shine throughout the whole camp.
I got hurt during one of the activities; I couldn't believe how many people came to check on me and make sure I was okay. Camp showed me that it's really important to look out for each other. Those moments meant more than any game!
As dusk fell, students explored the gully, then gathered to cook and eat s'mores before an action-packed game of Spotlight across the school grounds
I was pretty upset my best mate didn't make it to camp; honestly, I ended up making some awesome new friends. And toasting marshmallows over the fire? So yummy — I could have done that all night.
potlight was hands down the best thing. The parents were hunting us; I had the ultimate advantage — I knew every single hiding spot in the school. Children 1, parents 0. It wasn't even close.
Packing up tents the next morning proved much smoother the second time around! The day continued with village activities including Tug of War, Human Knot, and Capture the Flag. In the kitchen, some budding chefs whipped up French toast and pancakes — generously smothered in golden syrup, of course.
Throughout the camp rotations, the group really stepped up as leaders, supporting and guiding younger tamariki with confidence and care. The two days wrapped up with a camp movie and games, a perfect ending.
Tug of War was AMAZING. Beating the other team easily. The key was working together and communicating — the moment everyone pulled at the same time, they had no chance. Teamwork wins every time.
Beyond the fun and laughter, resilience grew whenever things didn’t go quite to plan. Leadership strengthened through teamwork, and critical thinking skills were tested during every challenge. It was an absolutely wonderful experience, and we couldn’t be prouder of how everyone embraced the adventure
Making lunch for everyone was so cool. I loved being in charge of the French toast — you have to wait for just the right moment to flip it, and when you nail it, it's so satisfying. Watching everyone eat something I made was the best feeling!
Fostering a love for learning begins with an environment where every student feels valued, challenged, and inspired. With a focus on high achievement, engaging experiences, and strong relationships, classrooms become spaces where curiosity thrives.
A passion for education drives a commitment to ensuring that all students, each with their own unique strengths and learning journeys. Believing that with support and encouragement, all students will reach their full potential. High expectations, paired with an understanding of emotional regulation and individual learning styles, create opportunities for success in and beyond the classroom.Extensive experience in Wairakei’s unique rural school setting has shaped a deep appreciation for community connections and the role they play in student growth. Whether through hands-on learning, collaborative projects, or memorable experiences, every moment in my classroom is designed to spark enthusiasm, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.
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