Younger runners were first on the course, covering 850 metres in Year 1 and 2 and 1050 metres in Year 3. Straight off the line and into the paddock, plenty of determined faces pushed through the bumpy ground to reach the finish.
The hardest part was running fast.
I told myself to not stop running
The end was hard because of all the bumps. The start was the best because it was flat.
The hardest part was running around the entire paddock because it was quite big.
I found it hard running through the long grass.
Senior students followed. Year 4 ran 1050 metres, while Year 5 and 6 tackled the 1900 metre course across the farm paddock. The longer distance and tougher terrain called for pacing and persistence, with runners digging in for the final stretch.
My plan changed partway through because I was planning to run the whole way. I started walking at the hill so I wouldn't drain all of my energy.
I was thinking to myself, "Why can't this hill be over yet?" By the end, I was proud of myself for coming second.
My advice to a younger student is to not waste all your energy by going fast at the start - you will lose all your energy.
Whānau turned out in numbers, wrapped up and lining the course from start to finish. Calls of encouragement carried across the paddock as runners passed, with plenty of cheering at the finish line. Runners pushed through hills, mud and tired legs, kept going by familiar faces along the way.
Quite a rural course, true to Wairakei. The kids were excited to run. My advice to parents: bring your gumboots and warm layers.
Pacing, listening for instructions and supporting classmates all came into play. Managing a body over uneven ground, deciding when to push and when to ease off, gave every runner something to work through on their own terms.
Te Rau o Te Huia took out the overall Whare-Tiaki of the day.
A massive thank you to Sue Maclean for your continued support with sporting events and Mark Miers for allowing us to use his farm.
Passion, creativity, and belonging. Three words that shape the learning experience and create a classroom where students feel inspired to explore, grow, and express themselves.
Classrooms thrive when students are encouraged to ask questions, engage in hands-on learning, and discover their interests in meaningful ways. Whether through storytelling, art, or interactive projects, creativity is woven into every lesson to make learning both engaging and memorable.
A strong focus on literacy helps students become confident, independent learners, while creative approaches foster self-expression and problem-solving. In a supportive and dynamic environment, students are empowered to take risks, embrace challenges, and develop a sense of belonging within the school community.
Outside the classroom, time spent playing the guitar, crafting, painting, or exploring the outdoors inspires new ideas and possibilities, which are brought back to the classroom to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in students.
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