OWAIRAKA DISTRICT SCHOOL CELEBRATE

If you haven't heard of Owairaka District School ... WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!  

I first met Principal Diana Tregoweth and BOT Trustee/Trainer Saga Frost at a CIH Presentation, held at Avondale Intermediate early in the year.  Before the end of the presentation they had indicated their interest in the project.  

It took a wee while to kick start the project out at Owairaka - they had a refurbishment project underway. However, as soon as we could, we hosted our Whanau evening at the school and it was very well attended. 
I love the rapport this school has built with its whanau.  There was lighthearted joking and many questions. There was a wonderful feeling of 'unity' in the room and so easily explained with the school's creed:  I can do it, you can do it and together we can achieve our goals.

Parents that participated in the Computers in Homes course also participated in Book of the Week by reading to a class within the school.  This was then recorded via digital media and became part of the graduation media presentation.  An excellent way for our whanau to use different forms of digital devices and report back!  

Graduation night was a splash of colour and lavishly set tables.  We were delighted to have Minister Jo Goodhew present, along with Di, to share encouragement and commendations through their kind words.  Absolutely must commend the Garden to Table programme in the school - the supper served was (for a large part) fresh from the school garden and cooked by student chefs!

Congratulations to our whanau at Owairaka District School.  Thank you Diana and thank you so much Saga - for welcoming us into the school and for continuing to engage our community out there.

Owairaka CIH Graduation 2013 - photo by Cara

Saga Frost, Minister Jo Goodhew and National Director Di Daniels - share an aside as they wait on the next recipient
Photo by Nikki Gemmell

   
  To see more of the photos taken on Graduation Night - please click HERE