Our schools: Students train hard but have fun

BY GEMMA REDDELL

A Chopper Challenge encourages schools like Whangaparaoa Primary School to raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

The school has been learning about the role the helicopter plays in the community, as well as promoting health and fitness and goal setting, says Parents Friends Association vice-chairman Lee Tempest.

The Chopper Challenge project ran for one term, finishing with a fitness test based around the actual regime performed by the helicopter crew.

Mr Tempest says students participate in various activities such as a backpack walk, tug-o-war challenges and some stretcher carrying relays with a difference.

"Our children have been training hard and had lots of fun doing it," says Mr Tempest.

"The goal is to raise funds towards the purchase of a capital item of equipment, such as night vision goggles, a forward looking infra-red system, or similar."

The children get sponsorship from family and friends to complete the fitness test, and the top eight sponsored children receive a helicopter ride between school and the Mechanics Bay Rescue Helicopter base on December 8.

* * *

Kaukapakapa School enlisted the help of local artist Helen Beech to decorate their school water tanks.

Helen has entered the mural in this year's Resene Mural Masterpieces competition. She was second in the community mural section last year with her entry on the Shelly Beach store.

"I get inspired by everything around me - but especially by other artists, their work and the way they get there. I have to combine my art with my everyday life - working, teaching, kids, cooking, cleaning - and there is a certain level of frustration that comes from not painting often enough," she says.

Helen's blog is http://artforbreakfast.wordpress.com.

* * *

Tomarata School and Hibiscus Coast Schools Waterwise Society are two of 19 groups and individuals to receive financial assistance in the Mazda Foundation's latest funding round.

The school's $450 grant will buy 10 ukuleles to form a student ukulele group - teacher Ros Murphy says all children should learn a musical instrument.

The Hibiscus Coast School Waterwise Society also received funding of $6265
for a replacement rigid hull inflatable boat and out-board to accompany children participating in sailing lessons.

The current boat is beyond repair. The society is an affiliate of New Zealand Waterwise and aims to teach children basic water safety in a safe and controlled environment.

Other successful applications included funding for insulin pumps for two children with type 1 diabetes, youth grief and loss programmes, and the incubation of kiwi eggs for Project Kiwi Trust.

There are three closing dates each year for applications - the next is March 31.

Information, visit www.mazdafoundation.org.nz.

* * *

Whangaparaoa College year 7 and 8 students perform Sheik, Rattle 'n' Roll on Wednesday, November 25, and Thursday, November 26, both at 7pm, along with a Wednesday matinee at 10am.

Tickets adults $10, students and seniors $5, matinee $2. Contact the school.

- © Fairfax NZ News