To mark the end of term four last year, Onehunga Primary School organised a Green- Gold Enviroschool day, to celebrate their achievements so far, and reflect on their voyage as an accomplished Enviroschool.
Up and down the country, Enviroschools work to create a more sustainable, healthy, and caring environment for all. They adopt both Te Whāriki, and the NZ curriculum in their teachings. There are 1,100 Enviroschools nationwide, and 109 are Green-Gold holders - which is the top honour. Thirty-two are from the Auckland area, and Onehunga Primary is one of those dedicated few.
Two special facilitators from Auckland City Council attended the day of reflection. The representatives accompanied pupils to different locations, which were set up throughout the school. At each post, students shared inspiring stories, and spoke about their own personal experiences along the way. They discussed the key guiding principles of Enviroschools; empowering students, Maori perspectives, respect for diversity and cultures, learning for sustainability, and sustainable communities.
Those important principles were evident and identified at the school, and as a result their Green-Gold status was retained. Facilitator, Sandy Bell-Jameson, commented that she, “witnessed examples of great manaakitanga in the school”. This loosely translates to hospitality - which is a traditional Māori value of high regard.
Principal Viki Holley was proud of the devotion shown by the young learners. She says, “Achieving Green-Gold status is significant for our school. It marks the hard work of many who have contributed to this achievement, over the last few years, and especially this year. A big thank you to all students, staff, parents, and the Enviro team for this achievement.”
