The school year is well and truly underway and students and teachers have settled into the routines of school.

The Camps were a great way to start the year and on the camp week we had Year 7 & 8 students at Tangihua Lodge and Year 9 students and Year 11 Duke of Edinburgh Camp on Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands. The Year 13 students accompanied both camps and they worked really well with the younger students and developed bonds and their leadership skills.

Camps are an integral part of what we do at Huanui College and some of the benefits of camps are as follows:

Children develop their social skills - Most activities at camp involve team work, which is great to strengthen established friendships and also to develop new friendships by connecting with children they don’t regularly talk with at school. Through activities, children develop supportive relationships not only with different children, but also with their teachers. At camp, children have the opportunity to learn about acceptance, caring and understanding.

Development of independence skills - For many children school camp is their first time away from family and home for a few nights. This is a great opportunity for kids to grow up by learning how take care of themselves and to do things on their own. Most kids do rise to the challenge and learn to rely on themselves when they spend time away from home.

Development of decision-making skills - Supervising teachers are not able to hover over each child all the time, so at camp, children are responsible for making more of their own choices.

Increase environmental awareness - Children become more aware of the environment, develop outdoor skills and an appreciation for nature.

Learn new skills – Children will be exposed to a range of activities that they may not have tried before. When away from their parents, children are often more adventurous and willing to try new things.

Both camps delivered these benefits and more to our children and thanks should go to the teachers and parents that went to camp and special recognition of the hard work that Mr Towey, Mr Dodd and Ms Cebalo did in organising and running the Camps.

Back at School our Year 12 students completed their peer mentor training day and Ms Evans is really impressed with the leadership that is developing in this year’s Year 12 students.

Students have adjusted well to the new form classes and times and if you have any queries about your child either academically or socially, your child’s form teacher should be the first point of contact.

The junior school is taking shape and the positive education classes have been going well with students taking part in the activities with enthusiasm. Each week we focus on a different aspect of positive education and this week it is “Enthusiasm”.

The school year has started positively and it is great to see so many students enjoying their time at school.

Peter Ackers – Principal

Congratulations to Tyla Bowering, Ruby Reed and Te Oneroa Poutai-Watts for their successful completion of the Blue Light Life Skills camp run by the NZDF - Army, Navy and Airforce, along with Police and Blue Light from 13 - 17 February 2017 at Moirs Point, Mangawhai.