Over the past 2 weeks, the year 9s have completed the annual STARS camp. This is the 9^th year that we have had a partnership with the Graeme Dingle Foundation who hugely subsidise the camp for all year 9 students to attend.

The main aim of the camp is to strengthen relationships and work on communication and teamwork in the students’ tutor classes and year group. Students are tested as they are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and attempt new tasks they have not always tried before and many times students overcome fears and boost their self-confidence from participating in these challenging activities.

Both weeks on camp were very successful and have reinforced peer relationships and enhanced the relationships the students have with their tutor teachers. Students were kept very busy continuously throughout the day and night and had a great break from technology! This year due to a Rahui being placed on the Hunua Ranges the classes were not able to tramp in and participated in some bush craft activities instead. The students enjoyed flax weaving, camp cooking and team building games.

Camp Idol was a hit as always with 9SL winning in week one and 9WD winning in week 2. We will be having a battle for the overall winner in a few weeks’ time. The year 9 students all learnt the school haka and performed it together with the help of the Peer Mentors. The energy that comes out in the performances is outstanding and shows that the students are proud to wear the Kotuku on their chests.

While attending camp is a big commitment from the tutor teachers, leaving their families and nice cosy beds, the students really appreciate it and they love to see their teachers joining in on activities and pushing themselves out of their comfort zones.

I would like to personally thank the teachers who came to camp, tutor teachers and the extra teachers who gave up their time. We would not be able to run the camps as smoothly as we do without their help and input. Bring on 2019!