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Banner image: A vibrant learning environment for the whole school community.
What does an Enviroschool look like? That’s the thing – each one is unique and has its own journey. If someone was to ask me that question, I would tell them to take a walk around Pirongia School, you will see it, but more importantly you will feel it, says Sara Taylor, Enviroschools facilitator.
[Pirongia School], you are a shining light for others who are at the beginning of their journey, and an inspirational example of what can happen when a small seed is planted and allowed the time to be nurtured, so that continues to bloom as each ākonga and kaiako add their own unique perspective to a thriving kaupapa.” – Sara Taylor, Enviroschools facilitator.
Early Term 4 in 2024, saw Pirongia School community come together to share, celebrate and reaffirm their commitment to the Enviroschools kaupapa. The Holistic Reflection Day began with a mihi whakatau welcoming Enviroschools Facilitators, Regional and District Council Representatives and Councillors, and members of community groups that have been supporting learning.
Ākonga tell their stories about the local biodiversity.
The great thing about Enviroschools Reflection celebrations is that it brings the whole community together, including representatives of groups and organisations that have been instrumental in building knowledge for specific engagement and ensuring that actions taken are locally relevant, with expert support. It is a culmination of thoughtful reflection using the lens of the Enviroschools kaupapa to ask, listen, understand and share, in ways that are tamariki centric and help investigate the impact and quality of their learning and actions and affirmation that they are making a difference.
Kelly Bicknel has been Principal at Pirongia School for 4 years and in her speech to the gathered school and guests talked about her vision and observations.
“One of the things I love most about our school is the incredible sense of student empowerment. It’s not uncommon for students to approach me with comments like, ‘Mrs. Bicknell, we’ve noticed…’ But they don’t stop there – they follow up with thoughtful suggestions for changes, new ideas, or improvements based on their observations. This level of ownership and initiative is something I’m incredibly proud of. It reflects the strong sense of pride and belonging our students have in Pirongia School – our school, our place.”
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- The sharing shed is a place to leave surplus so that others can benefit.
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- Worm farming: Some of the detail of all the sustainable actions in the school community captured in a large mural painted by students.
A particular strength of this kura is their connection with their community and their place, with all children through their time at school learning on, about and for Pirongia maunga, including working with Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society.
Pikia tō tātou Maunga: This kōhatu has journeyed from the foothills of the maunga, Pirongia to Whatiwhatihoe where King Tawhiao resided and then across the awa, Waipa to rest at the kura as a symbol of the learning journey over 150 years.
The Holistic Reflection process was a joyful, authentic celebration allowing students and kaiako to pause and reflect on all the sustainable initiatives happening at Pirongia School. This has seeded ideas for further growth and exploration and affirmed the value of and commitment to their unique journey of sustainability.
