In a heart-warming display of collaboration and community spirit, three rural schools, Tangowahine, Tangiteroria, and Waiotira recently came together for a special 'play' day. The event, hosted at Tangowahine School, aimed to provide their tamariki (children) with a unique opportunity to engage with peers from neighbouring schools and foster lasting connections.

Nick Green, a dedicated teacher from Tangiteroria School, expressed the excitement shared by everyone involved "we enjoy these small group activities because they bring our kids closer to different children from other schools".  Given the schools' proximity and the presence of cousins attending different schools, the play day created a genuine bond among the students. Small rural schools often miss out on larger town events due to their size and location, making this collaborative initiative even more important.

The power of play was evident to all participants. Not only does it exercise young minds, but it also encourages cooperation and teamwork. Nick highlighted the significance of this aspect, particularly in small schools with mixed-grade classrooms. Students frequently help and learn from one another across different levels, reinforcing the value of collaboration in their education.

 

Jess Southee, the Principal of Waiotira School, shared her perspective on the day's significance. "Being a small rural school, we recognized the immense value of meeting with Tangowahine and Tangiteroria".  Waiotira School's limited student population meant that play opportunities within their own year groups were constrained. The collaborative play day offered their children a chance to interact and engage with peers of the same age, broadening their social circles and experiences.

Furthermore, this special day allowed everyone to showcase their unique resources and establish networks for future collaborations. Sharing resources and expertise among schools not only strengthens educational opportunities but also ensures that every child feels included and has a chance to participate. By providing a wide range of activities and choices, each child could find something they felt comfortable doing and enjoyed playing alongside their peers.

Huw Wainwright, Principal at Tangowahine School, emphasized the significance of such collaborations saying, "We want to re-establish and strengthen these connections between amazing small schools".  He values that for the students, it was an opportunity to engage, have fun, and learn from shared experiences. The play aspect was particularly important in providing a sense of safety and comfort, enabling successful transitions back to school, especially considering recent weather-related challenges.

Looking ahead, the schools envision reciprocating the process, with each school hosting a similar event in the future. By regularly engaging in these joint activities, students will build personal relationships while teachers foster professional connections, strengthening the bonds within the community.

The enthusiasm and engagement displayed by the children throughout the day serve as a testament to the countless benefits of play. Huw Wainwright proudly reflected on the achievements of the first 'play' day, emphasizing the importance of taking that initial step and turning ideas into action.

The Principals and teachers of Tangowahine, Tangiteroria, and Waiotira schools have shown the power of collaboration, proving that together, they can provide unique educational experiences and create a vibrant and inclusive community for their tamariki.