Back in June 2024, a simple planning kōrero between Raurimu Principal Celia, TTK mentors, and Sport Northland’s Healthy Active Learning School Connector took place discussing the learning potential of infusing Physical Activity Leadership (PAL) into an exciting term kaupapa, involving TTK Kaimahi coming into the school and mentoring students by using basketball as the tool of engagement, through students’ passion of sport. The gold nugget within this collaboration was how fast everyone moved on an idea to create sustainability through a bigger picture focus for the students. 

Originally TTK mentors were in school to do their basketball kaupapa, with TTK mentors also supporting senior students with PAL (Physical Activity Leaders) and kaiako who assisted with developing the skill of planning with the PAL group on a Friday to roll out the game the following week.   Kaiako Whaea Monique said she was blown away by the leadership learnings that students were displaying when she saw the PALs in action following their mentorship with TTK. “We are noticing tamariki take the mentors teachings and leadership style and apply them when they do the games with their peers” (Whaea Monique). Celia said “TTK bought their positive vibes and sporting abilities to nurture the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of our ākonga.”

Integrating PAL meant the TTK team created a sustainable approach by the end of their time with Raurimu School, and although the mentoring programme came to an end, the PAL kaupapa is ongoing. 

During their time at Raurimu, TTK noticed a significant improvement in the behaviours and attitude of the students, from watching and observing, to taking control of games during lunchtime and becoming leaders of the school. Students were having fun and trying new things while developing skills which make great leaders. The PAL group have planning session on Fridays with Whaea Monique, to plan their activities for the following week.

Having different agencies share ideas, planning, working together and importantly support from school kaiako jumping on board as well, created a rich and ongoing learning for the students at Raurimu, showing gold can often be achieved through collaboration.

Check out the student PAL handbook that helped frame this kaupapa from Sport Bay of Plenty, the Facilitator handbook and a story in the Onerahi Orbit who shared a story written by Tumuaki Celia here.

Article written by Celia Paul, Raurimu School Principal and Sam Tracey, Healthy Active Learning School Connector