| Hibiscusmatters | February 3, 201614

children’s theatre, parties & performing art classes

If your child loves to performcome to the BEST!

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www.peachesandpickles.netwww.solemovement.co.nz

PIANO • MUSIC • DANCE • SINGING ACTING • FILM MAKING • ADULT CLASSES • DRAMA + DANCE EXAMS

Taking enrolments for 2016 NOWbe part of our amazing STARLIGHT EXPRESS show

Exhibitions 06 - 28 FebruaryOpening Saturday, 06 Oct, 3-5pmTutors - ‘Antipodes’ - Katrina Bennett - Waitangi

Art Classes StartingMeet the tutors, Sat 06 Feb from 3 to 5pm

Ceramics - PrintmakingPainting - Life-drawingMosaics - DrawingKid’s after school classesWeekend workshops

214B Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa | 09 4265570 | www.estuaryarts.org

Back2schoolSchools are re-evaluating their outdoor education programmes in light of new legislation, which takes effect on April 4.

Health and safety changes have principals concernedHowever the two local principals spoken to by Hibiscus Matters are determined that the requirements, which come down hard on principals, will not stop them from offering outdoor education and physical challenges to their students.The new Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) is part of a reform package aimed at reducing the number of serious work-related injuries and deaths in New Zealand by at least 25 per cent by 2020.While there is agreement on the intent of the Act, educators are concerned at the impacts it could have on school sports, camps and other outdoor activities.If accidents happen, the responsibility will fall squarely on the shoulders of the principals who could face fines of up to $600,000 or five years imprisonment, which they can’t insure themselves against.Principals Federation president Denise Torrey is quoted as saying that teachers should be safe from punishment if they follow good procedures. But she said the mere possibility of stiff penalties could have a chilling effect.“There is a whole list of things that could be potentially curtailed because people become risk-averse. And that’s a risk – that we become so risk-averse that we wrap our children and our staff in cotton

wool and they can’t do anything.”Other educators have called for more clarity about the law changes, while others are concerned about the extra administration that will be involved.Whangaparaoa College principal James Thomas describes the requirements as “unnerving” but says the school will retain its outdoor programme.“We plan carefully and have procedures in place when situations might be of concern and when accidents happen. The Ministry of Education and Worksafe NZ assure us that continuing with good practice is all that is required. However, it is rather unnerving that accidents may lead to huge personal fines or even prison.”Mr Thomas says the college will continue to provide a full range of physical activities, sports, outdoor education, Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) and allow its adventure playground to be enjoyed.“These types of activities are part of what it means to grow up in NZ and it helps teenagers learn about risk and how to assess situations,” Mr Thomas says. “A considerable volume of checklists and resources are being provided by the Ministry, WorkSafe and others in relation to the new legislation. I hope that the compliance requirements do not detract from the

energy and focus on our core business of teaching and learning.”Orewa College principal Kate Shevland says that thorough risk analysis planning is done prior to any EOTC activity being approved. “We do not intend to cut our EOTC activities,” she says. “The challenge is deciding what it means to have taken every practicable step to ensure safety. In the case of a serious accident, this will be tested in the courts and interpreted for each situation.”She says that flow on effects will be seen in areas such as the Gateway programme, which involves supervised work placements and gaining industry qualifications. “It is not yet clear who is ultimately responsible in the case of accidents in those situations – the school or the employer.”

WorkSafe NZ chief executive Gordon MacDonald says that the new legislation should not get in the way of schools providing outdoor education.“It’s important to remember schools already have duties under the current Health and Safety in Employment Act,” Mr MacDonald says. “The new Act is not designed to curtail activities but to ensure those who have responsibility for the creation of risk have considered that risk and taken reasonably practical steps to address it.”He says just because an incident occurs does not mean that a principal or anyone else will be prosecuted. “WorkSafe is notified of 3500 serious harms a year and takes about 100 prosecutions. This action is only for the most serious cases.”

Mixed reviews for free school milkStanmore Bay School is reducing the amount of free milk it offers pupils starting this term. Principal Carol Abley says that one reason is that although the programme started very well (in February 2014), since then demand has dropped until there are very few children drinking it. In some classes, only two out of 26 children want the milk. She says another factor is increasing amounts of litter. Fonterra supply bins for the empty 200ml packs, which are sent overseas for recycling, however Carol says the packs are also being thrown around the school. Feedback was sought from parents and as a result milk is being offered to the juniors (Year 1 and 2) only this year. If there is demand, other classes may be added. Fonterra introduced its nationwide free Milk for Schools in 2013.

February 3, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters | 15

CERTIFICATE IN ROAD TRANSPORT13 week programme in the

Whangaparaoa Peninsula area Starts February 16, $1400 incl GST

Eligible for student support.

For more info 0800 162 100 or visit www.northtec.ac.nz

With the education wing now completed and in use, Estuary Arts Centre manager Kim Boyd says that this term the hard work begins of making the new facility a buzzing and effective place for learning and participating in art and wellbeing classes.

NorthTec educational courseds on offer locally include road transport, trades painting, and Te Reo Maori and there is still time to enrol.The Certificate in Road Transport (Level 3) is being offered in the Whangaparaoa Peninsula area (at a location in Manly still to be finalised) and provides students with the skills required to enter the transport industry as a career. The programme offers two strands – one in commercial transport, which includes the Class 2 licence and relevant endorsements, the other with a focus on passenger service.The level 2 Certificate in Painting (Trade) is fees-free to students of any age and teaches all the basic entry-level industry skills. This programme is based in Orewa.NorthTec also offers two Maori language programmes, taught at Te Herenga Waka marae, 2A Blue Gum Avenue, Silverdale.Te Pōkaitahi Ngāpuhi-Nui-Tonu is an introductory, intensive programme

New classes include learning ceramics with Roy Burgoyne.

Creative New Year begins at Estuary Arts Centre

This month the main gallery will feature art by Estuary’s group of tutors who will be teaching in the Term 1 and 2 Arts Education Programme. Kim says that the exhibition’s opening on February 6, (3pm– 5pm) will be a great opportunity for the public to talk to the tutors and find out more about what they offer before deciding which class to sign up for. Kim says the aim of the arts education programme is to provide high quality classes with a small tutor to student ratio. Options include life drawing, beginners’ ceramics (with Roy Burgoyne), textile art (quilting and embroidery), mosaics, printmaking and fictional writing.All tutors are either trained art teachers and/or artists. Elaine Matthews Venter is a trained arts therapist who will be coordinating the therapeutic ‘Creating Happiness’ class. Life Drawing tutur Alan Croggan comes to the centre with a wealth of experience, having taught for many years at Hungry Creek.Children’s after school classes offer opportunities to explore new mediums and advanced methods. Weekend workshops will be linked

with the exhibition programme – so, in March while the Artful Fashion exhibition is running there will be artist talks including Jeff Thomson, Bev Goodwin and Kim Boyd and a workshop by Storm MacKraken on chainmail making. Info: the programme is at www.estuaryarts.org, phone Estuary Arts Centre on 426 5570 or visit the centre in Western Reserve, Orewa.

Study options close to homethat focuses on key aspects of language skills, including  waiata, history, tikanga marae, whakapapa and basic conversational Māori.Te Pōkairua Ngāpuhi-Nui-Tonu is a more advanced programme that enables students to speak confidently in formal and informal situations, and provides a further understanding of both language and tikanga.Info: phone 0800 162 100, or www.northtec.ac.nz Learning to swim isn’t just an

activity it is an essential life skill!

09 421 9700 www.northernarena.co.nz

Northern Arena, 8 Polarity Rise, Silverdale.cnr Whangaparaoa Rd & Hibiscus Coast Highway

2012-2015

SWIMNew Zealand

SCHOOLOF THE YEAR

A standard of excellence in swim teaching unrivalled by any other learn to swim school in New Zealand

Can your child swim and survive?

| Hibiscusmatters | February 3, 201616

Our aim is to provide a loving, caring, safe environment where each child is encouraged to explore and discover the

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2 to 6 year olds • 8.15am to 3.30pm • Morning/afternoon sessions and full days We follow the child’s interests infl uenced by the Reggio Emilia project approach

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Fresh foodwith Trudi Nelsontrudi@fresh.co.nz

Lunchbox inspirationHere are some back-to-school breakfast and lunchbox ideas to suit food lovers, vegetarians, fussy eaters and even morning grouches as the kids start trickling back to school.We need to start our day with a decent breakfast. Think about the morning meal like this: no food in 10+ hours so you need a boost to recharge the system and get set for an active day ahead.Who says that breakfast needs to be traditional? Morning nutrition comes in many forms. Here are our fresh ideas for school day brekkies: y Toasted cheese on wholegrain or gluten-free bread. Serve with wedges of fresh summery tomatoes or slices of Granny Smith apple. Fresh berries and a mug of chicken noodle soup for the hungrier ones.

y A grunty, multigrain cereal is full of fibre and protein with enough carbohydrates to keep you firing until lunchtime. Add raisins, diced apricots, dried cranberries or nuts as well as milk, soy or almond milk or yoghurt.

y A muesli bar and juice is great for on the run, but what about a homemade breakfast wrap to be eaten in the back seat? Lettuce, cherry tomatoes, ham or chicken, feta or grated cheese, even quickly scrambled egg folded into a favourite wrap. Try bacon or leftover sliced sausages from last night’s dinner.

y Fresh fruit has both fibre and carbs. To add the protein that helps kids last longer, make a smoothie using fruit, chia seeds, tofu, peanut butter or almond milk.

Lunchbox tips y Mini kebabs of cheese cubes and fruit, such as cheddar and apple chunks. Grapes go nicely with diced ham. Party-like too for a fussy eater.

y Not everyone loves sandwiches. Cinnamon toast, a bagel or crumpet with cream cheese are delicious cold too.

y Leftover pizza slices are great for lunchboxes y Some classrooms now offer microwaves so pack a slice of last night’s mash or a rice snack bowl – ideal for the GF child. Lasagna or chicken can be zapped in the microwave, ready in minutes.

y In lunchbox compartments offer carrots, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, grapes, cheesesticks, whole strawberries or scroggin.

y Pancakes or omelettes rolled and sliced thickly are also great, filled with cheese or fruit.

We thrash this banana loaf recipe, it’s always a winner:

Delicious banana loaf1¾ cup self raising flour¼ tsp baking soda¼ tsp salt½ cup raw sugar2 eggs¼ cup trim milk¼ cup rice bran oil1 cup or more of mashed ripe bananasSift flour, baking soda and salt into a bowl, mix in sugar. In another bowl, beat eggs, stir in milk, oil and banana. Mix quickly into dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Pour into a greased loaf tin. Bake at 180°C for 40-50 mins or until it springs back. Cool, slice and enjoy.

nineteen december3pm & 7pm show

whangaparaoa college auditoriumadult $25 | child/senior $15

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Come & join the Dance Dimensions Family. We specialize in Hip Hop, Street Funk, Lyrical & Contemporary, Dance Crew & awesome performance

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nineteen december3pm & 7pm show

whangaparaoa college auditoriumadult $25 | child/senior $15

THE RHYTHM OF LIFE

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www.dancedimensions.co.nz | Ph 09 426 4888silverdale@dancedimensions.co.nz

262a Whangaparaoa Rd • academyoflearningltd@gmail.com Phone Heather: 09 426 6772 • Colette: 021 264 1705

Heather Edwards – Director, TTC (Dist), AdvDipTchg, BEd, MEdAdminColette Bazen – Director, Accredited STEPS Tutor

February 3, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters | 17

Dynamic Martial Arts

Get fit • Have fun • Learn something newA club with something for everyone

Silverdale Training Centre, Agency Lane, SilverdalePh 021 214 7204 • www.dynamic.org.nz

Classes for 4 years upwards

Homebased Education and Care

Looking for Educarer’s in Whangaparaoa and Helensville areas. Childcare spaces lling fast, contact us ASAP • Flexible and affordable careSafety is a priority • People always come rstFantastic weekly playgroups and more....

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Contact us now! 09 424 2499Andrea 0274 770 889 or Wisia 0274 641 331

Epic MoviesEpic MoviesEpic Movies Sat 19th MAR Sat 20th Feb

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join us for Epic Movies at The Plaza! bring your family,

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The Epic Burger lounge add a meal, seat and touch of class to your

movie for just $15 per person! Like us on Facebook

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ContaCt Us: www.the-plaza.co.nz Phone: 09 424 4100 • Fax: 09 424 7500 6 Main street, Whangaparaoa 0932

Dairy Flat School is taking nothing for granted when it comes to teaching children about growing their own fresh food.

Front, from left, Kaitlin Lucas and Holly Druce and Vincent Baldwin (back) harvest the first potatoes from the Dairy Flat School gardens.

Students reap what they sow in Dairy Flat School gardens

Although at a rural school you might expect children to have a little experience of home grown food or food production, principal Debbie Marshall says that’s not always the case.“Even though many families are from lifestyle blocks, there is quite a bit of variation in how much they know about plants and growing food,” she says.Debbie says the school has always had an environmental focus but last year it was rejuvenated, with gardens created next to classrooms where the children, staff and parents could enjoy them.The school’s worm bins were also revitalised, providing plenty of plant food.Pupils were involved in ideas for creative garden design, and how to make gardens without a lot of space – this included planting into recycled plastic bottles and mounting them on a wall, and turning pallets into vertical gardens.“The idea was to make the gardens in a central place where there would be more engagement with them, and that has worked well,” Debbie says. “We wanted to imagine how people can make gardens when they live in an urban environment without a large plot of land so many of the gardens used wall space.”

A project that encourages healthy eating at Red Beach School will be the result of a $2000 grant received from Nestlé last December. The grant is part of the company’s Be Healthy, Be Active initiative. Sheena Hendon, Wellness Manager for Nestlé NZ said she is excited to see how Red Beach School will use their grant. Teacher Sinead Heckett says the project will fit in nicely with this year’s ‘nurture our nature’ focus. “We would like to use the grant to extend our school garden to include a mini orchard and to purchase several items for food technology that our kids can use in the kitchen,” she says. Pictured are Sheena Hendon of Nestlé NZ, left, with teacher Sinead Heckett and Year 4 Red Beach School students.

Learning about the connection between garden and kitchen was also important, with the children making salads, wraps and stirfries from produce grown at school.Many of the plants were annuals and they were taken home at the end of last term or left to tough it out over the summer.The gardens will be replanted this term, with some of the new plants grown from seeds harvested by the children.This year the focus will be on insects in the garden.Debbie says the school believes it’s important to teach children about growing their own food.“There’s a lot more awareness of that, especially after those imported berries with Hepatitis A,” she says.

| Hibiscusmatters | February 3, 201618

Wednesdays 9.30am–2.30pmTerm 1 starts February 17 – April 7 The Art Lab, Whangaparaoa Hall

8 weeks – $360 Tutor Heather Matthews BFA, MBE

Phone 428 5495 or 027 390 8578

If you are looking for quality home-based childcare in

the Hibiscus Coast, Rodney and the North shore, then look no further.

Great educational programme Small ratios • 20 hours free

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Mums, do you want to earn money while being at home

with your little one? Get in touch to find out about working with us!

Contact Carolyn 027 208 6747 or kiwikidzhomebased.co.nz

Licensed by Ministry of Education * WINZ subsidies * 20 hours Free ECE for over 3’s

Talk to us about your childcare needs

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• Your child with a maximum of three others at an Educator’s home• Nanny at your home• Support for Grandparents or Relatives who look after your child

New opportunities are being offered to young people on the Hibiscus Coast – in particular the one in 10 youth who are unemployed or those who have left school without NCEA Level 2 qualifications.

Despite this being its busiest time of year, Orewa Beach has remained reasonably free of rubbish. Last month the Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre did one of its beach cleanups – a task it undertakes two or three times each year. Marketing and programmes coordinator Dan Brady says they found it surprisingly clean. Around 30 young people (aged five to 12) who are taking part in the centre’s holiday programme, filled one black polythene bag with the rubbish they found. Plastic items such as bags, soda bottles and lids were found as well as scooter parts, and even car mats. The clean up took around one hour.

Forward thinking to upskill Hibiscus Coast youth

Finding pathways into training or work for disengaged youth has become a national focus for policy makers and training institutes, and there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration when looking for solutions. Coast Youth Community Trust (CYC) director Allan Robertson says that the biggest, most obvious factor for youth on the Hibiscus Coast is that there is nowhere locally, apart from school, where they can earn Level 2 NCEA credits and prepare for employment.CYC Trust is offering a solution to this problem. Through funding provided by the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board to support the Youth Connections programme, the Trust will start a ‘learning hub’ called Forward with Direction (FWD).This is a free, 32-week course for

16–24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training. Topics that will be covered include numeracy, literacy, computing, life skills and budgeting (made available through NorthTec).Each student who successfully completes the course will achieve NCEA Level 2. In addition, the FWD programme will incorporate work experience and endeavour to find employment for the young people involved.Allan says the Trust is excited to bring this new initiative to the Coast.The programme, which starts this month (February 29), caters for 15 students. Applications close on February 19.To find out more, or apply to take part, contact Josh Port, Youth Connections Coordinator, email fwd@cyctrust.org.nz or ph 09 972 5759 or 027 615 1117.