Our student councilors, aided by our year 4-6 class (and the rest of the school whanau) planned to raise money to start a school garden. Our school Maraeroa is named after our area where a woman was known for hospitality from her maara roa (long garden). The students did research around the name origin story, linked to our school’s 50th jubilee. It was there that the seed of developing our very basic garden beds into a school garden with both edible and native plants. Our students then worked towards a cushion concert and mini gala which was held on Monday 11 December. We presented a wee concert of singing items from each class and our school band following this we had a sausage sizzle, cake stall, kids’ Christmas craft and raffle stalls. We managed to raise $2000 to get the garden underway, as well as have a fantastic evening with our school whanau. The kids were really proud of how their involvement contributed to the success of the event. Win, win, win!