This term we have been looking at the local community and ways that we can support it. We decided we wanted to take action to help others because we are very lucky, have people who care for us, and a home to live in.

Sue Van Schreven, who founded Orphan Aid, came to talk to us about her project that all started in Queenstown. We then formed ideas of how to raise money. We felt strongly that our community was well organised and wanted to help our global community, as we are all responsible for the care of others.

We emailed lots of companies and they helped us by supplying things such as baking, coffee beans and cookies. We hired a coffee caravan and a barista, and sold coffee to passers-by, teachers, and hot chocolate to students.

We also set up a fair trade shop in our classroom. We were open for one day only and invited all the classes to buy soaps, pre-loved books, bracelets, chocolate and much more. Our SVA team also made a roster and baked some treats to sell too. We also sold our old toys, books, and even made things to sell! We all have learned to knit and have nearly finished our first blanket!

In just one week, we raised an amazing sum of over $2600.

The project was a huge success. My class looked at many ways of giving back to the community – Soup kitchen, redistributing food about to be chucked from supermarkets; however, they finally settled on an art installation. The children looked at many locations that were important in the community before settling on a place that is a second home to many of the students – Coronet peak! From then on the project came into its own. The student found that many of their roles interlinked and that teamwork were essential to completing tasks. Because we were not busy enough, it was also suggested that we re-carpet our whole classroom during this time. For this, we used the roles and responsibilities that we got from School kit. Both projects were absolutely fantastic and the children expressed them as being highlights of their year. I am grateful for guidelines, structure and igniters that the School kit offered. I highly recommend this to other teachers.