Kaiapoi school moves away from open-plan classrooms
By local democracy reporter David Hill:
Kaiapoi’s oldest school is returning to traditional single-cell classrooms as it looks to the future.
Kaiapoi Borough School opened two new classrooms on Monday (November 6), on the eve of its 150 year anniversary celebrations on November 24.
Principal Hayden van Lent said two-thirds of the school had been rebuilt since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, giving the school a new look.
The new classrooms provided more space for roll growth, with the design going back to the more traditional single cell classrooms.
"We know it works well and it works for our tamariki and our community," van Lent said.
"They are exciting spaces and we still have the ability to be flexible."
Doors between the two classrooms could be opened up to use as one big space when needed and they were equipped with break-out rooms, wet spaces and electric windows.
The classrooms were a kitset design built by Fitzgerald Construction in Nelson.
Representatives from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tūāhuriri offered a blessing on Monday, and were joined by Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey and representatives from the Ministry of Education and Fitzgerald Construction.
Junior students also came to view their new classrooms, before moving in on Wednesday.
The school will be hosting an open day on Friday, November 24, to mark its 150th anniversary.
A mihi whakatau (formal welcome) will be held at 12pm, with lunch provided.
Lunch will be followed by school tours, the burying of a time capsule, a tree planting and the cutting of the cake in the hall.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.5% 1st December
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17.5% A week before Christmas
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33.3% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
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