Thank you!!!
Several days a week, members of the Rotary Club of Tawa visit Linden School to support a special group of students—children who are learning to read. Among them are students from immigrant families, where English is not the primary language at home, making it difficult to practise reading outside the classroom. Others simply benefit from a little extra encouragement to build their confidence and literacy skills.
During these sessions, Rotary members work one-on-one with students, typically spending 15 minutes with each child over a 45-minute to one-hour visit. These moments are about more than just reading; they help build literacy, confidence, and meaningful connections. The children look forward to their time together, and the joy is mutual—our volunteers cherish these sessions just as much.
Earlier this week, Rotary Club of Tawa President Pat Waite and long-time educator Judith Havill visited the school to donate 20 Rotary dictionaries to some year 6 students.
These dictionaries are more than just books—they’re tools for empowerment, helping students overcome language barriers and explore the richness of the English language in a fun and engaging way.
A touching moment came from the school’s office manager, who shared that her 17-year-old daughter still treasures the Rotary dictionary she received when she was in Year 6.
This project is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive.
The Rotary Dictionary
Launched in 2008 by Bill Boyd, past Rotary International President, and his wife Lorna, the Rotary Dictionary Project provides illustrated dictionaries to Year 4 students in low-decile schools across New Zealand and the Pacific. Through the Bill and Lorna Boyd Charitable Trust, over 250,000 dictionaries have been distributed, promoting literacy and learning at home and in classrooms. The project reflects Boyd’s lifelong commitment to education and Rotary’s mission to support literacy worldwide.
We have donated these dictionaries for many years now to Linden and other Tawa schools. Bill, who promoted Literacy as an international project, has recently died, but his legacy lives on with the children who have his dictionaries.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.8% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11.2% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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