Trading Zoom sessions for Sailing experience – Kauri Flats School hits the water!

As we all know all too well by now, Covid-19 alert level restrictions can be frustrating. In these uncertain times, wellbeing is of great importance – and keeping active is a great way to look after yourself!

Last year, Kauri Flats School launched an exciting kaupapa, with a specific focus on wellbeing. Inspired by Sir Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā framework.

Te Whare Tapa Whā was developed in 1984, and describes health and wellbeing as a wharenui/meeting house with four walls. These walls represent taha wairua/spiritual wellbeing, taha hinengaro/mental and emotional wellbeing, taha tinana/physical wellbeing and taha whānau/family and social wellbeing. These four attributes formed the basis for the programme launched by Kauri Flats School.

Operating in bubbles, the first activity was some bike riding – getting the tinana moving. Our Healthy Active Learning team were on hand to assist with many of the tasks, including orienteering – an activity that uses the mind to think of the best, and quickest, way to find markers!

Other parts of the activity included an outdoor picnic, Hungerball (which is always a hit!) as well as a unique sailing experience – coordinated by Maraetai Beach Sailing Club. This presented an opportunity for students to try something new, and connect with nature and get out on the water!

What made the sailing activity truly special? The fact that not only were students first time ‘sailors’ – they were presented a learning opportunity alongside their peers.

Kauri Flats School Deputy Principal Ezra Feau credits the sailing exercise for lifting student moral, and providing smiles on faces following an uncertain and often isolated learning period (in lockdown);

“Our children were very nervous as they had not been sailing before – however the facilities, coaches, optimists and all round safety of all our learners was phenomenal! The children came away from the experience blown away with skills they never knew they could have!”

Fear adds, “We noticed a decline in online learning engagement, particularly for our year 8 students – they have missed out on so many opportunities due to lockdowns. Without this activity, and the support from all involved, our children would have been stuck at home on yet another zoom – thank you!”

Learning how the various aspects of the onboard experience work - things like navigating the sea, tide and wind, was challenging - but overall was received well by all students.

Kauri Flats hauora journey to Maraetai Beach was made possible thanks to support by CLM Community Sport, Maraetai Beach Sailing Club and Drowning Prevention Auckland.