NATURE TIME

“We want to restart people caring about the environment … through adventure, through participation, through education and through enjoyment.” – Sir Peter Blake.

Every fortnight, most classes from years zero to four spend time with Mrs Bier in nature. Our goal is for our students to develop a lifelong love of nature so that they will care about looking after nature, now and in the future.

Our nature time includes visiting our school native bush area, Te Wāhi Whakatupu Rākau; creative junk play in our bush play area; spending some time exploring our school gardens; and other activities learning about our natural environment.

Our students love being outside and this time helps to develop skills of creativity, problem-solving, co-operation, and resilience. Research shows that spending time in nature is good for mental wellbeing and helps concentration and focus when back in class.

On Tuesday the 2nd of July the Enviro Group walked to Manutewhau-Moire Park to take part in our school Adopt-A-Park session for Term 3. The students learnt about pest animals and then completed a Pest Detectives activity to locate tracking tunnels and identify animal tracks. Afterwards they did a rubbish cleanup and then enjoyed the playground before walking back to school. We were lucky to have fantastic weather for the day! Thank you to Kim and Anna from Auckland Council for teaching us and to our parent helpers who made the trip possible. Ka pai everyone!

The Enviro Group 2025 are a group of 17 Year 4 to Year 8 students who have shown their interest in learning about and protecting our natural environment, including taking action through leadership, collaboration and teaching others what they have learnt.

Here are some photos of some of the group working with some Massey High School students on their project to make and install bird seed feeders.