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16 May 2023, 8:33 AM
Primary and intermediate teachers are preparing to attend the Enviroschools Regional Road Trip next week in Whanganui – the first to be held since the Covid pandemic began.
Fifty-one teachers from across the region have registered to attend on Tuesday which features visits to two Enviroschools - Whanganui Intermediate School and Brunswick School. Horizons Regional Council senior environmental educator and Enviroschools regional coordinator Sarah Williams says hui give teachers an opportunity to connect with each other, learn something new, and leave feeling inspired. “The last time regional road trip was more than five years ago so this is a special opportunity for teachers after a few tough years navigating Covid to reconnect, and we are excited by the amount of interest. “The theme for this road trip is reflection and celebration, which is a huge part of the Enviroschools kaupapa – small achievements over time create huge impacts.” The day will start at Whanganui Intermediate School, who will talk about their Forest School and integrated curriculum programme called Te Ao Hurihuri, Ms Williams says. “Teachers will then onto Brunswick School. The school will share their experience of their journey to sustainability and how it is now embedded into their school charter. “The day will finish at Bushy Park Tarapuruhi, who have a team of educators that offer a range of programmes to connect tamariki to our native flora and fauna. Schools from Whanganui regularly visit Bushy Park, with some engaging in longer-term projects. “We hope that teachers will be left feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle some new sustainability projects in their own kura.” There is no right way towards achieving sustainability, with each school is on its own path, Ms Williams says. “Our team is here to help to smooth that path and make the journey easier. “We are hoping to run more hui around the region, including a student-led hui for secondary students later in the year.”