It's been a busy few months for students at the small Kereru School in rural Hastings, who have replenished a lost tree line, built a new fence, raised funds for Christchurch and received a glowing Education Review Office report under a new principal.
The school recently had a large line of old trees removed from perimeter fences - which took the fences with them - so thanks to a donation of materials from PGG Wrightson, a working bee was able to replace the fence.
Tristan Cheer, principal at the school of just 23 pupils, said there was an outstanding turnout for the working bee.
"They erected this fence in a day and it was about 70m long," he said. "Every family was represented in some way at the working bee."
Mr Cheer said the children planted new trees this week and had also been fundraising for Christchurch, and had collected 115 large sacks of pine cones to sell to the community.
The school also received a glowing ERO report in January that described the school as the "hub of the community".
"A broad curriculum focuses on pupils succeeding in mathematics, reading and writing, social and physical skills," the report said.
"Developing well-rounded, confident and caring individuals is embedded in school culture."
Mr Cheer joined the school nearly a year ago from Taradale Intermediate and the report praised his leadership skills in his first role as principal.
"The new principal has a clear plan for school development. He successfully builds on existing foundations towards ongoing improvement.
"This results in a considered approach to curriculum review and change management. "Teachers expect students to succeed and make every effort to ensure that this happens," the report said.
Mr Cheer said the size of the school was an obvious difference in his new position but recognised how many opportunities students had to participate in every activity.
To buy some pine cones call Kereru School on (06) 876 0923. They are $6 per sack or two for $10. All proceeds to Christchurch and delivery is available for Hastings residents.
Big praise for little school that could
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