Classroom takes young patients' minds off pain

Teacher Tracy Gillingham with patient Terrell Henry in the Northern Health School's new classroom at Starship. Picture / Martin Sykes

School is the highlight of Terrell Henry's day. It helps take his mind off being sick and provides some normality for his life.

Terrell, 8, of Massey, has rheumatic fever and has been at Starship hospital for three weeks. On Tuesday, he unveiled a plaque officially opening the Northern Health School's new classroom unit at the hospital, where he and his classmates can practise their reading, writing and maths.

Don Maclean's son Jeffrey has recently had corrective surgery on his knees. Mr Maclean said the classroom "helped take Jeffrey's mind off the pain".

Children who are well enough come to the classroom for an hour or two each day. Previously the five teachers and two aids were spread over three levels of the hospital, with one small room used to teach up to five students.

The teachers now have an area big enough for 12 to 15 students plus a staff room, office and balcony for outside activities. Maps, mobiles, drawings and shelves of books decorate the room. Three new computers are popular with the young students who enjoy using the drawing programs.

Tracey Gillingham has taught at the school for six months and loves the new area. Her motto is to remain positive: "Children come to hospital to get better."