Lincoln University Future Leader Scholars paid their third annual visit to Hororata Primary School recently to run their annual Primary Focus event.
The event is part of the “lend a hand” component of the scholarship programme, which sees them contribute to the community.
Six scholars- Rachael Phillipson (team leader), Tom Shallard, Bryleigh Collins, Alice Dalzell, Isabel King and Sasha Van Beek- ran the day focused on sharing mental and physical wellbeing techniques and messages.
Rachael said the scholars teamed with the school each year to bring farming families and the community together, to participate in activities and learning sessions.
“They make each family unit stronger and remind people that you don’t always have to leave the farm gate to take time off. It’s about appreciating the simple things in life,” Rachael said.
She said the Primary Focus day this year involved a welcome assembly, a rotation of activities focussed on wellbeing, a learning session on resilience and education, a tough kids course, a cultural celebration and prize giving.
“As we have done each year we also ran the famous family competitions. These competitions saw dads getting in the kitchen to bake with the kids, mums getting creative and making sculptures with their children and staff getting cheerful making Christmas decorations all to win spot prizes.
“This year the school’s principal asked the group of Future Leaders to speak about their learning journey, challenges they have faced, and how they have learnt to be resilient in their life.
“We tied our speeches into wellbeing and spoke from the heart hoping that the kids could take on board the important messages we had to share. The day concluded with amazing cultural performances by students to celebrate the diversity of people at their school and the unique learning environment. ‘
She said the day was an incredible success “with stunning weather, a great turn out of families, lots of fun had by the students and some awesome prizes given out at the end of the day”.
“We hope to see the Primary Focus Project continue on in the years to come because the joy and learning that comes from it is inspirational to witness.”
You can learn more about the Future Leaders Scholars programme herehttps://www.lincoln.ac.nz/Apply/Scholarships/future-leader-scholarship/?sti=1
