Alternative education supports North Canterbury youth
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Tucked away on a four hectare block between Kaiapoi and Rangiora is a new alternative education programme for students who struggle to fit into the mainstream.
The Noaia Charitable Trust, based at Tuahiwi, took over the North Canterbury alternative education programme from Rangiora High School in term one.
It now takes in up to 16 students aged 13 to 16 years from Kaiapoi and Rangiora High Schools, Oxford, Amuri and Cheviot area schools, Hurunui College and Rangiora New Life School.
Programme manager Jackie Freeman said the small numbers makes it easier to cater to the students’ individual learning needs, including supporting them to earn NCEA credits.
‘‘We do an individual learning plan for each of our young people.
‘‘There is a misconception only naughty kids access alternative education, but there is a range of reasons why young people come here.’’
Most of the students are neurodiverse or kinesthetic learners (learning through physical activity), and often both, she said.
‘‘We are able to identify when the kids are getting frustrated or struggling with their work as soon as it happens, due to having smaller numbers.
‘‘We can see the bubble before it turns into a geyser.’’
Students can attend the Ruataniwha programme anywhere from one term or up to three years.
The programme can support students to transition back to school or into work or further study options.
‘‘We can be what we need to be for each of the individuals.’’
Mrs Freeman said the funding allowed her to employ one full-time and two part-time tutors and she looked for particular skill-sets.
This included a background of working with children through trauma, or working in youth justice or pastoral care roles.
Transport is provided to get the students to school on time, with breakfast provided thanks to the Sanitarium Breakfast Club.
Lunches are also provided, with fresh vegetables from a big, one acre garden.
‘‘One of our tutors is an amazing cook, so the students are so spoilt,’’ Freeman said.
The Noaia Charitable Trust was established five years ago by local Whānau and offers learning which is underpinned by kaupapa Māori philosophy.
It also offers the E Tū Rangatira training programme with up to 16 places for rangitahi Māori aged 16 to 24 years.
Those students can complete a New Zealand Certificate in building or agriculture and are supported into employment or further training.
The 4-hectare property has sheep and cows, with students involved in farm work and in practical work around the property, such as landscaping and building a laneway and stockyards as part of their learning.
Rangiora High School announced last year it was withdrawing from being a provider of alternative education services.
The school has developed its own programme to support year 9 and 10 students, which is funded by the board of trustees.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
The Great Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand
Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Great Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!
Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN a Weber® Lumin® BBQ Prize Pack, valued at $1098! Each pack includes: an electric BBQ, a stand with a side table, and a cover. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here.
The team at Stuff
⚠️ DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS. If you love them, don't leave them. ⚠️
It's a message we share time and time again, and this year, we're calling on you to help us spread that message further.
Did you know that calls to SPCA about dogs left inside hot cars made up a whopping 11% of all welfare calls last summer? This is a completely preventable issue, and one which is causing hundreds of dogs (often loved pets) to suffer.
Here are some quick facts to share with the dog owners in your life:
👉 The temperature inside a car can heat to over 50°C in less than 15 minutes.
👉 Parking in the shade and cracking windows does little to help on a warm day. Dogs rely on panting to keep cool, which they can't do in a hot car.
👉 This puts dogs at a high risk of heatstroke - a serious condition for dogs, with a mortality rate between 39%-50%.
👉 It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they are showing signs of heat stress. You can be fined, and prosecuted.
SPCA has created downloadable resources to help you spread the message even further. Posters, a flyer, and a social media tile can be downloaded from our website here: www.spca.nz...
We encourage you to use these - and ask your local businesses to display the posters if they can. Flyers can be kept in your car and handed out as needed.
This is a community problem, and one we cannot solve alone. Help us to prevent more tragedies this summer by sharing this post.
On behalf of the animals - thank you ❤️
Hooked on adventure
Neil’s love for fishing stretches back as far as he can remember. From catching sprats on the farm as a young boy to representing New Zealand on the world stage, it’s always been his passion. These days, as a Bruce McLaren Village resident, Neil finds nothing more enjoyable than casting a line, surrounded by scenic vistas and the melodies of native birds, before releasing his catch back into the water.
An experienced fishing guide, Neil shares his love of fly fishing with his new mate and village neighbour, David. While they met in the village, the pair are often mistaken for lifelong friends. Like Neil, David has always been an active person.
Click read more for the full story.
Loading…
