Youngsters earn special recognition
The community service of 13 primary-school pupils in the Bay Harbour area has been recognised with a special award from Ferrymead Rotary.
The awards, based on the recommendations of teachers, are made to students who have demonstrated key leadership aspects. The criteria are based on students’ ability to be good listeners, to show initiative, to follow through on their actions, and to demonstrate the ability to work with a variety of people to get the job done.
Those honoured this year were: Ava Clunie and Payton McLay (Bromley); Lauren McCauley (Heathcote Valley); Lilly-Marie Chapman and Michael Shevchuk (Mt Pleasant); Caleb Jansen and Hannah Lumb (Redcliffs); David Draganescu and Frida Perkins (Our Lady Star of the Sea); Issy Strachan and Ellie Young (Sumner); Lincoln Palmer and Charmare Steyn (Te Waka Unua).
Reports from the schools revealed a variety of qualities and activities across the award-winners. These included:
- kindness to and support for other pupils; leadership roles;
- contributions to school sports teams and other school activities;
- work in school libraries;
- community involvement (some recipients have been working with elderly residents, or have been involved in community or church activities);
- positive role modelling for fellow students;
- demonstrating the ability to work with adults, teachers and other students in various roles.
Ferrymead Rotarian Pat Edward, who has overseen the project in recent years, says the aim is to promote a “good citizen” ethic within the school and the wider community. She emphasises that the criteria for the awards do not include academic or sporting skills. Rather, they concentrate on students’ contribution and service to the school and the community, and relationships with fellow pupils. Nominations are made by the teachers, and each recipient receives a gift voucher and a certificate.
These awards are Ferrymead Rotary’s longest-running project. The first awards were made in 1992, the year the club was founded, and they have continued uninterrupted every year since.
The pictures show Ava Clunie & Payton McLay (Bromley) and Hannah Lumb & Caleb Jansen (Redcliffs)
