In this rapidly changing world, children everywhere are growing up with tremendous challenges.
 

Yet it's difficult to say whether children anywhere in the world have experienced the vast array of challenges that our tamariki have faced here in Christchurch - from earthquakes and aftershocks, to terror attacks, Port Hills fires and the fallout from a global pandemic.

Students at West Spreydon School have become accustomed to learning - and playing - on a temporary site - and as expected, have risen to the challenge.

One group of West Spreydon students have been training as PALs - to better understand the role of play in wellbeing - and the position they are in, to help take positive messages to their peers.

These students - known at the school as Physical Activity Leaders - have been working on a new project that will be celebrated this Wednesday morning from 10am, on the temporary school grounds.

It's called Poipoia! Time to play. 

The students have become champions for the value of play and physical activity to wellbeing and resilience. Their efforts will be celebrated with the delivery of a Play Pod (the first of nine to be allocated across the region) - filled with tools, tricks and inspiration to keep their classmates engaged, moving, motivated and healthier in trying times.

This week at West Spreydon, we celebrate the vision of these students - symbolic of the spirit of Christchurch kids and this vastly important mission of our schools, to keep kids learning, growing and playing.

Learn about the co-design process -  https://youtu.be/GArpLiPoVnA       

Presenting the Play Pod -  https://youtu.be/VV6u-BStAbo  

Follow Sport Canterbury on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sportcanterburynz/  

Follow Healthy Families Ōtautahi on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HealthyFamiliesChristchurch/?ref=bookmarks 

Article added: Wednesday 19 August 2020