The thing about schools is they offer us a unique opportunity to reach out and touch the lives of pretty much every one of the more than 74 ethnicities registered as living in our neighborhood. The key to doing this in ways that are tangible, meaningful and life-changing is to actually stop and listen to the needs expressed by those who run our local schools.
Providing people to help out with the All Stars reading program at Hay Park School, providing mentors to support more than 30 children who are at risk in our community, helping run grief programs, running fun events like SOFA, providing Bible in School teachers, planting gardens and working alongside local school families, honoring children through a graduation dinner, running a homework program at a local school, running a maths program….these are just some of the ways that we are responding to needs expressed by our schools. It is deeply satisfying when you get the privilege of making possible some of the things that the school communities dream of being able to offer their school communities. Our dream is that we will get to journey with some of these families and support and encourage their children onto realizing their full potential.
How you may be able to help:
In the Homework program:
It runs weekly during school term on Mondays from 3.15-4.30pm. Ways you could help – tutoring support, set-up and serving of afternoon tea. (for more information contact Alice Musuku at Hay Park School).
As a mentor:
Our dream is to be able to provide a mentor for every one of the children who takes part in the Seasons Program (an 8 week loss and grief program) at Hay Park Primary School, Monte Cecelia Catholic School and Waikowhai Intermediate School. Mentoring is best suited to university students or shift workers because it has to take place during school hours (9-3pm, Mon – Fri) for 30-35 minutes each week. The only requirements of you are commitment, reliability and FUN – it is all about having fun with the child you are mentoring. The impact of mentor is huge.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor contact Nadine Allan - nadine@hillsbc.org.nz
The All Stars reading program at Hay Park School
During school hours, Monday to Friday 9-3pm, this is a lovely way to get alongside a child and support them with their learning. It is something that a number of our retired folk have been helping out with for years – maybe you could work your schedule around a weekly reading stint in a local school. If you could be available, contact Sandy Rai at Hay Park School.
Tutoring a migrant refugee student doing NCEA at Mt Roskill Grammar
This was a high need expressed by that school when asked for ways that our church community could offer assistance. The need is great. What is needed is able people to tutor (same sex, in their homes) migrant students. If you could be of assistance contact Nadine nadine@hillsbc.org.nz