Kia ora koutou
Maungatapere School Agricultural Day. What a special celebration of rural life, a connection and care of farm animals, growing and number 8 wire thinking. There were strong numbers of lambs and a strengthening of calf numbers, with less goats I believe than normal. A real standout of the day for me was the high level of creativity, design and diverse knowledge involved in the creation of gardens, pot designs, upcycle and scarecrows. The Arts, Technology and Science curriculum was definitely alive and well within the children.
For those students who raised and cared for a calf, lamb, goat or chicken there are many lifelong benefits that these children will carry through their lives. Taking responsibility for a living, breathing animal, caring for something over a sustain time and experiencing a special bond are some of the positives. Getting up when it is wet, or early or late to prepare food when tired are all good lessons for young ones in preparation for moving into adulthood.
Some of these children may be inspired to explore a career in horticulture, agriculture, the sciences? One of my daughters has taken her rural experiences and upbringing into University. It started with a love of animals, possibly a vet, then not eating meat, to eating meat, to an Ag Science Degree marine based, save the animals and plane. Now she has change her course to more soil science and farming after spending time with relatives on a cropping farm in the South Island. There are so many options and links to the world and sciences that our Ag Day can help spark an interest or passion in.
The garden projects were a real standout, with many children showing a passion or interest in
growing things and growing them well. These interests also have many possible links to careers or importantly growing a home garden. My interest in vegetable gardens also started from receiving seed packets at Maromaku Primary School, a tractor ploughing a large garden bed and my sister and I walking 1km over a hill to water our Ag Day gardens on the farm. Either on Ag day morning or close (I can’t remember), all garden growing students jumped on the school bus and travelled to all the farms to have our gardens judged. You don’t forget the learning. You don’t lose the passion. I hope the participating students also get as much as I have from Ag Day and the experiences offered.
Hopefully, the high level and quality of the garden creations, number 8 wire construction and technology/science creations light a spark of interest for students that lead them off into a future career or just teach them about commitment, quality and being proud of their achievements.
We have 25 students and their lambs, goats and calves representing our school at Central Day today.
Ag Day is alive and well. So is the learning and passion. Well done everyone.
(There are lots more photos on our Facebook page)
