Kia ora parents, caregivers, and extended whanau
I was a marshall at the Central Group cross country at the Pukekohe Showgrounds last Wednesday. We had a large group of runners representing our school as we competed against the best runners from the other Central Group Schools (Hill, Valley, Tamaoho, Mauku, Puni, and East School). From my elevated marshalling position, not only could I see the entire course, but I could also get in earshot of our runners and bark a few instructions or some encouraging words.
We had a number of standout results. Elaynah Allan and Sienna Hender did a Patumahoe one-two in the Year 6 girls race alongside a raft of solid placings from our blue and gold contingent. However, the moment that stood out for me was the Year 5 boys race. As Mr Williams and I walked our kids around the course, I noticed young Eli Hussey beside me. He exuded a quiet, but very focussed calm. I had the sense that he was 'up for it'. As we meandered back to our team base, I quietly said to him, "I have a good feeling about you today Eli". He smiled and said, "Thank you". That was all.
As the race begin, Eli signalled his intentions early, surging to the front of the pack. As he summited the first hill, he looked in control. Metronomic breath and stride. However, the threat of Valley schools number one runner loomed close behind whilst Quade Williams, another Patumahoe runner was sitting further back in 3rd position. As the race wore on, the pressure from the Valley runner increased. He was sitting in Eli's proverbial 'pocket' and no doubt planning an imminent charge to pole position. With 600m left in the race the pivotal and most courageous turn of events took place. Quade Williams, sitting in 3rd position made a charge. From my vantage point I believed he went too early. Most seasoned cross country runners would empty the tank at half that distance. But Quades early burst forced the Valley runner to go earlier than he wanted. Quade kept the pressure on and his pace did not relent. He edged ahead of the Valley runner at the final bend and with 250m left in the race, the Valley runner was exhausted and had nothing left. His planned charge was foiled by a gutsy play by Quade. Eli strode home for an epic win, dutifully assisted by his teammate Quade who himself secured a well deserved second place. I am so proud of these two and the entire team for not just competing, but giving it their all.
The Caretakers Cup rugby challenge is set for this Friday at the Clive Howe. We are defending the title against Pukekohe Hill School and action gets underway with the girls game at 12.30pm, followed by the boys game kicking off at 1pm. Please come down and support if you are in the vicinity.
I hope 20min daily reading at home is happening. I gave it a plug in last week's newsletter and I will be talking to kids this week to see if they are doing it. Ultimately, we would want to see the kids taking responsibility for this themselves and reading without being reminded, but regular parent reminders in order to get the habit going is often required.
To all of our dads out there. I hope you enjoy Father's Day this Sunday.
Kia pai to ra
Jade Tawhiti
