160 participate in School of Zen

The Tokoroa Memorial Sportsground was a hive of activity on Friday 28 March for Junior School of Zen event. The two teams from David Henry Primary School took equal first place on the day and as a result won the title of Top School.

The event involved 160 primary school children in 16 teams of ten students per team, competing in a number of fun events including bungy run, an obstacle course and ki-or-rahi.

The schools involved were Tīrau, Lichfield, Te Waotu, Tainui, Bishop Edward Gaines, Cargill Open Plan, David Henry, Tokoroa Central and Tokoroa North. The event was organised by 30 high school students from Putāruru College, Forest View High School, Tokoroa High School and Te Whare Kura o Te Kaokaoroa o te Patetere.

Feedback from the students and schools was fantastic:

• "It was awesome," Shania Hawkins of Tainui Primary School
• "The only improvement I can suggest is to make the day longer!" Zia Whaanga, Tainui
• "I have no suggestions for improvements, because it was too cool!" Angel Hawson, Bishop Edward Gaines
• "Fantastic day out we'll be back next year with double the number of teams," North School
• "Our kids are having a ball, it's an awesome event, we'll be here again next year," Central School
• "Wicked fun, can't wait for the Senior School of Zen," students running the event

"Feedback from the students was fantastic," said Amanda Hema, Group Manager Community. "This is the first time we have run a junior School of Zen. In previous years we have focused on high school and intermediate school students.

"The students showed a high level of sportsmanship and camaraderie and displayed impeccable manners throughout the day. All the students involved whether as a participant or as a organiser were a credit to their school," continued Mrs Hema. "We had tremendous support from the primary school teachers and excellent support from the high schools who released their students to plan and manage the event for the younger students."

Since this was the first of its kind, Council will now consider how best to shape and target the event in the future. ends words: 350