THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH HILLARY AWARD
A Busy Year so Far
Our students have continued to do remarkably well with the Duke of Edinburgh Award despite the challenges navigated throughout the year .
BRONZE This year over 60 new Bronze students started the award in March . Many of them completed the requirements of the award and were recognised at our final junior prizegiving ceremony . In July , they all took part in the pre-expedition training day learning skills in outdoor first aid , navigation and bush craft . The group were scheduled to start their expeditions in September however this was delayed due to the Queen ’ s memorial day . Instead , the group carried out both expeditions in term four including a loop of the Waipawa River and Sunrise hut area and a second loop around Makino and Te Puia . achievement recognised around the world and reflects a considerable investment of time and energy by these outstanding students . We look forward to adding their names to the new Gold Duke of Edinburgh shields that were kindly crafted by Mr Woods earlier this year and now hang in the front office . Already featuring on the Gold Duke of Edinburgh shield is Emma Millar who completed her Gold award in 2021 . This year she was presented with her award in a formal award ceremony held in Wellington where she was also asked to deliver a presentation on behalf of the Gold candidates . We are very proud of Emma ’ s achievements and congratulate her on being selected to deliver this presentation at such a prestigious event .
Joel Wilton Deputy Principal and DOE Coordinator
SILVER At the start of term two , our 20 intrepid Silver students completed their expedition for the year in the Kaweka Ranges . The group were accompanied by DOE stalwarts Mr Wilton and Mrs Gertsch and newcomer Miss Smith . The original plan was to take the group to Kiwi Saddle , Studholme Saddle and Mackintosh Hut . Unfortunately , a cold snap forced the group to change plans slightly but still provided a challenging expedition . A few toe nails were sacrificed on the way down Rogue Ridge and a considerable amount of food lost to Boris the King of Chickens who resided at the Cameron campsite . Meanwhile , Luis Douglas and Hayley Barker completed their expeditions by joining students from a range of schools on two separate Afoot adventurous journeys .
GOLD Finally , we are delighted to be able to congratulate Lexxie Cunningham who is the first student in 2022 to receive her Gold Duke of Edinburgh award . Follwing Lexxie , both Lujza Hennelova and Sienna Wall also completed their awards . The Gold award is a significant
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