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1000 paper cranes – a gesture of hope and goodwill

As a response to the devastating triple disasters of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear threat in Japan, the students at Whangarei Heads Primary School have been folding cranes. Television images and news reports of the disasters were horrifying, and appeared scarily close to home, coming so soon as it did after the Christchurch earthquake. But instead of focussing on the awful negative consequences of nuclear fallout, the students have been working to create symbols of hope and goodwill. Origami cranes have a special significance in Japanese culture with the folding of 1000 cranes being particularly important. They can be thought of a bit like paper wishes, in this instance, wishing that the worst outcomes can be averted and that Japan can look to a future of health and happiness. Sisters, Amelie and Isla Tuato’o (7 and 6 years old), initiated the project at school, but were supported by all the students, the principal Lil Ogle and the staff, as well as by many families. The total of 1000 cranes was reached on the last day of Term 1, a huge achievement for a school with less than 100 students. The cranes will be sent to the Japanese Embassy, as it is the official representative in New Zealand of Japan and her people. The students hope that their thoughts and messages of care and hope will reach Japan.

The students had a fabulous time - here are some photos.

It was a glorious day on Tuesday for our School Cross country, in fact it was almost too hot for our runners, but no one was complaining. Rain the night before ensured we had a suitable quantity of mud and everyone had a great time watching each other run. Our senior students once again stood out as they supported the juniors and I think Mr Dennis and Miss Batten deserve a special mention as they did several laps encouraging the children. On Friday we will present certificates to the winners in each age group – Room One will have theirs presented on Monday. The races were run in age groups this year to match the interschool event. Ages were based on ages as at January first this year.

Many thanks to all the parents and friends who came along to support the children on the day, and a special thanks to Matua Caleb and all our fantastic teachers, for organising the event, setting up the course and managing the day! You make it look so easy but I know the work that goes on behind the scenes! MANY THANKS TO KEN AND MAUREEN VINSON FOR LETTING US HOLD THE EVENT ON THEIR FARM!!