EXCITEMENT filled Branxholme-Wallacedale Community School last term when they received a letter from New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern after studying the country in Inquiry.

From songs to animals, art to food, the students fully immersed themselves in New Zealand culture to learn more about where one of their classmates came from. 

The students’ efforts were recognised in a letter from Ms Ardern, after the School Council president, Alysia Sanderson, sent a link of the students signing the New Zealand National Anthem and a welcome song to the Prime Minister’s office.

“Alysia has sent me the video of you all singing God Defend New Zealand at you school assembly recently. You sang so beautifully,” the letter read.

“I think it’s fantastic that you’ve been learning about Aotearoa, New Zealand.

“I hope you enjoyed learning about New Zealand and I hope we can welcome some of you here one day.”

Grade 2 student, Kristianna Burrow comes from New Zealand and said she found it very special to receive a letter from Ms Ardern and share her New Zealand background with her classmates.

“I am a New Zealander, that’s why they studied New Zealand because its somebody’s culture in the school,” she said.

“I was born in Hamilton, New Zealand and then I travelled to (Victoria) Australia, Hamilton.”

Grade 6 student, Lydia Sanderson said she felt shocked and excited when she found out Jacinda Arden had sent the school a letter.

“We sung God Defend New Zealand which is their National Anthem and a welcome song called Tena Koe at our assembly,” she said.

“They’re usually pretty busy so I didn’t think they would reply.”

“But then she sent us a letter!”

Throughout Term 3 the students enjoyed a range of activities such as making necklaces out of clay in the shape of Mauri symbols such as Koru (spiral) which represents hope, new life, and personal growth, and Pikorau (single twist) which represents love, loyalty, and the strength of the bond between two people.

The students also watched a New Zealand movie, did information reports on native flora and fauna, and learnt about the myths and legends of the country.

Lydia said she enjoyed learning about the meaning behind the different New Zealand items and creating a print of a famous New Zealander by using a rubbing technique with oil pastels and a grey lead pencil.

“We also made some kites, and the bird represents being able to travel between life and death,” she said.

Kristianna said she really enjoyed introducing the other students to some of her favourite foods and drinks from New Zealand, and was stoked she could share some gifts sent from her father.

“My dad lives in New Zealand and he had sent over a whole package of New Zealand food and I decided to bring some of the chocolate in and let everybody try it,” she said.

“It was Jelly Tips, so it is plain chocolate on the bottom, some jelly in the middle and some white chocolate on top.”

Not only did the students and staff get to enjoy food from New Zealand, but also parents and guests who were invited to the school’s New Zealand-themed morning tea.

There was a wide selection of food and drinks from our neighbouring country on offer including Lemon Paeroa, Big Fizz, Jaffas, Kumera (sweet potato), and Curlies (similar to Twisties).

All students and staff at Branxholme-Wallacedale Community School were overjoyed at receiving the letter from the Prime Minister, with the letter now on display in the classroom.