“Both my students and I found the SVA kit a great tool for guiding our social action. I let the students drive their social action.They found your SVA site really informative and inspiring.The different projects that were on the site really showed the students the breadth of possibilities.Initially the class decided on tree planting but when the research crew emailed our local council we found we were too late for tree planting.Maybe next year..So back to our brainstorm. The class decided to do something for animals and people in the community.One of the students had adopted a dog from HUHA a few years ago and so they decided to do something for HUHA. So after some research about HUHA and emails as to their needs the girls decided to make some dog toys for the dogs.Another group researched dog toys and after discussions decided on making a dog tugger toy from polar fleece. Various prototypes and testing followed until a final design was decided on and put into production.The entire class made the dog tugger toys- a plait of 3 strips of polar fleece.They made different lengths and thicknesses for different sized dogs. In total they made about 50 toys and delivered them to our local HUHA branch., who were delighted to receive the toys. The girls also did a money collection at our local mall for HUHA.Again the students did all the organisation, emailing and collecting themselves.The funds raised were given to HUHA to buy food for their animals. HUHA is Helping Us Help Animals - a charity that helps all sorts of animals.Another group in the class decided they wanted to help the SPCA and so they raised funds for the SPCA by having a collection at the local mall.Again the students organised everything themselves. Another group were keen to reduce the use of plastic.So they make reusable bags and sold them,donating the money to Starship Hospital.They also made posters on how to reduce plastic use and put them up around the school.My last group were keen to do something for people in our community and contacted the local Salvation Army.A member of the Salvation Army came to school and spoke to the class about the work of the Salvation Army and explained how volunteering your time can be very helpful and important. So a group of students are going to volunteer at the local Salvation Army in the holidays.
The SVA kit has been a very inspiring tool to use.The students have felt empowered as learners and as useful citizens. Students have developed a huge range of skills that are pertinent now and in the future. I certainly recommend the SVA kit to anyone.”
“This was my first time using a school kit. Instructions were easy to follow and it was a great resource which helped us to lead several events in our school. Children enjoyed organising senior social as well as a Christmas brunch. The class is very excited to be able to do more projects next year.”
“We have loved using this kit. We decided to have had a term-long focus on kindness and have completed many acts of kindness. We had a discussion about how patient, kind and supportive our school neighbours are, and decided to make, decorate and write in Christmas cards for them. We delivered them (in the pouring rain!) at the end of term.”
“Room's 3 and 4 loved their bike ride to our local river to complete our SVA kit - we were a clean up
Army giving the popular swimming area a tidy up before the summer holidays. Thanks School Kit.”
“We have been very fortunate to be part of the Ōpāwaho (Heathcote) River initiative where we have been part of supporting and investigating the 'health' of the river. This started through our connection being an Enviro-school. We have investigated the Ta Tuna Tāone - urban eel both the longfin and shortfin eels. Students also investigated the invertebrates of the waterway as well as what can cause sedimentation/pollution of their local waterway. We have started (and continue to look after) planting along the
Ōpāwaho (Heathcote) River. We have also assisted with planting in the Mokihi Gardens area. As part of SVA we have placed blue fish/eels beside stormwater drains around our local area. to remind our community that everything that goes down the drains ends up in the river and ultimately the sea. The only downside of this was sourcing battery powered hammer drills! It has been an amazing journey for our students, especially knowing they can (and have) made a difference in their local environment.”
“We had a fantastic day out helping our community! Was awesome to see the children in the planning process and the reflection at the end. The kits are easy to follow and have everything you have! This is my second year doing this kit and think it is fab :slightly_smiling:”
“This was great. My year 2s enjoyed taking on the role of kaitiaki of our school and surrounds. They did general clean ups then worked hard on coming up with ways to encourage native birds into our bush area. Bird housee have been built and are starting to attract some birds. The children have enjoyed making a difference”
