Congratulations to Te Rakau Nui students Dylan Maxwell, Noah Bradley and Ava-Mae Steven for their amazing effort at Cross Country Zone Day.  We are so proud of you.  Special mention to Ava-Mae Steven, who after spraining her ankle at the beginning of her race still achieved 15th place.

Congratulations to our TRN netball players with both our Year 7 and Year 8 teams winning their division. Well done to Hunter and Maisson Murray who have gained their umpiring certificates.  Also congratulations to Emily McGregor and Maiah Panchia for making it into the Waiuku representative team.  (Photo does not include Aimee Te Kanawa and Tegan Allan).

On the morning of Day 5 some of our brave Te Rakau Nui students took part in the Polar Plunge.  This meant that at 7am students were running across an icy field to brave the depths of Lake Rotorua.  We are surprised that you could not hear us shrieking all the way to Glenbrook.

During the afternoon of day 4 of Snow Camp we visited the Rotorua Museum.  We learnt about the Pink and White Terraces at Lake Rotomahana, which were destroyed, and any remnants buried, as a result of the Tarawera eruption on 10 June 1886.  We also explored the iconic Bath House and took in the fantastic views of the city and lake.

Today we visited the Trout Centre where we caught trout with the aide of some experienced fishermen.  Each student had a fishing licence and caught a fish which was either smoked or put on ice to take home and show our parents.

Great day of skiing today.  It was superb to see the students challenging themselves. Once again we had a terrific time and the students had an amazing experience.

Off to the snow we go. Scheduled for a beautiful day of snowboarding, skiing and snowman fun.

This evening Te Rakau Nui took part in a Burma Trail.  During our adventure walk we encountered a ghost, an ankle grabber, funny noises, spooky music, water pistols, flour bombs and a grumpy woodsman.  Argh scary, cold fun!!

This evening Te Rakau Nui discussed the importance of leadership and how we can all be leaders.  Tied in a human knot we had one leader on the outside who attempted to help us untangle ourselves.  We found during this exercise that it was much easier to untangle ourselves if the people within the knot worked together.  We now know that it is easier to work as leaders in a team, within a group, than it is to try and be a leader acting from outside.

Splash, Crash, Swim and Laugh – this morning Te Rakau Nui rafted down the Grade 2 Tongariro River rapids.  We had great fun while travelling through the beautiful reaches of the lower Tongariro River.  During our trip we visited the National Trout Centre and feed the fish.  An awesome experience which was enjoyed by everyone.