Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Kids with a can-do attitude
How long have you done Kiwi Can at school and can you explain what it’s all about?
Devan and Dyllan:
We are in our third year with Kiwi Can. The students and teachers love it!
Every Friday the whole school takes part in the Kiwi Can sessions (in their class groups) and each term there is a focus on a specific value. Lessons and games are based around these values.
Positive Relationships – Whakawhanaungatanga (working and playing in safe and thoughtful ways with other)
Respect – Manaakitanga (treating people, things and places as important.)
Integrity – Pono (doing the right thing when no one is watching.)
Resilience – Taikaha (coping with challenges and ‘bouncing back.’)
Cheryl:
What are your favourite parts of Kiwi Can?
Devan and Dyllan:
Well we love playing the games and becoming friends with more people in the class.
I love the way the Kiwi Can leaders provide a fun and safe environment for students to participate in games/ lessons and to even step outside their comfort zones sometimes to give challenges a go. I especially appreciate the way the leaders encourage students to work together, supporting and encouraging each other.
Cheryl:
What new things have you tried?
Devan and Dyllan:
Acting by doing roleplays and codebreaking activities and working with others that we don’t normally work with.
Students get to try so many new things each week – I get lots of ideas that I take back into the classroom as well.
Cheryl: How do you think Kiwi Can has helped you?
It has helped us to make new friends and encourages us to make better choices and understand others.
Devan and Dyllan:
I have seen the way students have stepped out of their ‘safe space’ to take on challenges and give things a go. The leaders ‘know’ our students and have developed strong, trusting relationships with these kids, allowing them to feel safe and supported while learning in a fun and meaningful way.
Cheryl:
Do you think all children should get a chance to do it?
Devan and Dyllan:
Yes because it’s a fun way to learn.
All our Mayfielders (students and teachers) love going to Kiwi Can. It’s a highlight of the week! It is an amazing value-based programme.
Cheryl:
Kiwi Can teaches about values, do you think it helps stop mean behaviour at school?
Devan and Dyllan:
Yes we think it helps people be kinder.
Kiwi Can reinforces the positive messages about expected behaviour that we encourage at Mayfield School and the language/messages are
Cheryl:
consistent.
The students walk and talk the Kiwi Can way of doing things eg safe hands, active listening, etc.
Students who really stand out are also ‘celebrated’ at the end of each session.
How cool are your Kiwi Can leaders?
Devan and Dyllan:
awesome.
Cheryl:
They are
Almost as cool as the teachers at Mayfield School! Haha, actually they are even cooler. They have amazing rapport with the kids and all the Mayfield students love them.