Carmel College

Tuakana Programme. De Paul House collection.

Carmel students respond to needs locally…

Our yearly Tuakana-Teina programme began as Carmel College welcomed all Year 7 students on the first day of the school year. Our tuakana leaders are Year 11 students who have been selected and trained to support our new students in a wide range of ways.

This first day was reserved for new Year 7 students and their tuakana leaders which allowed everyone to get to know each other in a relaxed manner without the crowds.

The tuakana activities centred around building connections and finding out key information about starting at Carmel College. Over the first Term, the tuakana leaders met weekly with their teina and House groups. Our tuakana showed strong planning, creative thinking and cooperative skills by working together to ensure that each and every session was a positive experience for our teina. The new Year 7 students quickly felt a part of the Carmel community and looked forward to what their tuakana programme sessions would bring each week.

Several additional sessions have been planned for the rest of the year so that our tuakana can continue to support their teina throughout their Year 7 journey.

Every year we collect for De Paul House to give to those who are in need. We continue to support those who are struggling with housing and poverty at De Paul House, especially through these Covid-19 times. Collectively we were able to donate over 1000 items to the families at De Paul House.

During a week focusing on the Ukraine crisis, Atawhai and lunchtime activities were held to spread awareness about the ongoing conflict and to advocate for those affected. A blue and yellow themed mufti day was held where the students’ gold coin donations will help in providing humanitarian aid through Caritas.

Carmel College's Coin Trail.

... and Internationally

Each year Coin Trail falls on St Patrick’s Day. After weeks of fundraising, the students and classes participate by dressing up in their brightest green and take part in an inter-Atawhai class chalk design competition. The girls get creative and design their own square to display their total donations and illustrate our core Mercy value of tika – justice. Our St Patrick’s Day celebration continued with themed lunchtime stalls, selling treats and hosting games.

This year all donations will be providing relief to Tonga after the volcanic eruption and tsunami they faced in January.

Thank you to our community for standing in solidarity with Tonga.