Junior Neighbourhood Support - Christchurch Area If I break down the outcomes of the Junior Neighbourhood Support programme, I can simply use two categories: looking after yourself and looking after your community. I would say there is an even balance in what the students choose, but most think wider than themselves and want to do good for their community. They apply the messages of safety, taking action, reporting and preparing for emergencies, but also to those of belonging, respect, taking notice, volunteering and having pride.
Here are some fun examples.
Belfast School - Firewise programme - the younger students learnt about getting out of a smoke-filled house, then, helped by the JNS leaders, they had to crawl through a dark inflatable maze, which simulated a smoke-filled house.
St. Teresa’s - Students measured and divided a thin rose garden into seven even areas and planted flowers in the colours of a rainbow; perhaps a link to Noah’s Ark story, or a lesson in the colour wheel. It has added bright colours to beautify the front of the school and to welcome visitors, and the children are proud of their work.
Waltham School - Leaders set up an experience game. First, they painted stones with each having an action like, fly like a butterfly or sing,”Ring a ring o’ roses”. These were hidden just before morning break and then the leaders got to watch and hear the laughter as the action unfolded. Notes were taken on how to make it work better next time, like writing on stones to re-hide them as some children ran around collecting them all! Page 11
