Playing Ball - NZCT Supports Mākara Model School

NZCT has awarded a grant of $20,000 to Mākara Model School to help cover the cost of installing new concrete on their netball and basketball courts.

Principal Caroline Wills said "The court is an invaluable resource because it is our only non-grass sports area and used year round for netball, basketball, and other activities. The students use the court both during class lessons and at break times for organised and recreation activities."

"Our old court surfaces were badly cracked and needed to be excavated and relayed, rather than just overlaying new concrete. They are used not only for school activities, but the local Mākara and Karori communities also access the courts on weekends and outside of school hours. The kids really love playing netball and basketball with their friends, and at the same time learning valuable team skills."

"We’re very proud of our natural environment and the outdoor learning opportunities we provide. Together with our outdoor summer pool, bike track, playground, vegetable gardens, and flying fox, the netball court is an essential part of our outdoor education programme. This generous grant will allow us to excavate the existing court and replace it with a newly renovated surface, making it a much safer place for kids and their families to play."

Mākara Model School is a small semi-rural primary school with just seventy-nine students, located just over the hill from Karori in Wellington. We have four classrooms, including a newly renovated building and the original school house which was recently shifted onto the grounds. Our grounds include a flying fox, sandpit, large bike track, playground, vegetable gardens, chicken coop, and our own swimming pool. Our kids climb trees, make huts, and love working in our gardens.

We strive to make our learning process authentic, meaningful, and fun. Our tamariki also take part in community activities such as tree planting, monitoring waterways, cleaning the beach, eradicating pests, and engaging with the local community beyond our school boundaries.

We all learn, play, and grow together, collaborating on a range of learning activities throughout each term. Our staff are enthusiastic, passionate, and dedicated to providing rich, meaningful learning experiences that will create those special memories and grow children into confident, capable young people.