Thank you everyone who attended the PD Hui at Malfroy School!

Apart from the rain, I have to say everything was thoroughly enjoyable, with Malfroy School providing a great venue for our hui.

The success of the day can be measured by the comments made by the group; whilst the list below isn't a full record of the sentiments of the group (there isn't enough space), the general positive themes were

• It was great to meet new people
• I enjoyed meeting other HPS schools
• Learning how to help OUR school
• I learned things to take back to my school
• Bonding with students from other schools
• Mixing with students from other schools
• Lunch - yum!! (featured on nearly every evaluation!!)
• Lots of examples of how HPS works
• I learnt more about HPS
• The guest speakers showed us how they improved their schools
• The speakers were cool
• HPS is more than just being healthy
• We felt valued for the work that is being done

The birthday activity was also very popular (not with the teachers though, who didn't want to reveal their ages!)

Of course things can always be that little bit better - some of the dislikes were as follows (and we do listen to this feedback and will try to incorporate the student comments for the December hui)

• Sitting on the floor was uncomfortable


• Would have been nice to do more physical activities (common theme - it is noted that the facilitators promised a jump jam and didn't do this!!)


• Could more schools come?


• Shorter speeches


• Too much to take in/too much listening (which would equate with the need for more 'doing'?)


• Go outside for fresh air more often


• More small group activities needed


• Less adult talk


• Microphone or speaker system so we can hear speakers better


• Outside activities please.

For Donna and I the most impressive thing were the contributions made by the students via their group activities. In the morning the students were a little hesitant as they found their feet, but by the afternoon the barriers were down and the collaboration was high, and it was really evident that friendships had been developed.

Kerrilee from Mangakino shares her experiences

So, to conclude, thank you to everyone who made the day a success, Mrs. Timpany and the staff and students of Malfroy School, the teachers who brought the students and our two wonderful presenters Kiara and Cody.