Pānui Enviroschools Enviroschools newsletter
He mihi | Welcome
Welcome to the Waikato Enviroschools newsletter.
As we move into the summer term, we’re excited to share everything that’s been happening in the Enviroschools community, including inspiring stories from local schools, some fantastic new resources, information about upcoming events, and professional learning and development opportunities.
Enviroschools has been supporting lots of collaborative school and community restoration projects, including a celebration of Arbor Day at Marion Catholic School, projects to protect the majestic kauri of the Waikato, and more!
We’d like to spotlight Springdale School on their reflection celebration and all their mahi being freshwater kaitiaki. Your students showed incredible manaakitanga (hospitality), rangatiratanga (leadership) and enthusiasm – kia kaha!
Speaking of reflection, every year in Term 4 we like to kōrero with each school to review your Enviroschools journey so far, celebrate successes, identify challenges and set next steps and goals for the coming year. Your facilitator will have been in touch this term to arrange a time for your annual planning and reflection.
You may like to catch up individually or use the Kato Kōrero process, which allows you to pause as a team or envirogroup, and explore your Enviroschools journey in depth, collectively identifying next steps for your school. If you haven’t done so already, please confirm a time with your facilitator for an individual or Kato Kōrero meeting.
Finally, we would love it if you could complete our survey. This information will help the national Enviroschools programme demonstrate outcomes to our funding partners and celebrate the success of the programme.
We hope this newsletter offers an engaging read. Please feel free to share it with any interested colleagues.
Ngā mihi,
The Enviroschools team
Ngā kaupapa e haere ake nei | Opportunities
Enviroschools website login
To access the Enviroschools ‘Team Area’ and some of the content on our Padlet, you’ll need to register.
Multiple staff members from a school can register. Each person will just need a unique email address and username.
You will need to have access to your email and know your school or centre’s MoE number to complete the registration process (you can find your MoE number on the Education Counts website educationcounts.govt.nz).
If, during the registration process, the email doesn’t arrive, please check your junk mail. Once registered, you’ll be able to login to the Team Area using the email or username you chose, and the password you created.
He tīwhiri | Facilitator’s spotlight
Sustainable festive tips
Small changes to how we celebrate and share gifts during the festive season can make a big difference to our waste footprint. Christmas is a great opportunity to practice kaitiakitanga (guardianship) by caring for people and the environment while creating meaningful traditions.
Grow a gift – Plant seeds in recycled containers and grow herbs, flowers or vegetables on a sunny windowsill. These living gifts are thoughtful, low-cost and can keep giving long after the festive season has passed.
Rethink gift wrapping – Instead of buying new wrapping paper, try upcycling paper from magazines, artwork, newspapers or old maps. Fabric wraps, tea towels, or reusable bags make beautiful alternatives that can be used again and again. Add a natural touch with twine, dried flowers or leaves.
Swap, share and regift – Organise a book, clothing or toy swap at school to help redistribute items that are still in good condition but no longer needed. One person's unwanted item can become another person's treasure.
Create decorations from reclaimed materials – Instead of buying plastic decorations or tinsel, get creative with materials you already have. Sew stars, flowers, or bunting from scrap fabric, create paper decorations from used paper, or make nature-inspired decorations using pinecones, leaves, seed pods and twigs.
He rauemi | Resource spotlight
New Enviroschools kit
The Toimata Foundation just announced their resource refresh is complete and the new Enviroschools Kit is available to order! The availability of Waikato Regional Council funded kits is limited, so we’re looking for expressions of interest to assess your school’s needs.
Free marine biosecurity kit
Protect the coastline and oceans we all love. Bring the importance of protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine environment into your classroom.
This kit includes fun, simple activities and three online modules you can run yourself – perfect for classes exploring ecosystems, the moana or biosecurity.
Ngā ringa hāpai | Enviroschools Waikato facilitation team
Adrienne Grant
Lead Facilitator, Waikato, South Waikato and Hamilton
adrienne.grant@waikatoregion.govt.nz
Anna Cunningham
Facilitator, Ōtorohanga, Waikato and Hamilton
anna.cunningham@waikatoregion.govt.nz
Alex Daniel
Facilitator, Waipā, Hamilton and South Waikato
alex.daniel@waikatoregion.govt.nz
Nic Roderick
Facilitator, Taupō and South Waikato, Rotorua Lakes
Nic.Roderick@waikatoregion.govt.nz
Cami Carty-Melis
Facilitator, Matamata Piako and Waitomo
cami.carty-melis@waikatoregion.govt.nz
Gypsy Taylor-Hewitt
Facilitator, Waipā and Hamilton, Matamata Piako
Gypsy.Taylor-Hewitt@waikatoregion.govt.nz
Jo Buchan
Facilitator, Hauraki and Thames Coromandel
jo.buchan@waikatoregion.govt.nz
Rachael Cheeseman
Facilitator, Waikato and Thames Coromandel
rachael.cheeseman@waikatoregion.govt.nz
Michelle Daly
Waikato Regional Coordinator
michelle.daly@waikatoregion.govt.nz
Enviroschools fund
Small grants are available for sustainability projects, resources and initiatives. Get in touch with your local facilitator to find out about eligibility and how to apply.