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Smiles and acts of kindness were part of the curriculum at Pukekohe Hill School recently during Te Puea Day.
“It marks the anniversary of the school’s opening in 1952,” principal Simon Williams explains.
“Te Puea Day is an opportunity for the kura to honour the legacy of Princess Te Puea Hērangi and her belief in manaaki tangata – caring for and uplifting others.
“Te Puea Day connects strongly to our school vision of growing great people together. We want our students to understand that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact on others. The feedback from the community has been incredibly positive.”
Rather than focusing on receiving gifts for the school’s birthday, the students turned their attention outward through the Cup of Kindness Project. Students decorated and filled cups with handwritten thankyou notes, small, donated gifts and delicious cookies provided by the Flour Mill Bakery.
The cups were then delivered throughout the Pukekohe area to acknowledge people and groups – including emergency services, healthcare workers, support staff, volunteers, kaumātua, community organisations and other local heroes – who make a difference in our community.
The initiative is a powerful way for students to experience the impact of gratitude and kindness in action, Williams says.
“The project is supported by local businesses. Their generosity allowed the school to spread even more kindness throughout the community,” he adds.
“The school hopes the project created lasting ripples of kindness throughout Franklin and reminded people of the importance of connection, gratitude, and community spirit.”
Students also reflected on the importance of giving back and recognising those who often work behind the scenes, one student confirms:
“Instead of getting presents for ourselves, we wanted to give something back to the people who help make our community such a special place.”
