School Based Programmes
Challenge 2000 is involved with numerous schools in the Wellington region.
St Patrick’s College
What is Social Justice? This is the question that was posed to the Year 10 students of St Pat’s Silverstream. Seven Challenge 2000 personnel were delighted to go to St Pat’s Silverstream to conduct a retreat. The team was made up of Bridget Masoe, Hadley Middleton, Kevin Albrecht, Hutana Crawford, Allen Smith Tovio Apolo and Attila Va’a.
The students took part in activities which focussed on developing and strengthening their ability to work together, and equality (didn’t matter which house they belonged to or which class they were in).
The team and students were very fortunate to have had Kitty McKinley make a guest appearance on both days to give the students a “scintillating talk” about the meaning of Social Justice – some injustices within Aotearoa New Zealand and close to home. For example, poverty in Wellington, as well as what this could mean to the students and what part they can play to make their College, community and country a better place.
Overall the retreat went very well with great participation from the students and teachers who were present and we believe that the everyone, not only the students, got a lot out of it.
Hadley Middleton
St Catherine’s College
Missions Day
Year 11
Staff: Hadley Middleton, Kirsty Leedom, Michelle Brough, Bridget Masoe and Anh-Dao Pham.
Mission Day at Saint Catherine’s College, Kilbirnie is always looked forward to by Challenge 2000 staff, and this year, as usual, St. Catherine’s girls did not disappoint with their positive attitudes and willingness to learn more!
We began the day with some high energy ice breakers to get the ball rolling, then introduced ourselves and picked random statements out of a basket that we had to finish.
The morning was spent discussing injustices that people face in everyday life — from the poverty present in many countries, including our own, to stereotypes experienced by students. A few of the leaders shared what social responsibility means to them and what that means for them in terms of how they act.
After a well-deserved morning break, with some impressive badminton skills demonstrated on the students’ part (not so much by the Challenge 2000 staff!) the group was split into two teams for the activity “stepping stones” under the rigorously unmerciful eyes of Challenge staff. Thought-provoking discussions were had following this game, with the topic of awareness of others being raised.
After lunch the students made commitment cards for themselves- committing themselves to doing one positive thing to contribute to society.
We enjoyed our day with the year 11 students heaps! We appreciated their enthusiasm and full participation throughout the day and it made us proud to see so many young people eager to learn more about what they can do for those around them.
Anh-Dao Pham
St Bernadette’s
Leadership Day
Year 7 and 8 students of St Bernadette’s in Naenae, accompanied by their teachers, meet the Challenge 2000 team (Hadley, Bridget, Michelle, Kirsty and Tovio) at the Columban Father’s in Lower Hutt. The weather was good, the venue perfect and a great day was had at the St Bernadette’s school retreat!
The day was focused on Leadership – the definition of leadership, the different types of leaders there are or have been in the world, and the sort of leaders and role models they can be at school and in the community. The students were really receptive and participated eagerly in everything, as well as enjoying the many games – I think Jockey’s Up was the best!
We helped them to identify and share their gifts – it was really interesting to hear what the students had to say, and their self knowledge and awareness. Each group made a large star that was to be taken back to their classroom with their names and leadership gifts on them. They also made little stars representing themselves – on the front we put our names and on the back we put two of our gifts – I still have mine with me.
With the help of the students, we put together the liturgy to close our day of fun and learning. We were separated into four groups, one to do the prayers, one to do a performance, one to do a song and the last group did a poster. It was such an AWESOME day with the students, they were very cool and it made my week!
Bridget Masoe
