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Students leaving a Hawke’s Bay primary school have left an impressive tangible mark for future students to aim for.
Clive School Year 6 students carved out a new chapter in the school’s history by designing and creating a series of handcrafted trophies to be awarded at this year’s end-of-year prizegiving.
Clive School's Year 6 pupils and school principal Chris Birch with the students' handmade awards. Photo / Jack Riddell
The project emerged after a review of the school’s annual celebrations, ensuring the awards reflect the school’s values and cultural identity for years to come.
The new trophies symbolise the four kaupapa (principles) that underpin life at Clive School: Manaakitanga (respect), kia manawanui (perseverance), kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and hauora (health).
Toi – Creative Legacy, left, Ahurea Tuakiri – Cultural Commitment, and Te Hiranga Akoranga – Academic Excellence. Photos / Jack Riddell
Each trophy has been shaped to represent not only the values but also the pride, commitment and sense of belonging fostered within the school community.
Principal Chris Birch said he worked alongside the students throughout the project, guiding them through each stage of the woodworking process – from planning and shaping the timber to sanding, oiling and finishing each unique trophy.
“It has been wonderful to share my passion for woodwork with our tamariki,” Birch said.
Kaitiakitanga – Leadership and Responsibility, left, Te Ngākau Aroha – Kindness and Respect, and Kia Manawanui – Perseverance. Photos / Jack Riddell
“Many of them had never experienced woodworking before, and to see their confidence grow as they learned new skills has been incredibly rewarding.
“Together, we have created something meaningful for our kura [school] – something that represents who we are and what we stand for.”
The trophies, crafted from reclaimed rimu, each carry their own individuality.
Students ensured the taonga (treasures) reflected the cultural narrative of Clive School and the deep sense of whanaungatanga (kinship) that exists within the community.
Tohu Hiranga o Te Kura o Clive – Overall Achievement, left, and Te Toa Hākinakina – Sports Champion. Photos / Jack Riddell
“These trophies are more than awards – they’re a connection between our past, present and future,” Birch said.
“I know our Year 6 students and their whānau will cherish the role they played in creating something that will be treasured for many years to come.”
The new trophies will make their debut at the Clive School prizegiving ceremony on Friday, December 12.
For the students who helped craft them, it marks not just the end of their primary schooling, but a lasting contribution to the place they’ve called home for many years.
