From soap box derby to concert, kids love it

CARLTON School principal Paul Petersen's move to New Zealand from South Africa has been a joyous and wise move, he said.

``I love New Zealand and am so very happy to be here in Wanganui.''

His first position was at a small school on Great Barrier Island, followed by a stint at a decile 10 school at Bucklands Beach in East Auckland, then off to a decile 2 school in Manurewa in South Auckland.

Petersen said it was certainly an all-round beginning at New Zealand schools.

He started at Carlton School in 2009, after deciding he needed to leave the city for a smaller town and said it's been the best move for him and his young family.

The ongoing close-knit collaboration between the school, local iwi and the museum was a real boon, he said. ``It's wonderful to be so connected with the community.''

Carlton School is very stable and has been for many years, he says. A board member recently left after 17 years and everyone remembers her always saying ``if it's in the children's interest we'll do it''.

``And she always did ... the children have been and are top priority here,'' Mr Petersen said.

And these students are constantly encouraged every day to have fun and adventure. Fun school activities include water pistol fights, tree climbing and a regular soap box derby. A special soap box derby track is part of the renovations of the school frontage, Petersen said.

``It will be quite something having a wonderful racing track at school.''

Mr Petersen believes the ``joy of being a child'' should be paramount at every school. But at the same time good discipline procedures are in place to ensure the children stay safe and know the rules within the school, he says.

Carlton School leads the way in Wanganui with a special boys' class set up three years ago, and the special unit with children from Arohanga Special School transitioning through to mainstream schooling.

The dedicated buddy system at the school has senior students buddied up with young pupils throughout the school.

And all classes visit the special class regularly, talk to the kids and look after them every day out in the playground, Petersen says. The boys-only class has been a magnificent success story, he says. ``It is working so well. These are boys who need a more physical approach to learning. A more tactile, visual, auditory approach.''

Walking into the boys' classroom is a bit like arriving in boy heaven. Even though there are tables and chairs, there's also soft floppy beanbags, warm mats and cushions and if a boy needs to sprawl while reading he can do it in comfort.

As well as their teacher there were two teacher aides and the room was awash with games, books, computers, colour ... it was welcoming, warm and vibrant.

Even though I asked a couple of boys how they felt about their boys' space I didn't really need to for every face in the room showed willing, concentration with a lot of smiles.

``Yeah, I really love it ... I like coming here every day, and I like learning maths here. I used to be no good at maths, but here I'm being okay,'' said one boy. ``It's just that it's kind of a nicer place,'' another boy said.

And a small boy deeply involved in his book said, ``I am glad I am here now.''

In the school hall, a kapa haka lesson was under way. About 30 children were taking direction from their kapa haka teacher, Ashley Patea, and loving it. There wasn't a child lagging behind; they were all up with every move, expression and waiata. Mr Patea had the undivided attention of every child.

The songs, the actions, the overall presentation were stirring and emotional, and these were just 9 and 10-year-olds.

Personal talent is fostered and encouraged. In fact, that night was the Carlton School talent show.

From tiny pupils to the big kids, they performed everything from songs, dances, magic tricks and recitations to karate moves. The teachers were doing their bit as well. The staff had been rehearsing their version of Swan Lake.

``Yes, I'm involved but I will not be front stage, I will be backstage,'' Mr Petersen said.

The annual concert alternates between a talent show one year and a full production the next. It's a full-scale production involving the whole school, and is well supported by parents and friends, he said.

``It's always packed out. It's very, very popular and the kids love it.''

Success is encouraged in every arena of the school. ``Because success really does breed success.''

Carlton School really is a ``Habits of Mind''environment, he says.

To emphasise the good and the best at Carlton School are the designated school leaders.

There are eight school leaders who work at being role models for all the students.

Mr Petersen says these students often have the difficulty that when they are working their mates are out playing in the playground. ``We do have high expectations of them _ but we also reward them accordingly.''

Recently the eight leaders were treated to dinner in the Red Room at ``Stellar'' in Victoria Ave.

Young leaders don't get an easy ride of it, Mr Petersen says.

They have to show greater responsibility and commitment to duties than the others. ``And they do. They are all hard working and dedicated.''

Even though heavy rain was falling the day I visited, the grounds were slick and wet and the students were indoors, the mood around the school was up, keen and motivated.

From the smallest kids through to the grown-ups having a quick cuppa in the staff room at morning break, there's a huge feeling of friendliness and warmth.-->-->