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Last Friday Maunga Titiraupenga had a lovely hikoi down to the lake. We were fortunate to have the sun shining and the town was buzzing with the build-up to Ironman. The children made their way to the 2 Mile Bay boat ramp in record time enjoying a rotation of swimming and games on the lakefront. It was lovely to have some of our families join us for lunch. Thank you to those parents who helped out on the day and well done kids walking such a long way!

Learning to swim at the AC Baths.

Hilltop School’s Butterfly Garden

In 2022, two Hilltop School students, Lizzie and Pipi took the initiative to lead a remarkable project aimed at attracting native pollinators to Hilltop School. Their efforts resulted in the creation of a habitat promoting biodiversity.

In the following year, I came across an advertisement for a Butterfly and Moth Habitat Award. Recognizing the potential for extending the learning experience from the previous year, I saw this as a valuable opportunity. Leveraging the competition to inspire students to delve into the specifics of creating a butterfly habitat. Throughout the year, all of the school’s Year 7-8 classes collaborated with me, utilising the pollinator and butterfly gardens as a practical learning context for their projects.

After Cyclone Gabrielle toppled a large tree at the school entrance, the students identified this as the ideal location for their new garden. This area, receiving ample sunlight and sheltered by school buildings, met the essential criteria for a butterfly habitat. They embarked on researching the additional requirements for a butterfly and moth-friendly habitat. Subsequently, they crafted a video application to Kids Greening Taupō (KGT) for native plants and sought funding for pottery butterfly feeders. With the support secured through the KGT Contact Energy Take Action Fund, beautiful pottery flowers were created to serve as water dishes for butterflies. These flowers were painted in vibrant colours and fired by our local potter, Didi Chapman. 

The students then delved into researching the native plant species necessary to attract native moths and butterflies. They discovered the abundance of moth species in Aotearoa and the significance of native plants as host species for them. Understanding the specific plant requirements for different butterflies, such as stinging nettles for admiral butterflies and clover for common blue butterflies, was enlightening. They also learned about the host plants for various caterpillars, highlighting the importance of our native flora in supporting native moths.

Further research was conducted to identify native plants that would provide nectar for butterflies and moths. Leveraging local expertise from Taupō ecologist Alana Delich, along with resources from Kids Greening Taupō and the Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust, the students selected plant species like manuka, korokio, kowhai, and hebes to nurture native butterflies. The inclusion of kōhuhu plants, known for releasing scent at night to attract moths, added to the garden's diversity.

With guidance from Rachel, the coordinator from Kids Greening Taupō, the students received the requested plants and learned the proper planting techniques. Understanding how plants attract pollinators with nectar and facilitate pollination was a fascinating revelation for the students. Following a detailed plan for plant placement, the students diligently planted the flora, laid mulch, and ensured proper care and maintenance throughout the year.

As part of these Science classes, and with help from Shannon Hanson from the Taupō District Council, students looked into how to reuse and recycle items in their garden.  A compost bin and worm farm were set up to help reduce waste and we even managed a few trips to the local Community Gardens. A rainwater collection system was designed by students and installed using old pipes attached to the garden shed and an old kitchen bench was used as a potting up table. Glass houses were made from recycled skylights to help grow frost sensitive plants and extend the growing season. Cans were painted and hung from a pou, and then planted with flower seeds to feed butterflies in the summer time.

The artwork done by students with support from local artist, Sue Graham was installed.

In 2024, students are continuing this project by designing signage about the native plants in the garden. The signs will say which  butterflies and moths each plant is host to, or attracts.  These will be printed onto outdoor signage material and proudly displayed in the butterfly garden. The students are also looking into sourcing rocks for the space after hearing that some native butterflies like to rest on rocks. 

As you may be aware, the Ministry of Education has increased its attention towards students’ low attendance rates across the country. All schools are now required to closely monitor students’ attendance and formally contact parents if their children fall into any of the following categories :

Chronic absence - 70% and below attendance

Moderate attendance - 71-80% attendance

Irregular attendance - 81-90% attendance

The Ministry of Education’s goal is for all students to be attending school regularly, which equates to more than 90% of the time. More than 5 days of absence within one term will result in your child's attendance dipping below the threshold of 90%.

In instances where a student has 5 unjustified absences from school in a term, notification will be sent out via Hero. This is to alert parents and whanau so that further absences may be avoided. If you would like support with your child's attendance, please contact Callie-anne Dumble (callie-anne@hilltop.org.nz) or call the school for an appointment.

If you would like to print a Tax Donation Receipt, please follow the instructions below.

NB: RECEIPTS CAN NOT BE PRINTED FROM THE HERO MOBILE APP - you must login on a PC or Laptop