Our Year 11 Art, Design, and Visual Communication students headed out of the classroom on Wednesday for a deep dive into local inspiration and heritage.

The day began at the Curiosity Cafe, where Ruth Baldwin shared her incredible collection of artifacts, midden material, and stone types gathered over many years. She gave the students a fascinating insight into the nomadic Māori people who lived at Port Molyneux, explaining their seasonal movements and how they utilised the local area. It was also a very special morning for Ruth, who had a warm welcome for some of her former primary school students—Jamie, Ethan, Blake, Rian, Gabby, and Lily-Jean—who are now all grown up!

After morning tea, students stepped into the world of Pounamu. Guided by artist Tabuvae Tamihana and his assistant Lauren, they learned the sacred protocols for handling and working the stone. Tabuvae shared that the students are now "Treasure Makers," a title they earned as they lived our school values throughout the workshop:

Respect: By following the appropriate cultural protocols for handling and working the Pounamu.

Perseverance: Through the patient process of shaping, sanding, and polishing the stone, as well as the intricate braiding of their necklaces.

Excellence: In developing a Taonga that is not just a physical pendant, but a reflection of the deep learning they gained from such a special day.

We finished the day with a beach walk to gather further design inspiration from nature before heading back to school. Huge thanks to Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Penn, and Mr. Doherty for accompanying the trip, and to our wonderful hosts for making us so welcome!

#TreasureMakers #SchoolEOTC #KakaPoint #Pounamu #DesignInspiration #SchoolValues