Melville Intermediate - Thank You Matua Tutu

There are many events that students were involved in during term one. Destyn, Raukawa, Liam and Cleveland from Room 8 this term were lucky enough to be involved in Waka Ama racing. This came about because Matua Tutu volunteered his time to help with the boys, to train them and prepare them for the event. If he had not the students would not have had the fantastic opportunity to participate. On the final day of term one, 2009, the School had our usual End of Term Assembly. At that assembly the Boys made a presentation to Matua of a signed photograph of the entire Waka Ama School team. They also read out a letter to him thanking him for his time and support. The letter read as follows:

"Dear Matua Tutu

Thank you for all your time that you spent teaching us how to row in a waka. Mauta you have taught us how to behave in the Waka. We are lucky to have you as our Matua. Without you we wouldn't have even be there. All us enjoyed of Waka Ama training even when we all had sore arms and legs. We all hope that you will come back and teach us next year."

I (Mr Webb) would like to add that without the support of volunteers who give their time so generously a lot of activities that are provided at schools would not be possible - its thanks to people like Matua Tutu that we can offer students the full range of experiences, and I know the students were very greatful for that opportunity.