Students Raise Flag

The raising of the Southland Spirit of a Nation flag in the centre of St. Joseph’s Primary School grounds on 11 August was a simple pull on a cord that belies the huge input of the school students to reach this day.

It’s not just that the team had to create its own flagpole and wait for the weather to improve to pour the concrete, there was also an involved community process. Letters were written to the school board and the Friends of the School and a survey run on flag placement among staff, parents and parishioners.

This has been achieved through the leadership of year six students, Alena Saili and Daniel Balloch.

The story began at the Southland Spirit of a Nation school representatives meeting on 7 April when Daniel and Alena met with eighty other primary students to be inspired by Gerry Forde about the Southland spirit and put that pride to work at their school.

Alena and Daniel were determined to raise a Southland flag and organised a fundraising disco selling popcorn and glow sticks, much to the delight of school principal Jill Baird.

“These children have motivated themselves, their peers and the wider community to get in behind their project – they’ve driven it!” said Mrs Baird.

Consulting with the wider community and St Mary’s Parish on the placement of the flagpole brought in a whole new set of skills, according to teacher support, Trish Balloch.

“Their ability to communicate with the wider community and to prompt donations and initiate fundraising to cover the cost of the project is just stunning leadership!” Ms Balloch said.

And the project has snowballed.

Added to the Southland flag is the New Zealand flag and a growing collection of flags from countries of origin of the current school community.

Daniel and Alena have been made school leaders and their enthusiasm is driving a buddy programme, fundraising to complete the school hall and there is a future project planned to beautify the gardens in the school.

The project has enthused Keith Mason, site manager of Fonterra, the major supporter of the Southland Spirit of a Nation school programme.

“Alena and Daniel have shown that there is no limit to what our young people can achieve when they are inspired and take ownership of their future,” said Keith Mason.

Southland Spirit of a Nation Brand Co-ordinator, Gerry Forde said it was a red letter day for St Joseph's School with the wider community showing its support including St Mary's Parish Priest, Fr. Christopher O'Neil, Andrea Carson from Aluminium Smelters NZ, a major supporter of the school programme, parents and school board members.

“All were impressed by the leadership of the young student representatives.”