Effort brings reward … but in this case, it brings us here.
When I first entered this school, I was ghost-quiet. I knew nothing of this great school.
I was like a tree with no roots trying to grow into new soil. Thankfully, the teachers helped me develop my roots to spread into the soil of experience. By year six I had become a tall, proud kauri tree.
I moved here in year three. I know I said I was ghost-quiet when I first entered the school, but I was secretly elated to be here. Why was I elated?
Well, let's just say it could certainly be an improvement on my old school. Anyway, it wasn't just my old school and that was in the past.
Unfortunately, when I was about to attend Manurewa Central, Covid 19 struck. Like many others I didn't have a great time. But enough of that. Let's delve deeper into my time here.
There's not much I can remember before year six, but I do know this: year six has been epic!
As a school councilor I have been asked to spread my wings to fly high and give shelter to other birds of the forest. That has been fun! Although it has been challenging too. I have also been a member of flying squad. I enjoy cleaning the school, but then again, like a rollercoaster, there have been some ups and downs.
Despite the small things that have been hard, this year has been great!
Wait! One more thing before I talk about something else. I've saved the best for last. I like giving speeches, so when it came to year 5 and 6 speeches, I went HARD OUT. And, I don't mean to brag - and trust me on that- but I won.
What am I missing? Oh, of course, camp! It was way back at the beginning of the year and I enjoyed camp so much! I loved the flying kiwi, pirates crossing, abseiling, maybe not the confidence course, kayaking, everything! (not counting the confidence course.) My favourite was probably the flying kiwi though.
Finally, I think we can all agree that Manurewa Central School is an amazing school. As I say goodbye for the last time, spread my wings and soar off into the distance; you should know this: I will always remember you.
Corbyn
As soon as I stepped foot through the Manurewa Central School gates at the start of 2025 I was terrified because of my previous year at Manurewa central school I had been easily influenced by older boys in my class, which made me act up. I wanted to change that.
As soon as I saw my class I was with Mrs Mchaffie-Green, and so was my mates Anmol and Jimmy. I stepped into kauri again but this time with confidence. I was terrified but I gained more confidence when I got assigned flag monitor on the first day of my 2025 school year. I couldn't wait to tell my parents.
But what made it better is when I got picked for House and Sports leader, Flying squad and Class buddy. Then when I told my parents my dad told me "I think your teacher sees maturity in you". At that moment I set a goal to have the best year.
Then a few weeks later my mates Sione and Talmage said "Whea G needs one more Pacifica boy leader so I built up the courage to go up to her and ask, and now I'm a Pacifica leader. Then on our final assembly for term 3 I performed my first ever Tongan dance. I was so proud of myself.
But way back in term 1 we all went to Camp Adair for 3 days which meant I was away from home for 3 days which isn't a big deal. I've been away from home for a week. Then I saw my first activity was abseiling, I thought it would terrify me. But I faced my fears and… I went twice. My cabin I was in had all my friends in it. So those 3 days were the best 3 days of my year.
So, to sum up 2025 and all my school years, it hurts that I'm moving on but that's ok because I'll always remember this school. Next year I will be able to experience even more and challenge myself to be even better.
Thank you
Patrick
"No matter how much you hate school, you'll miss it when you leave"
Hi, I'm Seerat from Kauri Ngahere Kiwi Kohanga. I'm going to be yapping about my time in MCS, such as what I learnt, my Core Memories, and my Teachers!
If there is one thing I've learnt in Kiwi Kohanga, it's that mistakes are good. Have you ever made an embarrassing mistake and then been reminded of it sometime later? Well, your brain is reminding you of that mistake so you don't make it again. You make a mistake, you learn from your mistake.
Next, I've learnt that friendship is very important because you never know how long you'll have your friends for, so spend as much time with them as you can.
Another thing I've learnt is that time flies, so cherish every year with your teacher, because they are just trying to make you better for your future.
I have a LOT of memories, but these are my favourite memories, my core memories.
I remember in year 2 we did a science experiment, we went out to the field, got a Coke bottle, and put Mentos in it! Does anyone know what happened??? It exploded like a volcano!
I also remember making lava lamps. We first put oil and coloured water in a glass cup and used a special tablet called Alka-Seltzer, which made it fizz up …WE EVEN GOT TO DRINK THE LAVA LAMPS! I didn't like it, so I not-so secretly threw it out the window …But I felt like a spy.
In year 3, I remember making dumplings with Ms Yao, and then after everyone left and was done eating, a kid named Tyson stayed back and licked all the plates! They were that tasty.
I've had many teachers, but I'll talk about the most interesting ones. Firstly, I'll talk about the teacher who started everything, Mrs. Newyan. She started me on my journey here and was really just the best teacher to start Manurewa Central with for me. I remember being in Mr. Bygate's class, but only for two months due to lockdown. He was as cool as ice. During lockdown, I remember doing Zoom calls, but not with Mr. Bygate, with Ms. Sampson.
After lockdown, I got moved to Ms. Sampson's class and had a lot of fun. In Year 3, I was in the class of the most kind-hearted, pure-souled, fun, smart, caring, and chill teacher Mrs. Rob. Mrs. Rob, thank you for making learning fun, and I know sometimes I could be a little… meh, but you never gave up on me. Even after all these years, you still think of me as that one student you've always believed in. It means more than you think. Thank you for everything.
My journey at MCS is ending, but everything I've learned here will stay with me forever. It's like one day you're entering those green gates and then boom! You're leaving the gates the next day. Thank you to everyone who made MCS unforgettable.Seerat
On my first day of school at Manurewa Central School I entered the classroom. I immediately clung tightly onto my Mum not wanting to let go. Soon a big puddle of tears traveled down my cheeks and down to the floor.
When I sat down on the mat a teacher introduced herself to the class, Mrs Sampson. Once I saw her I knew by the way she treated children she was going to be a sweet teacher.
While Mrs Sampson was calling out the roll I crossed my fingers for her not to say my name until it got up to my name. I froze like a statue then my voice shrunk and went quiet.
Next I was a Year 2 and 6 years old. When I started Manurewa Central School I was an introverted child. That was until I met a girl named MACKENZIE! A bubbly, open, quirky girl and she gave me a tour around the school so that I could feel comfortable in MCS. We even introduced ourselves to each other at lunchtime and immediately became best friends.
Little did I know my time at Manurewa Central School would not last forever. I left MCS during Year 2 to go to another school. I did not enjoy this school and I was happy to come back to MCS in Year 4.
In Year 4 I got the amazing, one and only MRS SOWDEN! She was super creative and colourful especially with art, both our favourite subjects, well one of them that is. While in Year 4 Mrs Sowden did some pretty cool art when it was different language weeks such as a turtle printing art work on Samoan Language Week.
In Year 5 my teachers were Mrs Lynch, Mr Chin, and Mrs Sauni. Mrs Lynch was my whanau group teacher and some kids in my class doubted me surviving a second with her but I thankfully got through the year 2024 and it was honestly pretty fun! Although I had one favourite part of learning which was homework. I loved writing long storys but sadly Mrs Lynch changed the amount of pages we could use.
In Year 6 I had once again Mrs Sowden as my whanau group teacher and Mrs McHaffie-Green and Mr Wickman as pod teachers. We did singing with Mrs McHaffie-Green and I genuinely thought I was in a choir, especially my bestie Mackenzie whos tone was as soft as a kittens voice. Oh right I can't forget the rest of the class who carried their beautiful melodies throughout the classroom.
All those good times sure feel as if it were yesterday. My best friends I have made along my journey sure helped me get to where I am now. I'd like to thank Bonnie, Italiah, Mackenzie, Eden, Abel, Zoe, and other people that I can't really fit in this speech. Thank you for pushing me to my limits and encouraging me to try new things.
I have been on some adventurous trips while at MCS. I have reflected on the trips I have been on and camp was my number one favourite is camp. I went to Camp Adair in Year 6 which was a heck load of emotions. I got to face my fear of heights, which was pretty fun actually.
We went onto the mud slide. Let me tell you … IT STUNK!! Worse than a skunks bum! I then covered myself head to toe in soap when I was taking a shower afterwards. I embraced that warm water as if it were Jesus.
Overall, Camp Adair was teaching me more than just having fun. It taught me about teamwork and collaboration between the activities. That single trip taught me how special it was for our school to form as one.
To end this speech I want to thank and share my gratitude to these lovely teachers Mr Wickman, Mrs Casey, Mrs Sowden, Mrs McLean as well as Mrs McHaffie-Green who not only blessed my ears with beautiful singing but she also made sure we were making good choices. If you weren't, she would let you know!
Now that I am leaving I now want to cling tightly onto the school and cry.
Manurewa Central School it sure was fun learning from you.
Sarah