BACKRangitoto College continues to foster a strong and lasting partnership with the residents of Arvida Knightsbridge Retirement Community through a variety of collaborative initiatives.
One of the most exciting projects is the community garden launched by the college’s Garden Society club. Students have been learning how to grow a range of seasonal vegetables, including cabbage, cauliflower, spring onions, beetroot, capsicum, and broccoli. This hands-on experience has been enriched by valuable guidance from the knowledgeable residents of Knightsbridge, who have shared their expert tips and advice with the budding student gardeners. Some of the lovely residents have also arranged a roster for residents to water, weed, and nurture the vegetable garden plots during the summer school holidays.
In addition, Year 10 Food Technology students have been showcasing their skills by preparing High Tea presentations. These decadent displays offer residents the opportunity to enjoy and critique the students’ culinary creations. The feedback and comments from the residents provide essential learning for the students, helping them refine their techniques. In the future we hope to host this event in the village.
Most recently, Rangitoto College students have been getting into the Christmas spirit early this year with a new group named Santa’s Helpers. Meeting during lunchtimes, these Year 9 students created handmade Christmas cards with positive messages, which were delivered to Knightsbridge to brighten the residents’ holidays. The students thoroughly enjoyed the creative process, bringing joy and warmth through their heartfelt designs.
These activities are in addition to other events and opportunities that have happened throughout the year. There is a strong musical connection between the college and the village with performances by various music groups being regular highlights of the year. Students have also made excellent IT presentations and given individual help to residents to support their IT needs. Lastly, over 30 students interviewed residents about their lives and careers as part of the oral history project which was a real innovation this year.
At Rangitoto College, we value the importance of strong community connections, and our ongoing relationship with Arvida Knightsbridge Retirement Community is a testament to this commitment. These interactions are incredibly meaningful for our students, and it’s been wonderful to watch the bonds between them and the residents grow over the years. We are excited to continue working alongside the residents in the future.
