Brush with Kindness at HBHS

HBHS boys have been mobilised to serve the community in a number of ways this year.  Over the course of the next ten weeks, Ms. Basel's ENP class will be taking part in Habitat for Humanity's Brush with Kindness program, whereby they will be helping with gardens, doing maintenance work and learning more about the project.  It will be a hugely beneficial experience to them in both developing their personals skills and to their NCEA progam.

16 students have been selected to attempt the new NCEA Literacy Standards.  The standards consist of collecting evidence in a portfolio of your literacy achievements in speaking and communicating, reading and writing.  The boys are currently collecting evidence for writing - why are they working with Habitat for Humanity you may be  asking then?

Two reasons - the first is that we are developing journal writing skills based on our everyday experiences.  Working with Habitat for Humanity is providing the boys with heaps of positive and beneficial experiences to write about in their journal.  They are keen and enthusiastic and they all have something they want to write.

Secondly we are basing the work that will go into the portfolio on a values based curriculum.  At Hamilton Boys' High School we feel it is important that our students learn and model the core values of our school - working together, supporting our community, sharing resoureces and being the best that you can be.

In June, following a course of study on the non profitable organization Trade Aide and working conditions in India, the class decided they would like to look at and supporting a local community program they could all get involved with.  The class made contact with Habitat for Humanity, the element of hands on practical support was very appealing and the offer of service from 16 hard working boys was warmly received by Nic Greene (North Island regional coordinator).

Alison Basel