Vivid memories of Simon and Garfunkel’s brilliant rendition of the Sounds of Silence returned a couple of weeks ago when I lost my voice for 3 days. There are those who were delighted about the prospect of Peace in our Times, and it did require me to delay a Rotary Board meeting by a week and miss a Rotary meeting.
Thanks to Lee-Ann for standing in the gap and leading the Rotary meeting on the night that we had Hamish Walker MP and Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, National List MP based in Manukau East, attending.
During the last week we have also had a slight departure from the norm and 16 Rotarians or partners participated in a visit to the Wakatipu High School precinct. We were hosted by the Principal and Deputy Principal and treated to a conducted tour around the school facility, and given a narrative on the trials and tribulations that have existed for the school when transitioning from a formal style of classroom teaching to a the modern open and inclusive learning environment that they now operate under. Students work on laptop computers, are able to work at the learners pace and do so in an extraordinary and scenic environment.
Those who attended, I believe, were impressed with what they saw and experienced and it was a privilege to see the students conscientiously at work.
The school has a significant set of resources available. In addition to the new modern learning environment it has a canteen, science labs, automotive workshop, music and recording studio, significant gymnasium, a theatre and a vast residential and commercial kitchen, all based around enhanced student learning.
An excellent event that further enhances the relationship that exists between Rotary and the WHS. Student MacLean learnt all about “Pedagogy” which will now be his new catch phrase.
On Wednesday night the movie “Ride Like a Girl” was a Rotary Foundation fundraiser for the eradication of Polio from the world, which was screened at the movie theatre in Queenstown. The story of the first female jockey to ride a winner at the prestigious Melbourne Cup in 2015. It was an excellent movie attended by 63 Rotarians and partners and was followed by, most of the attendees, to the local pizza parlour for a spot of food and refreshment.
A great night, enjoyed by all. $683 was raised. Thanks to Ron Mackersy and Brian MacPherson for their contributions to the success of the night.
In the weeks ahead we will hear from some excellent speakers that Stuart MacLean and his Team have assembled, so we trust that you enjoy the program coming up.
So in summary the good news is the voice is back and normal service has been resumed.
Take care, see you Tuesday.
Regards
Ross
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