Totara School heading off on a space mission

Children from Totara School will get to look at Oamaru from a different perspective when they visit the town for an ‘Urban Space Mission’ this Thursday, 14 April.

The trip is being organised by Waitaki Active Transport Coordinator, Andrea Kydd-Law, as part of the Waitaki District Council’s road safety program.

“Because Totara is a rural school, many of the children are taken there either by bus or by car, so they don’t get a chance to practice their road safety skills so much through walking or biking to school. The Urban Space Mission will allow them to learn some important skills through practical experience”.

In addition to road safety sessions, which will be led by the Senior Constable Carrie Hamilton, the children will get to experience other aspects of urban space which link with the school curriculum.

The day will also include sessions about the Waitaki Guardians, the Council’s graffiti eradication project TAG, staying safe in town, a visit to the Council Chambers with the Mayor, orienteering at the Oamaru Gardens with Sport Waitaki, ‘play time’ at the Waitaki Community Gardens, and bowling for senior students with Youthtown.

The day will end with the children planting a Totara tree and burying a time capsule at Fenwick Park, with the Mayor in attendance.

“We have a great team of people helping out for the day who will open the children’s eyes to different aspects of urban space in a fun and engaging way. We will also be welcoming back our old friend Zeb the pedestrian crossing zebra, who has been away having a makeover,” Ms Kydd-Law said.

The Urban Space Missions will be offered to other rural schools, and will be tailored to fit with each school’s desired learning outcomes.