Alongside this the students learned what else can be beneath the surface. Enviroschools facilitator Michelle Ducat shared recent research about how much plastic is ending up in our oceans and the impact this can have on the animals living there. The students could see how they could all have a role in reducing the amount of plastic they used, and ensuring plastic ended up in the recycling bin, secure from being blown away – and that maybe they could work on solutions to clean up the oceans too.

 

Finally, after some kai and a play, it was off to the beach, carefully walking between the dunes so they didn’t damage the plants that held the sand together. The Muritai students had a good understanding of how fragile dunes are because over the years they have worked alongside San Antonio School, and local expert Judith McDougall to help care for the dunes. With Judith’s knowledge of the special nature of the dunes and the plants and animals that live there the students have been able to take action for the dunes – weeding, collecting rubbish, and this year, with the support of Hutt City Council’s Volunteer Co-ordinator Kristen Robinson, students have collected seeds from the spinifex plant that helps hold the sand in place. They plan to grow seedlings to gift to the local dune restoration group.

 

The seventy odd kids spent the afternoon exploring, creating and making new friends. Some took magnifying glasses to observe the surfaces of shells and driftwood. Others turned huge logs over to look at what was living underneath. Bases, homes and other structures were constructed with the large and small poles of driftwood. Children collected different shells and seaweed and marvelled at the colours, wondering what they were, and how they came to be on the beach.