Recipients of the 2023 Puawai Award Announced

Heathcote Valley Primary School recipients (L to R): Sophie Marcham, Ruby Patterson and Rune Calvert

Mt Pleasant Primary School recipients Nicholas Freeman and Morgan Robertson with Sumner Ferrymead Foundation trustee Jane Paterson

Redcliffs Primary School recipients (L to R): Leo Love-Smith, George Campbell, Lily Sayer and Nami Scally-Irvine

Nine year 8 pupils from three local primary schools are heading to five different high schools in 2023. What the pupils have in common is they are recipients of the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation Puawai (Flourish) Award.

In 2020 the Foundation launched the Puawai Award to recognise students who flourished is their last year at primary school. Each school defines the criteria for the award and has $1000 to allocate between the recipients. We ntroduced the award to help with the costs associated with transitioning from primary school to high school” said trustee Jane Paterson.. "They may use the award towards the cost of technology, uniforms, stationery, or whatever they feel would be most usefull".

Ruby Patterson, Rune Calvert, and Sophie Marcham from Heathcote Valley Primary School are all going to Hagley High next year, and plan to use the award to assist in the purchase of new computers. Both Ruby and Sophie are keen on art and writing, and Rune is keen on art and maths. They all enjoy the outdoors; Ruby likes going to the beach, Sophie likes netball and swimming and Rune enjoys walking with his family.

Whilst Redcliffs Primary School pupils are all intending to use the award towards the cost of new uniforms, they are all heading in different directions. Lily Sayer and Nami Scally-Irvine are both going to the local high school Te Aratai, whilst George Campbell and Leo Love-Smith are heading into town to attend Christ's College and Catholic Cathedral College respectively. All four have a love of sport, be it touch, basketball or tennis; but when it comes to school subjects reading, writing and maths feature.

Morgan Robertson and Nicholas Freeman of Mt Pleasant Primary School haven’t decided what they will put the money from their award towards, but for Morgan it won’t be a uniform as she is off the Hagley High. A competitive roller-skater she enjoys art and writing. Nicholas, a keen surfer, will be attending Shirley Boys High.

The primary school awards are just one component of the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation’s scholarship and awards programme. On January 4th, applications open for a range of academic and Outward Bound scholarships, along with apprentice awards, and an environment or sustainability award.

The Foundation has responded to requests for grants from individuals and community organisations for some 30 years, but a few years ago decided to take a proactive approach and offer a range of scholarships and awards. Most of our scholarships and awards are sponsored by residents in our catchment area or by local businesses – such a great example of locals helping locals", said Jane.

Further information is available at the Foundation’s website www.sumnerferrymeadfoundation.co.nz