October 2020


Dear Parents/Caregivers

The Mountains To Sea Wellington is a programme exploring marine conservation and local marine reserves. Students will learn about marine biodiversity, human impacts, and the importance of marine conservation. They will experience their local marine environment first-hand through a snorkelling field trip, leading to a better understanding of marine conservation issues in their local area and fostering kaitiakitanga (guardianship).

There are three phases in the programme:

Phase One:
The instructors Joe, Roni and Lisa will be coming into classrooms for an hour and a half session to outline the programme on October 18th.

Phase Two:
Students will be taught snorkelling skills by trained instructors at the Porirua Aquatic Centre on 23rd November. There will be a 60 min lesson for each Taupō class. Students will be guided in snorkelling safety skills and techniques to prepare them for the marine snorkelling session later in the month.
Session times:
9.30-12: Rm 15
10.30-12.30: Rm 16
11.30-1.30: Rm 17
12.30-2.30: Rm 18
12.30-2.30: Rm 14
Each class will require parents to transport children to and from the pool.
 
Phase Three:
Each Taupō class will travel to the Taputeranga Marine Reserve in Island Bay or Pukerua Bay for a Snorkelling field trip. The location will be decided on the morning of the trip and will be based on weather conditions.
December 1st  - Room 14 9.30-12
                          - Room  17 12-2.30
December 2nd - Room 16 9.30-12
                           - Room 18 12-2.30
December 4th  - Room 15 9.30-12
(Postponement dates are 10th and 11th of December)
These times are when we are in the water and do not include travelling there and back. We will advise times children need to be at school closer to the date.
Each class will require parents to transport children to and from the snorkelling site.
We will also need some parents to go in the water with the children.

For this programme to be safe and successful we require 8 parents/adult helpers (anyone over 18) for each class to be in the water with the children. All 5-7 mm wet suits and snorkel gear are provided by the company or you are most welcome to bring your own.  

The total cost for students to participate is $50. This includes specialist snorkelling instructors, use of their modified equipment, access to the reserve and pool entry. Payment can be made by eftpos at the school office or deducted from your parent account.

Thank you
Taupō Team