NATIONAL PARK NEWS

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 4, 26 June 1984, Page 11

NATIONAL PARK NEWS

Cool Clay Week Definitely a week to remember not only for the 114 pupils and staff at the National Park School, but also for a number of parents who assisted with this massive cool clay modelling project. An intensive week which began on Monday 18 and concluded on Friday 22. Even the lunch hour was changed from 11.30 to 12.30pm which enabled the children two hours of clay

modelling and practical creativity, with half an hour for tidying up. All the classes changed rooms and teachers, with groups of excited children who were able to reap the benefits of the relaxed atmosphere. The children concentrated on their assignements called 'contracts' which incorporated questionnaires, stories and art forms. Apart from the brick kiln, a number of clay pieces were

also fired in an electric oven. A sawdust kiln was also a reality but some obviously found it difficult, drying wet sawdust. Potter's wheels were an absolute delight for all, including the playcentre group who visited the school on Wednesday morning. Many thanks of appreciation are due to Mrs Rei Hendrey the Wanganui Education Board Art Advisor, who tried a similar scheme in Taihape but on a smaller scale. She worked with the children constantly and returned to Wanganui to fire and glaze the many treasured pieces. She worked alongside Mrs Rachel Macrae and generated encouragement and enthusiasm throughout. Ballroom Dancing Presently enthusiasts Aroha Rudkin and Cathy Ward, travel to Taumarunui on Sunday evenings and receive tuition for two hours. Their sights are aimed at the ballroom dancing competitions to be held in October. Classes are however, requiring a lot more male partners and if enough interest is manifested, the possiblity of classes in National Park will be investigated. Climbing Fatality For three members of the Tararua Tramping Club, Saturday 17 June will be a day they shall never forget. The small party of four had climbed Paretetaitonga ■ a northern ridge on the Whakapapa slopes, when tragedy struck. At about 4.30pm the front leader Mrs Carol Potts, 31, appeared to stumble, fell down a 300m slope and disappeared out of sight. Eler companions reached her about 10 minutes later but she died soon after. On Sunday morning at

7am assisted by Park's Board Ranger, Mr Paul Dale, the National Park Police recovered the body which was flown out by helicopter. From Kilbirnie, Mrs Potts was employed by the Wellington Hospital Board as a visiting therapist. She worked with groups of physically disabled children, visited their families and assisted personally with their adjustment programmes. Linda Pakau-Bowring