Principal's Prattle
“Tangata ako ana i te kāenga, te tūranga ki te marae, tau ana”
"A person nurtured in the community contributes strongly to society"
Kia ora whānau
This weeks whakatauki (quote) is one that I feel is really very applicable to the Taradale community - not just the TPS community but the wider Taradale community as a whole. Why? Because one thing that I notice about our community is that there are so many volunteers. People who go above and beyond and who don't wait on the sidelines for things to happen but who make things happen. I am talking about those that put their hands up. Those that coach, manage and organise. Those that fundraise and who add to the greater good. Those that are selfless in their thinking and those that perform those roles without fanfare or a wish for praise. Their role in our society is to be celebrated. Each year, at the end of the year, TPS acknowledges those that have done that for us throughout that year. Last year we were unable to do so due to Covid restrictions, but that still doesn't stop our community looking to help! Each year all local clubs and service groups probably do the same. Thank those that help make the difference.
As a coach myself I used to raise my eyebrows at those that dropped their tamariki off at a game on Saturday and returned later on to pick them up. Always too busy to help but the interesting thing that I have noticed over my years is that those that give up their time are just as busy, if not more so, than those who claim to be busy. I also used to cringe inside a bit when those same parents used to occasionally complain about some aspect of the team or competition yet could never quite find that same energy to assist or to make positive change. Incidentally, I am sure that their own kids will also grow up thinking that they can just turn up and things will get done miraculously behind the scenes! Those that willingly give up their time are far more likely to have kids that will do the same! Give willingly and without fuss or drama.
Taradale is a strong community because of this and that is something we should be proud of and which we should continue to encourage. The sad reality is that all such groups, including schools, have added pressure as those who volunteer are fewer in number than ever before and the solution? It would be easy to ask everyone to put their hand up selflessly but that is unlikely to happen! So, the answer is that if everyone in our community did just one small thing for one group on a regular occasion then that would make a difference for everyone. That is what it is all about. Asking, ''How can I help?" does make a difference.
Put your hand up lately? Go on...you'd be surprised what you will gain from it!
Nga manaaki
Marty Hantz
