Sport Waitākere's Healthy Active Learning team proudly hosted their much-anticipated HALO (Healthy Active learning Opportunity) Day, a vibrant annual event dedicated to professional learning and development focused on re-energizing health, PE, sport, active recreation, and play in their schools.

Based on insights gathered from our Healthy Active Learning schools, our team recognized that many classes comprise students with varying learning need and understands the need for support in planning high-quality HPE and physical activity opportunities for all students. Therefore, the theme for the 2024 HALO Day was inclusion.

The event was packed with informative sessions, lively discussions, and even featured a thrilling game of wheelchair basketball. The theme of inclusion resonated throughout the day, with educators and facilitators exploring strategies to make HPE more accessible and enriching for every student.

“We want all our tamariki and rangatahi to develop a love for physical activity, and it’s essential to understand the needs of ALL our students when planning school physical activity opportunities” This was the clear takeaway for our kaiako from the HALO Inclusion Day.

A special shout-out goes to Red Nicholson from The D*List, who brought his energy and expertise as our MC, and to all the adult and youth panel speakers who shared their insights. We were also excited to connect participants with external providers, including Paralympics New Zealand, Blind Sport New Zealand, The Halberg Foundation NZ, Footsteps NZ, Special Olympics New Zealand, and Disability Sport Auckland. Their invaluable support played a key role in making this professional development day a resounding success.

Ngā mihi to everyone who contributed to a fantastic day of learning, connection, and celebration of inclusivity!

Article added: Monday 12 August 2024