As we approach the end of Term One, we celebrate the incredible journey of our Year 7 students through the 2025 Challenger Series. What a fantastic term it has been! The energy, enthusiasm, and determination our students have displayed in every activity have been nothing short of inspiring.
The Challenger Series is more than just an outdoor education program—it’s an opportunity for students to discover their strengths, push their limits, and gain a deeper understanding of our environment, traditions, and school values.
Throughout the term, our students have embarked on unforgettable adventures. We visited Tiritiri Matangi to explore the significance of the Tiritiri Lighthouse, a symbol of our school. We experienced the rich cultural traditions of the Awataha Marae, where students engaged in marae protocol and learned about Māori customs. We braved the bush with Barefoot Harry, where students mastered the art of making fire, crafting bush donuts, and using flax for both entertainment and traditional warfare.
Back at school, our students tested their skills with Bigfoot Adventures, tackling archery, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The Blake VR session immersed them in the wonders of marine life in the Hauraki Gulf, broadening their knowledge of our unique coastal ecosystem. And there’s still one more exciting challenge ahead—the water safety course at the Millennium Centre this week!
It has been truly rewarding to witness our year 7 students grow in confidence, resilience, and teamwork through these incredible experiences. And the journey doesn’t end here! We can now look forward to the highly anticipated Northcross Camp next year, an adventure that will continue the personal growth and challenge that began with the Challenger Series.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated Northcross teachers, whose exceptional organisation and passion have made this program a success. We are also deeply grateful to our wonderful parent volunteers who generously gave their time and energy to support not only their own children but the entire class.
The Challenger Series has been a remarkable journey in 2025, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2026. Bring it on!
