Latest news with #CindyHarliwich
Otago Daily Times
12-06-2025
- Science
- Otago Daily Times
From classroom to newsroom
Clinton School's Room 4 ''Wairuna'' check early drafts of their newspaper The Cosmic Chronicle, on Monday. PHOTO: NICK BROOK Clinton's Cosmic Chronicle is due to roll off the press tomorrow, a unique space-newspaper filled with astronomical observations and published by Clinton Primary School's Room 4 "Wairuna". The rise of the famous star-cluster known as Matariki in New Zealand will be celebrated on Friday, June 20 and has already navigated the 10 to 12-year-old, year 6-8 class to study and explore the whole solar system. For much of the term they have been hitting the books and internet for data, and the format chosen by the class and their teachers, Yovandi Allnut and Cindy Harliwich, to collect and deliver the whole news-team's findings to friends and whanau was their tabloid-sized, special-issue newspaper. "The funnest part was creative writing," Anna Powley, 12, said. "I'd rather write fiction, so tying specific facts and details together into something I hope should be fun to read was a really good challenge." Working in small groups and as individuals, the children found themselves working the print process, producing practical, traditional news media while they learned about the final frontiers of science and technology and managed everything from lead-story layout and headlines to advertising and puzzles. "I think by combining the of studying space with the newspaper style has kept them super interested, and they've worked really hard," co-teacher Cindy Harliwich said. "We've focused on gathering information and checking facts and found the biggest challenge is writing bullet-point lists into flowing stories." The student-journalists have applied the 5Ws and found their angles to bring news from the heavens to the breakfast and coffee tables of Clinton, with the special edition Cosmic Chronicle.
Otago Daily Times
21-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Works a testament to the community
Small-town Heriot is about to add new art to its growing range of public assets. Thanks to a dedicated group of locals, the old West Otago settlement's public domain and tennis courts are undergoing a significant transformation, proving community spirit and teamwork makes big things can happen — even in the smallest places. What started as a simple cleanup project has grown into a $25,000 community-led upgrade that has brought together residents, local businesses, the Lions Club, and Clutha District Council. The Heriot Domain upgrade, which began in early 2024, has already delivered a new tennis net, a modern, height-adjustable basketball hoop, a concrete rebound wall for ball sports, and picnic facilities. Regular maintenance such as lawn mowing and painting has also helped keep the site prim and lively. The project has been funded in part by the West Otago Community Board, which approved $12,765 from the Our Place West Otago fund in April. Of that, about $12,700 has already been spent. The improvements are already paying off. The courts are being regularly used by local families and sports enthusiasts, and more work is scheduled for this autumn, including a second tennis net, seating, and court line painting. A colourful new addition is also on the way. Local artist Kath Garret is creating a mural featuring a native forest and bird scene, backed by a $1500 grant from the council. Community group spokeswoman Cindy Harliwich says the project has been a real team effort. "A local person suggested we clean up the old tennis court and that led to a wider conversation about making it more multi-use," she said. "There are playgrounds for young children ... we wanted more for older kids." Mrs Harliwich credits the strong community involvement for the project's success. "Everyone's chipped in, whether it's been their time, expertise, or equipment. "Businesses like Sheds and Barns donated work and materials just because they're part of the community." She also praised the support from the council and its local representatives. "They've kept us on track and always asked what we need. "It really shows how much can happen when people care about where they live." With several funding options still available, including the Creative Communities Fund and remaining council reserves, Heriot may see even more upgrades soon. "This is a great example of the community coming together and using the available resources the way they're intended," West Otago Ward Cr John Herbert said. "Full credit to the council for their support ... [but] you've got to have individuals in the community like Cindy and Warren Harliwich to help drive it. "They and others have done that and they've all done a great job."
