The finale of our 2026 Dictionaries in Schools project was anything but quiet! For our last distribution of the year, Papakura Rotary helpers headed over to Mangapikopiko School, and we walked straight into a sea of vibrant color and high energy.
It happened to be "Pink Day"— the school’s take on Aotearoa’s Pink Shirt Day - anti-bullying awareness campaign. The atmosphere in the school hall was absolutely electric. The children dressed in their finest pink attire, were enthusiastically singing, clapping, and engaging with a big-screen presentation focused on positive strategies to manage and prevent bullying.
Adding to the celebratory mood, the event also featured the presentation of Duffy Books to several deserving students, recognizing their fantastic achievements in reading.
A Full-Circle Moment for Peter Dodd
The school hall itself is a truly magnificent, modern building, which made the day extra special for one of our own. Rotarian Peter Dodd was on hand to help pass out the dictionaries, and he was absolutely thrilled to be there. In a wonderful twist of fate, Peter’s civil engineering firm actually designed the civil works for the brand-new school! It was a proud, full-circle moment to see the brilliant facilities being used so impactfully by the community.
Books That Are Built to Last
The highlight, of course, was handing over the brand-new dictionaries. The Principal shared with us just how much the children love receiving them, noting that they become treasured possessions for the students.
This successful visit officially wraps up our Dictionaries in Schools project for 2026. A massive thank you to everyone who volunteered their time, lugged boxes, and helped put smiles on so many young faces this year. We are already looking forward to next year!