Mahurangi College Hosts Second Annual Christmas Market for Community Support

The community of Warkworth is set to rally behind the second annual Christmas market hosted by Mahurangi College’s Te Korowai Aroha faculty on November 26, 2023. The event will take place outside Warkworth Library from 12:00 to 14:00, showcasing a variety of handmade goods created by neurodiverse students.

Caroline Foubister, a specialist teacher at Mahurangi College, expressed her excitement about the upcoming market. “Last year, we saw tremendous support from the community, which really made a difference,” she stated. The market will feature an array of items, including chocolate slices, greeting cards, Christmas decorations, and fabric pot plant holders, all crafted by students.

The school’s hospitality department plays a vital role in producing the chocolate slices, ensuring that students are actively involved in the creation process. Last year’s market successfully raised around $280, funds that were essential for enhancing the faculty’s budget for excursions and school projects.

Foubister highlighted the importance of these funds, noting the financial challenges faced when organizing community outings. “It can cost $150 just for one day, especially since we have students who require mobility taxis,” she explained. The faculty currently supports 12 students aged 11 to 21, from Year 7 to Year 13, reflecting the commitment to supporting neurodiverse students into adulthood.

The Christmas market serves not merely as a fundraising event but also as an opportunity for students to engage with the community. “We want people to know they can come and support us. It’s important for the kids to see that they are valuable and that the community cares,” Foubister added.

The planning and execution of excursions involve considerable effort, with a team that includes nine teacher aides and two specialist teachers, including Foubister and her colleague, Beverley Tennant. “When you’re on an outing, some students need one-on-one support. We must be vigilant, especially with students who may become anxious or overwhelmed,” Foubister said.

Students participate in approximately four excursions each year, one per term, and these outings are described as invaluable experiences. “They love it. We always take them for ice creams on the way back,” Foubister remarked, emphasizing the joy these trips bring to the students.

As the community prepares for the Christmas market, the support from local residents will not only help raise necessary funds but also strengthen the connections between the school and its community. The event is seen as a celebration of inclusivity and a demonstration of collective effort to uplift neurodiverse individuals.