École Française Internationale Auckland Working Bee

École Française Internationale Auckland Working Bee

Cultiver la communauté, un coup de pelle à la fois

Working Bee #72 found us at École Française Internationale Auckland, one of the newest schools on the block and already buzzing with community energy. On Saturday 8 November, parents, whānau, and school volunteers turned up in strong numbers for a day of hands-on collaboration and place-making that will serve their growing school for years to come.

There’s something special about a small school like this, everyone knows each other, everyone chips in, and every contribution feels visible. On the day, that spirit was everywhere: conversations over spades, laughter in the mulch, and proud first steps into a shared outdoor learning space that was previously just a blank corner of the grounds.

What We Built Together

In one beautiful morning of community effort, the volunteers helped bring to life the beginnings of a truly useful outdoor classroom — a space where students can learn through doing, explore nature, and connect with the whenua in ways that classrooms alone can’t deliver. Together they:

• Prepared ground and built garden beds
• Supplied tools, materials, and plenty of good vibes throughout the space
• Worked side-by-side with school staff and families to shape the vision of what comes next

For a small school with an ambitious vision with bilingual learning, cultural exchange, and an environment that nurtures curiosity in both French and English, this outdoor space is more than just a garden. It’s a living classroom that aligns with the school’s values of exploration, engagement, and hands-on learning.

Community and Council Backing

This working bee was once again funded by the Auckland Council Ngā Hapori Momoho – Thriving Communities Grant, enabling schools like École Française Internationale Auckland to make outdoor learning a reality without the financial barriers that often slow great ideas down.

But funding is only the start. The real heart of this day was the people; parents, whānau, and volunteers who showed up early, worked hard, and left with that satisfying ache that only comes from doing something meaningful together.

By the end of the morning, the space was already starting to feel like a place that belongs to everyone, a shared environment where kids, teachers, and families will gather, learn, and grow.

Working Bee #72 is another step forward, another community strengthened, another outdoor classroom born, and another group of tamariki with access to a learning environment that reflects who they are and who they’re becoming.