School combines election polling with student market day

Ravensbourne School is merging civic duty with commerce on Saturday, November 7. The institution will operate an official polling booth while simultaneously hosting an open day and market for residents.

The school developed the student stalls through its integrated learning programme, which applies young enterprise principles to classroom activities. Principal Jo Wilson described the event as a chance to unite the community and showcase local creativity. She noted that the market allows students to apply their ideas and share their work with the wider public.

Voters at the Wānaka Street grounds can cast their ballots and then remain for a sausage sizzle. The market will feature goods handmade by pupils who have spent weeks preparing their inventory.

Eleven-year-old Athena Waiherere created key chains decorated with celestial motifs, including the sun, moon, and Jupiter. Nine-year-old Tasmin Horton made wooden coasters with scorched designs of budgies and the phrase "Let's party."

Seven-year-old Ryan O'Neill cast moulds for festive decorations shaped like pine trees, hearts, houses, and reindeer. He admitted his pieces still required finishing work. "They're not really ready yet," he said.

Nine-year-old Owen McCulloch produced soap and cardboard Christmas ornaments modeled as stars. His peer Jack O'Neill, also nine, grew sunflowers in various colors, including Moulin Rouge hybrids. "I got dwarf ones, red ones and Golden Crowns," Jack said.