All of New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes and all of our coastlines are at risk of a tsunami. We cannot predict when they will happen, but we can practise the right action to protect ourselves. New Zealand ShakeOut, our national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi, happened today and we took part in this initiative. At 1.30 pm we all practised 'Drop, Cover and Hold' and evacuated to 'Star of the Sea' which is our school tsunami evacuation point. The children were calm and we managed to evacuate in 9 minutes. It is a great way for us as a school to learn the right actions to take before, during and after an earthquake and practise our tsunami hīkoi (evacuation walk) especially as we are in Seatoun. 

We were really impressed with the behaviour and focus of the students as they underwent the evacuation. The senior students in particular need to be commended as they held onto their buddy's hand and engaged them in conversation during the walk. Well done Tui and Kea.  

Please note in a real evacuation you will receive a notification to say we are evacuating and pick up is to take place at the 'Star of the Sea'.

Please talk to your children tonight to find out what they remembered or focused on as we participated in the ShakeOut today.