Bishop Viard College

“Bishop Viard College is a Catholic College, with students from intermediate year 7 through to college students in year 13. Our school role has increased this past year dramatically and we now have 366 students. Our 2024 role is now over 400. Our S1 classroom was used as a general science lab years ago, we are refurbing the space for our Guidance Counsellors and students. We are trying to turn this room around (with no budget) into a space that our students can go to and feel safe and comfortable. Painting walls only improves the space so much. Having new soft carpet would provide the children with comfort, warmth and it does promote a safe space. It’s a way of telling the students they are worth it and they deserve it, which makes them feel good – that’s what we are trying to create in this room.

We have several students that arrive at school and are not mentally prepared for a day of learning. We are going to provide them with a space that they can transition from home to school in a safe, comfortable environment. This will help them then move into a classroom and be engaged with their studies and not disruptive. After this time, the Guidance Councilor will meet with individual students and provide them with the assistance and guidance they need.”

– Vanessa Beban, Financial Administrator of Bishop Viard College

“At Bishop Viard we have some students that require additional assistance to transition from home to school. Our objective was to create a warm, safe space for these students – somewhere they could take a few minutes to get settled. Within the room, we wanted areas where they could read, play board games, work on class assignments, and chat to our Guidance Counsellor. We were fortunate to receive the RhinoKids funding, having carpet on the floor has transformed the room, providing an area of calm and serenity for our students. After a period of time in that room, our students are ready to face the day and the challenges that go with it. Thank you for helping our students achieve.”
– Vanessa Beban, Financial Administrator of Bishop Viard College

“It was great to be able transform the space from a cold bare floor to an inviting space allowing students to relax and prepare for each day in comfort. It has been extremely rewarding to make a difference to one of our local educators. Carpet Court Porirua are proud to be a part of the Rhino Kids programme.”
– Tod Robertson, Carpet Court Porirua Manager

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