CHRISTMAS FAMILY PICNIC

Once again, the Auckland Hungarian community’s school, AUskola, can look back on an eventful and exciting year.

Throughout the year, we faced many challenges and celebrated many successes. Although it was difficult to find a suitable school building at first, we eventually found a solution and felt very much at home all year long at Grey Lynn School.

We fondly look back on two successful field trips: a wonderful world opened up to us on Tiritiri Matangi, the island of birds, and in August we explored the hidden corners of the Auckland Zoo through fun and engaging activities.

We were especially delighted to welcome several new students to our community this year – we’re so happy to have you with us!

Of course, this year wouldn’t have been complete without our end-of-year family picnic, which we traditionally organize together with the Auckland Hungarian Club. This time, we chose the Grey Lynn School courtyard as our venue and welcomed everyone who was looking for a festive, community-filled experience. In the warmth of the summer sun, it felt wonderful to lie back in the cool grass, laugh, chat freely, and play together.

The picnic also marked the last "school day" of the year for AUskola – can you believe we wrapped up our fifth school year in 2024?

On this special occasion, we decided to go beyond our usual format: each group prepared a short performance for the parents, friends, and guests. The shows were filled with funny moments, loud laughter, and knowing glances – both the children and the teachers gave it their all to make it a success!

After the indoor programs, the school year ended with a short competition: the courtyard turned out to be a perfect place for the challenge, where the kids had to complete a series of fun physical and skill-based tasks. Naturally, rewards were waiting for everyone!

The highlight of the day was, once again, the visit from Santa Claus. His big red sack was overflowing with goodies, including real Hungarian szaloncukor, along with sweet personal messages for each child – because, of course, Hungarian kids in New Zealand always behave well, don’t they?

Once Santa had moved on, it was time to enjoy all the delicious food. Huge thanks to the families for bringing so many wonderful treats to the communal table, and a special thank-you to Peti and Szilvi for the freshly made, delicious lángosand the crunchy Túró Rudi!

It was another fantastic day spent together – thank you once again to everyone for being there, for the great vibes, the smiles, and the time we shared.

See you next year!

With warm regards,Dóra, Erika, István, Edina, Viola, Betti, Viki, Petra, and Juci