Term 3 Week 8 - 11 September 2024

Kia Ora Koutou
As we approach the end of Term 3, we are welcoming the arrival of Spring and hopefully warmer weather. This will be a welcome change, and we are hoping it brings a reprieve from the winter bugs that have been circulating for quite some time.

The weather didn’t cooperate for our recently planned interschool cross country event. The selected students were very disappointed they didn't get the opportunity to compete against other runners from local schools.

Our Choir had the opportunity to visit Sovereign Isle last week and share their waiata (songs) with the elderly residents. Their performance and interactions were very impressive, and we were incredibly proud of their compassionate engagement with the residents . After they sang their waiata they mingled and engaged in conversations with the elderly folk. They showed what we stand for as a kura - Kia Manawanui (Be Strong of Heart).

Our Kapa Haka rōpū (group) have been working diligently, with the support of Ngahuia Nuri and Vanessa Matai'a, in preparation for their upcoming performance at the Kahui Ako Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori celebration next week. They will be performing at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls on the evening of Monday 16 September. It’s a fantastic event featuring many local schools, and we warmly invite you to join us and support our Kapa Haka Rōpū.

Enjoy the rest of the week,
Ngā mihi,
Kylie

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (next week) is an annual celebration for all New Zealanders to show their support for the Māori language, an official language of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The theme for Te Wiki 2024 is ‘Ake ake ake – A Forever Language’. It represents the resilience, adaptability and endurance of our language. It also reflects the commitment New Zealanders have to embracing and learning te reo Māori long into the future.

Māori Language Week has been celebrated in Aotearoa since 1975. This special week is an opportunity for the concentrated celebration and promotion of te reo Māori, helping to secure its future as a living, dynamic, and rich language.

Under enduring pressure te reo Māori has shown it will adapt and survive. It grows with our people, our culture and our environment.

Te Reo Māori, the indigenous language of Aotearoa New Zealand, holds deep cultural, historical, and social significance. Here's why it is important in New Zealand:

Cultural Identity: Te Reo is a core part of Māori identity and culture. For Māori, language is intertwined with their customs (tikanga), stories, and connection to the land. Its revitalization strengthens Māori cultural heritage and helps preserve ancestral knowledge.
Biculturalism: As a key element of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi), Te Reo represents the shared heritage between Māori and non-Māori. It upholds the spirit of partnership promised in the Treaty, fostering greater understanding and respect between cultures.
Inclusivity and National Identity: Te Reo is one of New Zealand’s official languages and contributes to a national identity that is uniquely tied to the land and its people. Promoting and normalizing Te Reo in public life encourages inclusivity and reflects New Zealand’s commitment to embracing its indigenous heritage.
Revitalization of a Taonga (Treasure): In the 1980s, Te Reo was in danger of extinction. The future of te reo Māori was the subject of a Waitangi Tribunal claim in 1985. The tribunal’s recommendations led to far-reaching legislative and policy changes, including the Māori Language Act. There has been a resurgence in the continued of Te Reo Māori to ensure this precious language thrives for future generations.
Cultural Understanding and Respect: Learning Te Reo fosters deeper cultural awareness and appreciation for Māori values, stories, and perspectives. It helps build a more cohesive society where diverse cultural narratives are respected and valued.

If we teach Te Reo and waiata (Māori songs) in schools, why don't we also teach the language and songs of other cultures represented at our school?
Aotearoa, New Zealand is the only place in the world where Te Reo Māori is an official language. Te Reo Māori is a unique part of our country's identify and heritage and we have the responsibility and privilege to learn and teach Te Reo Māori, as an official language of our country.

. Kia Kaha Te Reo Māori .