For the next 2 weeks of this term we are going to be looking at the NZ Kia Kaha programme. Kia Kaha is part of the whakatauki ‘Kia Kaha, Kia Toa, Kia Manawanui’. Be strong, be courageous and, be willing to persevere. It is used here to affirm that all people need to stand strong and support each person in their community, no matter their gender, race, colour, religion. The concept is that if we all stand strong for what we believe in and respect others and their views, our mana will increase. Our classroom, community, and our world, will also be a nicer, more positive place. In classes, we will be talking about how everyone has strengths and qualities, and how they can all pull together to make the learning space strong and happy. We will be discussing each others’ strengths and qualities. Examples might be identifying people who are supportive, helpful, a good listener, caring, sharing, or those with special skills or talents, responsible, cheerful, honest, happy.