Week 8 12- 18 Mahuru

Honour and Nicole worked incredibly hard to create a meaningful week for the ākonga at te Kura o Ōwaka. The Student Leaders were a great support.

Honour - I felt very proud of what Nicole and I have done for Maori Language Week. Nicole had supported me throughout the planning, which lead us to success. Being able to lead Maori Language Week gives me a lot of pride throughout the school with confidence to take more action in my role. With the encouragement from the teachers, students, and family I made an exciting event!

Nicole - I believe Maori Language Week went well because I saw tons of students (from all different Yr levels) participate in our Maori activities. As Cultural Ambassador, I truly enjoyed supporting Honour the best that I can throughout this AWESOME event! What's so awesome about Maori Language Week to me is the way we encourage Te Reo Maori at our school. NZ is very special to have another language to speak and among us, I think we should engage with Maori identities. It's good to know that we (as a community) can except different cultures around Oaklands including Maori heritages that shouldn't be forgotten.

A slideshow was used every morning during Whānau Hui, with waiata, phrases, videos to help with correct pronunciation and some interesting facts.
The Senior Leaders supported activities in the Hall included rakau, poi, colouring in, word finds and a game. 

On Friday, the senior students played a te reo Māori Kahoot.

The juniors had a scavenger hunt to find native birds such as the piwakawaka. All participants were awarded a prize either a sticker, pene rakau (pencil) or a manawa rakau (wooden heart).

The learning spaces had many activities to reinforce te reo Māori and the importance of this culture.

I am sure that this emphasis will continue and te reo Māori will thrive at te Kura o Ōwaka. 
Ka rawe!