Cultural Narrative & Culturally Responsive Practice

Following on from the mahi that was done last year, we were able to start the year with our whole staff engaging with Ngāi Tahu Mana Whenua education facilitators on a tour of the city highlighting locations of cultural significance to Ngāi Tūāhuriri. This was followed by more facilitated time back at our kura thinking about applying this new knowledge to our curriculum.

Marlene, our multi talented Te Reo teacher, has also kicked off the year with a whanau meeting where our parent/caregiver community shared their thoughts on ideas moving forward and Marlene also shared some new initiatives like senior students mentoring and teaching junior kapa haka, the formation of a Māori student council and that we are building a strong collaborative link with Hagley for kapa haka.

We are also in the process of establishing a professional learning group for staff to further explore culturally responsive practice and what it means for ākonga Māori to succeed as Māori in our school.