Te Reo Maori Language Week

The theme for 2020 is ‘Kia Kaha Te Reo Māori’ which means to make the Māori language strong. This year we are celebrating and promoting Te Reo Māori Language week with opportunities for staff and students to use Te Reo in the classroom through greetings, basic commands, everyday phrases as well as singing our favourite Waiata. A display was set up in the library with resources by Miss Kettle for the students to engage and interact using the language. Ms Blair also took groups of students at lunchtime teaching them ‘E Papa Waiari’ an action song using the rakau sticks.

We have a total of 15 NZ Maori students (12 Male and 3 Female) out of 524 students (2.9%) at Three Kings School. We are very proud of our School Kapahaka Māori group led by Mrs Burgess with support from Mrs Sutherland which is made up of a range of students who are from different ethnic backgrounds. We look forward to celebrating this week with our tamariki! Kia Kaha!

Bernice Mata'uita

Deputy Principal

Why do we celebrate Te Reo at Three Kings School?

· It is because Te Reo Māori is an official national language used in New Zealand.

· To raise awareness and to celebrate New Zealand’s native culture and language

· To practise the Māori Language as part of our learning programme

· To involve and encourage our Maori whanau, Parents/caregivers to support the school and families

Facts – Did you know?

· Māori Language week has been celebrated each year from 1975

· Māori Language Day is September 14 and commemorates the presentation of the 1972 Māori Language petition to parliament