Kia Aroha College

On Wednesday I challenged the students in Te Whanau o Tupuranga (our Maori Bilingual Unit) to think of action that they were going to take on Waitangi Day.  Was it a day to celebrate – if so, what were we celebrating?  Was it a day for protest, if so, what were they protesting?  Was it a day to remember – if so, what were they remembering?

Over the past few weeks most of Kia Aroha College have had the opportunity to go out to Ihumātao. Te Whānau o Tupuranga went out the day after the first eviction notices were served. We have also been sending a van load of students (and staff) most days – to help. They have collected rubbish, made 100s of cups of tea, walked over the whēnua, talked to people, helped people and watched people. They have unpacked language – such as kaitiakitanga, protectors, protestors, front line, passive and peaceful. They have learnt about hosting people and have been amazed at the protectors and their commitment to their kaupapa.

Last Saturday I had the good fortune to being able to come and be part of the Otara Community meeting held in our school hall.  I was encouraged by the number of residents who came to the hui all keen to engage and find community-based solutions.

It was also great to see the Police, the Mayor, Local MPs and councillors and our Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board Members all in attendance – so that they could hear the views, ideas and solutions from our community. 

Unfortunately, I think that awesome opportunity was lost.  The solutions that were offered to our community by the officials were far from community-based. 

I listened to other indigenous educators pleading with their respective governments for indigenous education practices to be normalised in their communities.  It is not until we are in environments like this, that we truly understand how lucky we are at Kia Aroha College and how progressive our school is. My Hawaii trip and the Polyfest events have really confirmed my resolve to be much more mindful of the important role our school plays in the wider Maori and Pasifika communities and to ensure that all of our own Kia Aroha whanau recognise the that being part of this critical, culturally sustaining whanau is such a privilege.

I spent two days last week with the Te Akatea Executive who met right here at Kia Aroha College, enjoying all that our facilities have to offer. The purpose of our hui was to connect with key stakeholders who are influencing change for Māori. High on our agenda was discussing the Tomorrow’s Schools Review  report and considering the 32 recommendations from the perspective of Māori learners.

With Waitangi in our minds this week I thought this post from The Spinoff is worth sharing and reading. While I firmly believe that every day is Waitangi Day it is worth us refreshing our own minds as to why it is so important, and sharing that with our children.

We are looking forward to a very busy Term 1. We want to start the year by ensuring that all our students and their whãnau really understand that Kia Aroha College is a very special place to be.

To demonstrate our learning in action we only have to look at what we will be covering this term! Firstly, the ASB Polyfest from 13-16 March where all our students will be performing! In our other learning our students will be working through our Designated Character, Our Graduate Profiles and our Learning Model and will be sharing all of that learning with you. Senior Students will be needing at least 25 NCEA credits by the end of the term.