Recently during ELT (Educator Learning Time), we began to unpack how we can design learning to provide the necessary learning opportunities in te reo Māori. The question asked was, "What challenges can you see for yourself as an educator moving forward with your learning today?" The discussions and action that followed required a lot of input and support from the small number of NZ trained LCs and those with Māori language and cultural knowledge (of which there are very few).
This led me to think about my own cultural identity in a newly established school within a community of 'new' kiwis...
OrmPS is quite different to many other schools in New Zealand due to the high proportion of learners who are not Māori, NZ pakeha or Pacific Islanders. I often wonder how well we are providing learning around the history, culture and language that 'is' Aotearoa? How will this generation of learners identify themselves as 'kiwis'? I'm a 5th generation New Zealander working in a school that is largely made up of 1st generation and immigrant learners (and learning coaches). We recognise and value all cultures - celebrating languages and significant events throughout the year. Although this learning is valuable for all, I feel that our traditional 'kiwi' culture is slowly disappearing.
Do I feel this way because I am a minority? Do I need to make a change because New Zealand, particularly Auckland, is going through a significant cultural change? Or, is there room to keep what is important to us while identifying and celebrating what is important to others.
This led me to think about my own cultural identity in a newly established school within a community of 'new' kiwis...
OrmPS is quite different to many other schools in New Zealand due to the high proportion of learners who are not Māori, NZ pakeha or Pacific Islanders. I often wonder how well we are providing learning around the history, culture and language that 'is' Aotearoa? How will this generation of learners identify themselves as 'kiwis'? I'm a 5th generation New Zealander working in a school that is largely made up of 1st generation and immigrant learners (and learning coaches). We recognise and value all cultures - celebrating languages and significant events throughout the year. Although this learning is valuable for all, I feel that our traditional 'kiwi' culture is slowly disappearing.
Do I feel this way because I am a minority? Do I need to make a change because New Zealand, particularly Auckland, is going through a significant cultural change? Or, is there room to keep what is important to us while identifying and celebrating what is important to others.
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/
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