Maori Language Week in the classroom
Tokoroa North School pupils have been learning about caring while also boosting their command of te reo.
Tokoroa North School embraced Maori Language Week with both hands as they learnt about manaakitanga, the act of caring.
The values of manaakitia te tinana (caring for ourselves), manaakitia te whenua (caring for our environment), manaakitia tetahi ki tetahi (caring for others), manaakitia te manuhiri (caring for visitors) and manaakitia te reo Maori (caring for our language) were the focus for each day of the week.
Wednesday saw students take part in ‘Canaakitanga Day,’ where each child brought a can of food to school to donate to the Salvation Army foodbank.
North School teacher Stephani Preston said, “Through Canaakitanga Day we are teaching the kids to care about others and give to those less fortunate.”
Around 300 cans were collected and Salvation Army community ministries manager Colin Bridle was thankful to pass them on.
“It’s important because these food parcels are the first step in helping to support the people who need it.”
The week also included learning about the Maori gods, playing traditional Maori games, cooking kai, and leaning te reo phrases.
