Busy time for bilingual class

Ruapehu Bulletin, 11 July 1995, Page 6

Busy time for bilingual class

By

Amiria

Teki

E Nga Iwi, e nga Reo, e nga hou e wha! The Raetihi Primary School bilingual class are having quite a busy year. Their learning objectives include handson experiences in te reo, the spoken and the written language, waiata (song) whakapapa (both family and regional history) and general learning of normal educational skills. The programme includes visits to marae and kohanga reo groups, to give the students the chance to practise the skills being taught in class and to put into practice skills of protocol in preparation for the time when the 'real thing' will happen. This hands-on-learning aims to give the students confidence. Recently, the senior bilingual class invited Mo te Whanau, Nga Morehu and Ngati Uenuku Kohanga Reo and two junior classes from the school to a shared lunch at Te Puke Marae. Darcy and Stella Mills, Manny Edwards and Buddy Hawira accompanied the group as kaumatua and also to give support. A full Maori welcome was carried out and this was followed by entertainment in the whare puni. For many of the children and their parents this marae visit was a first. The children said they would like to thank all parents and helpers including Hoppy Hiroti and the kaumatua.

Following lunch the groups gathered for poroporoaki (farewell speeches) and karakia (prayers), to close the day. The class have invited young achievers from the district to come and speak to them about their careers as encouragement for the students and to inform them on what they may be able to achieve in the future. One such visit was from Pania Mowat. who works as a radio announcer for Peak FM. Pania attended Raetihi Primary School, where she excelled in both academic and sporting activities particularly swimming. She had five years at Ruapehu College, during which time she was chosen to go on the Spirit of Adventure, a training sailing ship which travels around New Zealand. The participants get the opportunity to learn sailing skills, physical fitness, survival and confidence building. It is also a chance to meet other students from all walks of New Zealand life. Pania applied to the New Zealand Broadcasting School for radio broadcast training. She was turned down twice, but determination got her there in the end. She has been with radio some five years now. After several questions about qualifications required and other aspects of radio, Pania went on to say that the bottom line is, whatever career or job you may want to do, try to choose something you like and have fun in doing because, once you are out working, you're there for something like 40 years.