Marae learning key for Kaikohe school
The importance of whanaungatanga (building relationships) for Kaikohe East School has resulted in their second annual noho marae trip.
Senior syndicate (years five and six) teacher Kelli Witana says creating and building relationships with students is a key aspect for learning.
‘‘You rely on the relationships you have built with your tamariki to help guide them on their learning journey for the rest of their time at Kaikohe East.’’
Every morning the school’s 280 students gather for karakia (prayer), himene (hymns), and waiata (song), led by the children.
This year’s marae trip to Ngawha Marae in March allowed the children to experience the skills learnt at the daily gatherings in a real-life context, as well as learning about marae protocol, Witana says.
Witana says connections were made through students learning about where others came from and interacting with others outside their classroom.
The senior syndicate were welcomed onto the marae first, and were then tasked with welcoming the years three and four group, who then welcomed the youngest syndicate. Witana says the students were nervous but very proud to lead each powhiri.
‘‘It allowed students to share their strengths that may not be seen in a typical classroom environment,’’ she says.
‘‘It is important that we keep in touch with who we are and where
‘‘It allowed students to share their strengths.’’
Kelli Witana
we come from through whakapapa, tikanga and kawa.’’
The first trip to Te Kohewhata Marae in 2016 came about after teachers talked about bringing the marae experience into the school.
Activities included kapa haka, weaving and carving, with students also involved with preparing food, setting the tables and cleaning.
Witana says the activities also provided different ways of learning literacy and numeracy for students.
Ripeka, 10, says she enjoyed learning more about carving and weaving and taking woven flowers to the nearby cemetery. Awatea, 10, says she was proud to be at her marae with her school.
Sport Northland school energiser Bodean Rogers attended the noho marae and says it was great to discuss healthy eating with the children as they prepared food.
‘‘One of the parents talked to me about wanting to be more active, so it was a good chance to talk to them where I might not have had the opportunity otherwise.’’