Te Reo Classes at CUE Haven

We were delighted when late last year Rewana Waaka, a member of the CUE Haven Trusts Advisory Board, proposed the idea of using the CUE Haven cottage for Te Reo (Maori language) classes for preschool children and their mothers in the local community.

Rewana organized the program and starting in February 2019, teaching staff employed by Te Hiri Mātangā Hāpai, have been conducting Puna Reo Ora classes for about 15 young students and their mothers at the CUE Haven cottage.  Funding for the classes was generously provided by Te Matawai Roopu o Te Tai Tokerau

The classes have been held every Monday from 9 am to 2.30 pm during the school year.

The cycling lady bug on the gate welcomes students and their moms to the class.

Teacher whaea Rita Walker and staff matua Lyall, arrive by 8.30 am to get the space in the cottage ready for the students arriving at 9 am.

The classes involve Rita teaching vocabulary and grammar and reinforcement with artwork and games.

All ages were welcome at the sessions!

Music is also an important part of learning and when whaea Rewana stopped in occasionally she would lead the group in a sing along.

Here is a video of the children learning the Te reo version of the hands knees toes song:

The moms were advised to bring nutritious lunches and whaea Rita took time to explain the importance of healthy fruits and vegetables and also teach everyone the Maori names for foods!

And to encourage the children to eat more fruit and vegetables, whaea Rita got the group to grow veges. Daltons generously donated potting mix and the students and their moms had a fun time potting up strawberry and other vege seedlings in pots to take home and nurture.  Thanks Daltons!

The students even decorated their pots!

It was not all work and the children also got some play time!

The students also regularly took time to enjoy bush walks with matua Lyall to learn about the native plants and animals.

Some intrepid ladies even ventured all the way to the top of CUE Haven to see maunga Taranaki and Whanga o Kaipara.

During the sessions there were also a number of visitors.  Whaea Rita invited the wellness nurses from Te Ha Oranga, to talk to the mothers and students about good health and nutrition.

Also kuia Kathy and whaea Janie from nearby Puatahi marae were regular visitors.

Also visiting were representatives of HIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters) South Kaipara.  The program is designed to help parents and children transition to school and to learn together.

They also celebrated holidays that fell during the study term with a special Easter session.

And the big event of the year was the session this week when the students received their certificates of achievement and had a big pre Christmas celebration.

Ka Pai!

And there were gifts for everyone.

And also a special lunch.

We are very happy to be hosting the Te Puna Ora classes at CUE Haven.  Our vision has always been that CUE Haven will be a place for the community to come together for a holistic education and also enjoyment and the classes whaea Rita and matua Lyall conduct are a perfect fit.  The students and the accompanying moms and older siblings have all greatly benefited from these classes.

We want to thank matua Lyall, whaea Rewana and whaea Rita for all their hard work organising and conducting these very successful sessions all year long and we look forward to the sessions continuing in 2020.