The implementation of The New Zealand Curriculum document has encouraged the College to develop ways in which bi-culturalism is exemplified and explored in the school curriculum and as part of school life. A number of initiatives are underway and will be developed further. They include:
Purchases to date are a hand-woven kete, an early photograph of a young Maori girl in a feathered cloak and a limestone carving.
The Year 13 students of 2008 donated a limestone Matau (fishing hook form) to the College.
A Te Reo Club for Years 8 to 13 students has been established. It meets weekly after school from 3.45 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Starting from Waitangi Day 2010, a native tree will be planted annually in the school grounds. In 2010 a pohutukawa was planted.
Bilingual signs have been purchased for the doors of several areas of the school.
The College has commissioned a Tututuku Panel for the assembly hall. It will be made by an experienced local Maori weaver and artist and will contain elements central to Columba College's identity as a Christian School and place of learning.
All Year 9 students will visit Otakou Marae at the end of the year for a day. Prior to the visit there with cultural sessions for the girls so that they have a good understanding of marae protocol.
The Year 8 classes will also have a day outing to a marae as part of their Social Studies programme.
A well-attended consultation evening was held with our Maori community in Term Three (attended by parents, students and staff). It was a very successful sharing of ideas and suggestions for the future with a number of good contacts made.
At the meeting it was proposed that it would be valuable to consult annually and this was agreed to.
E TE ATUA
MO TE KURA HOMAI TO TAUTOKO,TO AWHINA,TO WAIRUA,
KI A TATOU KATOA.
NO REIRA, KIA MAU TE MANA OU KAI TAHU WHANUI
MO AKE, AKE, AKE,
AMINE.
Eternal Father,
We ask you to bless our School and each of us with the loving support, help and guidance of your Holy Spirit.
So may we always uphold the mana of our wider Kai Tahu family.
Amen
MARINO NUI O TE OMA NGARU KI A KOE
MARINO NUI O TE HAU KI A KOE
MARINO NUI O TE PAPATUANUKU KI A KOE
MARINO NUI O NGA WHETU KI A KOE
MARINO NUI O TE TAMAITI O TE MARINO
KI A KOUTOU KATOA
AMINE.
Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the Son of Peace
Be with you all,
Amen
The Karakia and Blessing in Maori were commissioned by the students of 2009. They were written by Cilla McQueen with the assistance of Paitu Whaitiri.
2001 Teri Higgins
2002 Keryn Bryant and Philippa Tuaine
2003 Airini Robinson and Laura Manson
2004 Emma Turner
2005 Emma Turner and Lena Bryant
2006 Tracy Lambeth
2007 Emma Turner
2008 Laura Manson
2009 Kate Manson
Maori greetings are exchanged in assembly and weekly Chapel Services from time to time.
