Summer 2020

The Language Issue

Communication, literacy, identity

Summer 202021 Feb 2020

Asking the big questions

It is great to have the opportunity to contribute to Ako. I am really pleased that this issue is focussed on language, as it is top of mind for me.

Books, Hamilton, Language, Librarians, Literacy, Michelle Simms, School libraries, Summer 2020, Support staff, Te Totara Primary School, Video19 Feb 2020

To literacy and beyond: Te Totara School

Michelle Simms, the librarian at Te Totara Primary School, talks about some of the ways she supports literacy at the school.

Language, Manurewa, May Road School, Nerra Lealiifano-Tamarua, Samoa, Samoan, Summer 2020, Video19 Feb 2020

“Speaking my culture”

Nerra Lealiifano-Tamarua considers herself blessed.

“I am one of the lucky generation of Pasifika New Zealanders who learned to walk in two worlds. I’m confident and successful as a Samoan and as a Kiwi – and that’s what I want for the students I teach.”

Api Nathan, Language, Māori immersion, Otari School, Summer 2020, Te reo Māori, Wellington19 Feb 2020

Jumping into Māori immersion learning at Otari School

A number of mainstream schools like Otari School can date their Māori immersion units back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, developing alongside the Kura Kaupapa Māori movement.