The Māori Immersion Strand
The Māori Immersion Strand was established in 1992 in response to community demands for education in Te Reo Māori.
The strand delivers Te Matauranga o Aotearoa. Kaiako are committed to educating nga tamariki through te reo, within a strong, supportive whānau. There are three classes:
- Kōwhai: Years 0 - 2
- Tūī: Years 3 - 4
- Kaikōmako: Years 5 to 8
The Ōtari School community has recognised the place of Māori and acknowledges its own commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by actively supporting the development and growth of these classes. It also ensures the education of Māori students in the other strands are catered for as well.
The Immersion Strand strives for educational excellence in all respects and aims to provide strong individuals confident and competent in their own culture and language and equal scholastically to any other child from New Zealand mainstream education.
Ngā Uara o te Whenu / Immersion Strand values are:
Manaakitanga (care for yourself and your community) is developed through pōwhiri and tuakana-teina. Gardening and regular visits to the bush promote this value as well. The key value of respect for others, self and the environment reinforces manaakitanga.
Wairuatanga (spirituality) is expressed through the daily karakia, waiata and kapa haka. This means children have opportunities for spiritual development on a daily basis. It is a time when they are able to acknowledge their ancestors. All of this provides children with spiritual nourishment and a harmonious start to the day. Strand planning is related to ngā atua Māori. Children also learn traditional myths and legends.
Whakawhanaungatanga (unity, family) - Whakawhanaungatanga is nurtured in a variety of ways. These include occasions when there is shared kai, tuakana-teina, kapa haka and waiatanau hui regularly. This also encourages this unity within the strand. Whakawhanaungatanga encompasses the relationship the Immersion Strand has with the other strands. Activities with other strands are valued such as our Monday hui, sports, options and occasions such as Matariki and our end of year celebrations. Overall, children in the Immersion Strand will leave Te Kura o Ōtari able to honour and respect the past, present and future.
Regularly the Immersion Strand hold hui Whānau. At strand hui you will hear strand related news from the kaiako and BOT strand liaison members. They are also an opportunity to meet other whānau, discuss items of interest, fundraising ideas and curriculum initiatives.