Date- 22.01.11
Rational:
All tamariki (children) who reside in Aotearoa (N.Z.) have the right to learn of and experience the dual heritage of Aotearoa and the partnership inherent in
‘Te Tiriti O Waitangi’.
Policy statement:
Children attending Aroha early Learning Centre will experience a programme that integrates te reo (the language) and tikanga Māori (the culture/protocol) weaving it into all aspects of the Centre environment; this will be done by:
- programme planning from tamariki Strengths & Interests linking them to the Early Childhood curriculum ‘Te Whāriki’,
- involving families/whānau in the individual programme planning of their tamariki,
- written policies, procedures and practices that reflect Te Tiriti O Waitangi,
- ongoing communication and consultation with whānau, hapu, iwi and the local community.
Procedures:
- Individual and group planning will include relevant aspects of tikanga Māori as agreed to by teachers and families/whānau, this will include: waiata, karakia, te reo, legends, natural resources, story telling, local land points and their relevance to Māori, visits and visitors from hapu/iwi, whakapapa, posters, kowhaiwhai patterns.
- Policies, procedures and practices will be measured against the written statements in DOPs (Desirable Objectives & Practices) 10 c & d; teacher’s reflecting on how the policies, procedures and practices reflect the Principle of Partnership inherent in Te Tiriti O Waitangi, and how they are inclusive, equitable and culturally appropriate,
- The communication and consultation to be of the nature where all involved parties will be: informed and updated on things pertaining to the Centre and it’s programme, able to contribute to the programme planning in a way that is meaningful and culturally appropriate i.e. orally and/or written, arranged times as well as informally.
The aim:
Is to incorporate Tikanga Māori into the Centre Programme Planning, in consultation with Whānau and where appropriate hapu and iwi; strengthening Home and Centre links; assisting children’s understanding of the dual heritage of Aotearoa.