The main focus for term one 2011 was Maori culture and Language. Our senior four classes had two Maori tutors coming in to teach them Te –Reo and Tikanga Maori and to train them up in the correct protocols for a Visit to the Kai -Iwi Marae. They had a great time during the day long visit to three Marae. The whole school participated in a Hangi at the beginning of term 2. The day before the hangi junior students prepared the stuffing and seniors peeled the vegetables. Senior students came to school at 7.00am to help pack the food. It was lifted at lunch-time and everyone enjoyed the kai.
This is a great programme introduced to the school in 2003.
We match year seven students to new entrants with whom they will experience a buddy' relationship for up to two years. The students are matched boy: boy, girl: girl, modelling on the traditional Maori concept of Tuakana/Taina.
The senior students are prepared for the programme by a number of discussions with the group. Information is shared with the seniors, and their input requested, on some of the rationale behind the programme- how it works and activities they would like to see included.
Each of the senior students sits a ˜buddy license' test (to view-see below) which is used as an aid to explore issues around development of socialisation, trust, responsibility, balance with other relationships, commitment to an unequal relationship, and management of problems within the buddy relationship. Aspects of pre-parenting and Christian values in friendships with younger people than themselves are also explored.
A senior buddy meets their junior at the latter's schools visits, prior to school entry. When the younger children start school, the older buddies are expected to check in with them daily, and are guided in trialling possible approaches to ensure the foundations of the relationship. Once the junior buddy is established in school, the senior buddy checks in with the younger child for around one minute each day. This regular time commitment forms the core of the continuing relationship.
The younger children have the role and relationship of the senior buddy explained to them, and how they can contribute to the friendship in helpful ways. Both senior and junior buddies are asked to pray for each other regularly.
All the children involved in the programme are encouraged to regularly check in with their teachers or support staff in order to let them know how things are going, and to ensure that they all have assistance with any difficulties as they arise.
Occasional buddy activities are also arranged within the school programme. These may include buddy reading or activities times, buddy lunches, joint activities as part of events such as ˜Wacky Wednesday', the support of each other at cross country or other sports events, buddy art activities, exchange of notes/cards etc.
It is also expected that this programme will continue to be trialled and adapted as a valuable opportunity to contribute to the students' exploration of relationship and care issues, preparation for parenting and development of role modelling and responsibility.
To download the Buddy Programme Test Theory Paper please click on the link below:
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