We enjoyed celebrating Cook Islands Language Week at Westlake this week.
This year’s theme for ‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week is ‘Āuitui’ia au ki te Oneone o tōku ‘Ui Tupuna, which means Connect me to the soil of my Ancestors. Acknowledging that while community elders are fundamental to the teaching and sharing of Cook Islands language, the leadership of young people as the next wave of cultural and language experts is also critical in keeping the connection to their homelands alive.
This year’s theme also reflects the overarching 2021 Pacific Language Week theme of Wellbeing, by linking the importance of language to overall wellbeing.
The students designed a frame which went around the school at lunchtime in support of Cook Islands Language Week.