School is all about learning and growing in all aspects of life, however not all things are learnt in the classroom and experiencing different things is something the tamariki of Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Te Rawhitiroa are exposed to, time and time again.

Whaea Rana Paraha, the school Sports Coordinator, has students involved in varied activities like Ki-o-Rahi, Rippa Rugby, Miniball, Taumahekeheke (athletics day), Parihaka hikoi to only name a few.

“It is important for them to have exposure to all activities to give them experience, confidence and cultural learning. The Kura encourages the tamariki to take part in everything to enhance their own personal wellbeing whether for health, confidence, team ethics, helping and giving awhi to each other and all whilst doing it in a more hands on and practical fun way” says Paraha.

Whaea Rana’s motivation and attitude is infectious and goes onto say “I get involved because I myself, like to have fun and enjoy things and what better way to do it with the tamariki that want to have fun as well. I also like to help those who need that extra confidence, that extra awhi and that extra guidance”.   

When asking some of the tamariki to reflect on their experience at some of these events representing their kura, themselves and their whanau, this is what they said;

Tama-o-te-ata, Tau 7 student says “tino pai te ra Taumaheke. Pehea te mahi Javelin” meanwhile Hemoata, Tau 7 student says “Ki-o-rahi was a choice day and is fun to play”.  Te Kapua, Tau 6 student says “Rippa Rugby. Pai rawa te ra engari  Tino pai nga kemu. Kaha rawe nga roopu”.